EJH
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #16
We are in agreement for the most part. I am highly leaning towards the Coopers. Your analysis above is spot on. I'll post back when I get the new tires with some pictures also (probably a couple weeks out).EJH,
Sounds like you have it pretty much figured out already. For what it’s worth, here were my criteria when I was in a similar situation somewhat recently (as now applied to your situation):
1. PRICE – if they are similar in overall performance specs, save yourself some money and go with the cheaper one.
2. WARRANTY – Both have the same warranty so a wash.
3. ON ROAD / OFF-ROAD PERFORMANCE – both are new so hard to get the ground truth with limited data/reviews (both seem to perform well, though from what little I read).
4. BLACKWALL vs OUTLINED WHITE LETTERING (OWL) – Personal preference (note OWL strangely adds weight).
5. LOAD RANGE – SL, XL C, etc. If you can get XL over SL while still saving weight, that is huge in my book given what you are looking to do with them.
6. TIRE WEIGHT – Not only for MPG but a lighter wheel will be more responsive and less wear & tear on associated components.
7. 3PMSF – Both have this rating so a wash.
8. NOISE – I believe Cooper has the edge, but don’t quote me on that.
9. COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURE – Falken = Japanese company with a plant or two in the U.S.; Cooper = U.S. company with plants in the U.S. That said, both are solid companies and it’s hard to really know what is or is not made in the U.S. anymore. I would give the edge to Cooper just on trying to support U.S. companies as much as possible.
10. AGGRESSIVE OFF-ROAD LOOKS – Whatever is most appealing to you.
“I’m concerned about sluggish acceleration. Less concerned with MPG loss. (I have no plans to tune the engine, please do not suggest that).”
Hope this helps.
- You may (depending on your budget/interests) look into lighter wheels (rims) and/or rotors. Both can effectively free up some unsprung weight and lessen some of the sluggishness. I, myself, switched out the factory wheels that came on my truck (27ish lbs) to the 17x8 Ford Ranger Tremor factory wheels (25 lbs) in order to combat the extra weight of the tires. Lighter rotors would do the same (or do both for even greater benefits). Just some additional food for thought if this becomes more of a concern.
R/
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