Tires

[themoose74]

Sounds like this is a nasty can of worms to open, but here it goes...

My tires won't last long and I have been researching today different options. Obviously this has been covered in depth before, but in reading all of the old posts I am a bit confused. I went for original authenticity with the jeep I restored, but I am tempted to modify and update the M37 somewhat. The plan is to preserve as much of its military history, but not having any intentions on restoring it to a show winner status. I hope to drive the truck around town a bit more frequently than the jeep (since it has a more practical daily use like a pick-up truck). And it may go off road, but it will surely be limited if it does.

The easiest choice would be to do the standard NDT 9 x 16 just because I at least understand the sizing and can confidently walk into a shop to purchase or buy them online. And they do look good!

As far as radial tires go (using the original rims), it looks like there are several options, too- BFG, Yokohama and it even looks like different sizes can be used, too. I am sure there are more, but these two names I can immediately recall. The Yokohamas were mentioned by Charles, but the post was from 2007.

What other brand recommendations are there? What sizes should I be asking for specifically when shopping around locally? The rims look to be original, or at least period correct.

On the flip side, although I hope to drive it frequently, whose to say it might only go 1000 miles per year, and only on nice weather days. If that were the case I would think NDTs could/would be suitable and should last my lifetime. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Bo

1953 M37

[Master Yota]

A true can of worms indeed!

Storage plays the most crucial role in tire life if the tires/vehicle are not in use all the time. If the truck is stored in doors for long periods, then weather isn't really a factor, I would simply put the truck on jack stands to prevent flat spotting of the tires (bias ply suffer this more than radials, but its a good practice either way) and use a quality tire care product on them. Rubber rots over time, especially in a dry climate. Most of the tire "shine" type products will do a good job at keeping the rubber moist (for lack of a better term).

As for sizing, whatever fits, or floats your boat, but I would go no wider than 12.50 inches. If cost is a concern, I would look to any of the surplus military tire suppliers - very often good tires can be had for a song. A tire I would consider would be the Goodyear Wrangler MT/R in a 37x12.50x16 radial. They were factory equipment on the mil. Hummer and as a radial, will offer good road manners, and decent off highway performance. They will also have the weight capacity rating to support your truck.

Yoko and BFG still make excellent tires, and either would be a great choice. An all terrain pattern would be the best compromise between street and offroad. while a 305/85/16 or 315/85/16 would be fine size. A little larger than stock, but nothing that would pose a problem to the driveline. Make sure your tire of choice had a "D" or "E" load range rating, and that tubes and flaps can be had to fit the size of the tire.

Hope this helps.

[Brett]

Just a little correction. The Humvee tires are 37x12.50R16.5 . Those tires can't safely be mounted on a 16" Budd rim. I know there's someone on here with that setup But I wouldn't do it.

Also I seem to remember someone saying that the BFG's have a rim protector(extra ridge of rubber near the bead) that causes problems with the fitment on the stock rims.

Brett

[m-37Bruce]

That would be me. About 1,200 miles in the 10 plus years. I'm looking to snagg a set of 5 the next go around?

[Master Yota]

My bad for the size goof up. Had a 50-50 shot at getting it right.

Bruce, Bruce, Bruce...... you know better....

I'd forgotten about the bead protector on the BFG's. They would definitely be a hinderance to mounting the tires.

I own a set of Yoko's on a different vehicle, and they are a very high quality tire. I don't hesitate to recommend the brand. An A/T will last longer than an M/T on a heavier M37. Just food for thought.

[Glenn]

I'll throw this thought out. Flat spotting was mentioned, so to add to that Nylon cord tires obviously do that worse when sitting in colder weather. If you were only going to drive for a few miles in colder weather the flat spotting would be aggravating, since most of the ride would be with rough riding tires. Radials would be better suited in this case. Once they're warmed up the NDT's ride pretty good. Based on your mileage description, your tires would more than likely go bad from age, rather than getting worn out. In that case I'd say the NDT's would be as good as a choice as any.

[sgtcharlie]

I just brought (10) 11.00/16 radial michelin tires from the government. I will sell 5 of them, I plan on putting the other set of my M37. I will be glad to post some pictures later. These tires were still wrapped in plastic when I picked them up.

[Tanner]

Annnnddd...... you are located in ????

And the model of tire is..... ? XL/XZL/etc...

And the date code on the tires...?

'Tanner'

[m-37Bruce]

Ahh was gonna ask that question?
Thanks Tanner,

[MSeriesRebuild]

Just a little correction. The Humvee tires are 37x12.50R16.5 . Those tires can't safely be mounted on a 16" Budd rim. I know there's someone on here with that setup But I wouldn't do it.

Also I seem to remember someone saying that the BFG's have a rim protector(extra ridge of rubber near the bead) that causes problems with the fitment on the stock rims.

Brett

I can only add this once again in the name of sanity and the love of LIFE ITSELF. Brett offers very sound advice when he recommends against mounting any 16.5" diameter tire on a 16" rim. It is stamped all over the side walls of all brands that I know of specifically warning not to mount them on 16" rims. For lack of a better word, it is EXTREMELY STUPID to take this risk. Yes I have seen loss of life as a result of this close to home, my wife lost her cousin back in 1978 as a result of someone doing this very thing. Bruce, it's true that none of us knows the day nor the hour; and I really don't want to read about an unfortunate incident claiming you early. There are numerous tire options one can chose without intentionally putting your life and the lives of others at risk. To explain this last statement better, my wife's cousin did not install the tire on the rim that blew up killing him instantly. It was done by someone else; he literally walked up and looked at it, made a statement that something about it didn't look just right, those were the last words he spoke. I think you can figure out the rest of the story. Handling tires and rims is not taken lightly around here.

What I've said here was not spoken to insult Bruce; I care about his well being as any decent person would and I don't understand why he takes such a dangerous risk. I've known for some time that these were on his truck; it's his business and that's that. You couldn't pay me to even walk near it; and I simply do not understand his logic in doing this. No need to attempt an explanation, as I'll never get it. There is no sensible answer to this one.

[m-37Bruce]

Gentleman,
No offense taken, first of all, these tires came on my truck, I've had 'em off several times, bounced them in & out of my DD as well.
A fleet mechanic, Ronster, who used to post quite a bit, felt the same way Charles did, fortunately for me, Ronster only lives 20 plus miles away.
To make a long story short, Ron came & checked 'em out, liked it so much, we went & got a set for his M. Now I have never broken the bead, or removed the ring. This I am leaving for Ron or the guys at Thurston Spring.
These tires are 10 plus years old (to me), & they were at least 2 or 3 years old then & starting to show some crazing/cracking/checking, so I am thing about replacing, so's you guys can relax a little. (Just a little heh-heh)

[themoose74]

This is a lot of good information, thanks guys.

Charles, you have put the fear of god into me-which is a good thing to be reminded of.

Are there any needed modifications if one does 11/16 sized tires?

I was out looking at the ones on my truck over the weekend-1953 dated! I guess there is a chance they might be the originals...unfortunately.

[MSeriesRebuild]

This is a lot of good information, thanks guys.

Charles, you have put the fear of god into me-which is a good thing to be reminded of.

Are there any needed modifications if one does 11/16 sized tires?

I was out looking at the ones on my truck over the weekend-1953 dated! I guess there is a chance they might be the originals...unfortunately.

The 11.00X16 Michelins will fit no problem with correct tubes and flaps.