Tire replacement on Expedition?

Kistler · 11-01-2006, 02:54 PM

What do you suggest that I replace the Continental Contracs (265/70R17) with? I am accustomed to a squishy ride

and sway seems to be no problem.

wayner1239 · 11-01-2006, 03:08 PM

A salesman at Colony Tire recommended Mastercraft tires for my expedition. They have between 35 and 40,000 miles on them (most of the miles pulling the airstream) and have performed very well. Tred wear is very even and they should go at least another 15,000 miles. The ride is a little stiff but I think that is normal for the expedition.
Wayne

Kistler · 11-01-2006, 03:41 PM

Thank you, Wayner.... I am not familiar with Mastercraft but will do a search around here (Tucson). I usually buy Michelins from Costco--that is--I have done that for other vehicles we have owned in the past.

The Continentals are okay. Most likely if the Expedition had come with stiffer sidewall tires I would have developed a liking for them BUT like I say I am now accustomed to the squishy ride.

I have now 24,000 miles on the Continentals and I believe they are about half gone. They seem quite "rounded"....could this be from the swing axle? or whatever you call Ford's attempt at innovation.

I don't corner fast but I do get the tires rotated every 6000 miles.

Kistler

wayner1239 · 11-01-2006, 06:07 PM

Kistler,
I don't have an answer to the "rounded" condition of the tires. One thing I don't like about Ford's innovation is the variable power steering. Other than that though I have been very pleased with the expedition.
I don't want to recommend the Mastercrafts over Michelins. If you don't mind paying a premium price for Michelins you should probably stick with them.
Wayne

**overlander63** · 11-01-2006, 06:33 PM

The Michelins have a softer sidewall, and will tend to "bob and weave" more than most other tires. I am partial to Bridgestone tires, but it is probably more because of my ties with the company than them being a whole lot better than any other. The "rounding" is because of the new 4 wheel independent suspension. You should get the alignment checked when you get your new tires, no matter whose tires you wind up with. Most factory-set alignments are off a bit.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 11-01-2006, 10:29 PM

Hi, I just recently replaced my Continentals with Goodyear Eagles on my Navigator; Same size as yours. I preferr Michelins or Goodyears and nothing else. But in this size I didn't like the tread design on the Michelins.

Bob

TIMEMACHINE · 11-01-2006, 10:48 PM

I had a Expedition and ran both Bridgestone REVOs and Michelin Cross- Terrains. I also have Cross-Terrains on my Lexus GX470. Both tires are great, the REVOs being a bit "softer" ride and a bit "stickier" while the Coss-Terrains have less side wall flex and will wear longer. These differences are small and such I would recommend either rating both as 9.5 out of 10, 10 being a free tire.

John