Yoko AT/s vs. BF Goodrich AT

2jz929

2jz929

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At the moment im trying to decide which tyres im going to get. The choice is between the Yokos in 215/65/16 of the All-terrain BF Goodrich in 215/70/16. Just chasing some opinions and experiences. The main things i would like to know are:
- what is the difference is grip? Must be good bush and sand.
- difference in on road tyre noise? I travel long distance.
- tyre/sidewall strength?
- difference in tyre wear? Longer the better of course.

Also, im getting a 2" lift and have a subaXtreme bullbar. Is this enough (besides the little bit of plastic) to clear the BF Goodrich? Cheers.

Car is a 2003 2.5XT Auto.
 
I got some Yokos Go12 AT/S fitted just yesterday and I'm really suprised at how quiet they are. I havn't had a chance to get them dirty yet but were off to the snow mountains (Perisher/Thredbo) in 2 weeks and there might be some fire trails still snow covered which may be re-opened now that were in spring. I'll let you know what I think but from what I've read the Yokos are a great allrounder.

They have a strategically placed metal inserts in the sidewall and have a unique step patentened tread block which is designed to dispurse water and mud quiicker for more traction.

They also come with a factory tyre replacement protection plan where if the tyre is damaged or destroyed regardless of what type of terrain you were driving on it will be replaced. (25% wear or less no charge, then 25% to 50% its pro-rated) accordingly.
 
I'll be up for some Yoko's AT/s in about another 10000 kms when my original Geolandars run out (only about 40k kms, which is pretty poor...).

Still gotta find my steel rims on 16 inches on ebay, though...

Didn't even think about the BFGs due to the road rules. Even the 215/65/16 would be strictly speaking illegal, but I'll have a go!

pezimm
 
I had the older Yoko AT +II - and the BFG is a much better tyre in terms of offroad grip and sidewall strength. Lost 6 of 11 Yokos to sidewall damage; the "S" version may have improved.

I didn't know BFG made a 16" in that size - anyway - I doubt very much it will fit. A strut lift does not give you any more clearance between the tyre and the spring perch and that is the limiting factor. I went to 15" wheels to fit BFG 21570R15 and they "just" cleared the struts. 21565R16 is about a big as you can get without other mods.
 
Spinners has 215/70/16 so i dont see a reason why they wouldnt fit. I just cant find out how much lift he has. Spring perch doesnt visibly look like an issue, however im not sure how full lock inner guard clearance will be. Whatever the case, i will just make them fit.
Was more wondering about the tyre comparisons.
 
2jz929 said:
Spinners has 215/70/16 so i dont see a reason why they wouldnt fit. I just cant find out how much lift he has. Spring perch doesnt visibly look like an issue, however im not sure how full lock inner guard clearance will be. Whatever the case, i will just make them fit.
Was more wondering about the tyre comparisons.
Click to expand...

He probably has different struts and springs. Alsos you should be right on full lock! Have you looked into the Toyo ATS - cheaper and just as good :raz:
 
Just had a good look around under the car, and it appears theres a good 21mm all round, including spring perch.
While the car is the daily driver, i want to use it for long touring trips (going to the Cape mid next year), off road weekend trips and lots of fraser and double island beach trips. Therefore more clearance is always better. So with the 2" strut lift and 21mm tyre lift im looking at nearly 3"s more clearance and an extra 21mm where is counts the most.
Hope that gives clarity. If i go a 215/70/15 then there is Cooper, Yoko, BFGs and a whole heap of other tyres too. Maybe the Yoko's in a 70% would be the go?
 
2jz929 said:
So with the 2" strut lift and 21mm tyre lift im looking at nearly 3"s more clearance and an extra 21mm where is counts the most.
Click to expand...
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it 23mm larger for the total rolling diameter.
215/65/16 = 686mm
215/60/16 = 663mm
So therefore 23mm divided by pye (22/7) = 7.3mm.
Hence the tyres would only raise the height of your vehicle by approx 3.6mm. :confused:

Or have I just made a complete idiot of myself. :shrug: :redface: :confused:

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
2jz929 said:
If i go a 215/70/15 then there is Cooper, Yoko, BFGs and a whole heap of other tyres too. Maybe the Yoko's in a 70% would be the go?
Click to expand...

Choice of tyre is why I went 15". You would need to modify the front brake callipers (i.e get out the angle grinder) or change brakes to get 15" to fit. Unless you get a 15" wheel mentioned in another thread here that will fit over the callipers:

15" Team Dynamics ProRace1 wheels
https://www.offroadsubarus.com/showthread.php?t=990
 
I was looking at looking at
215/60/16 = 664.4mm
215/70/16 = 704.4mm

That is 43mm in the diametre which is 21.5mm in the radius. Even a 65 gives 10.75 in the radius.
I would definitely like to stick with the factory alloys, so 15s are out of the question.
 
Go to a tyre shop get them to fit up a BFG AT in 215/70R16 and see if it fits. Thats what i did when I bought my coopers in that size, and that was the 1st mod i did, stock everything. Lots of people will tell you they won't fit but have they actually tried? Been through this before. BTW 215/75R15 is the same overall diamater as the 215/70R16.
 
The Geolanders will definitely be quieter and better mannered on the pavement, but not nearly as good offroad.

I looked at the BFGs, my wallet could absolutely NOT handle that insane price tag. I'm on my second set of General Grabber AT2s. No issues with sidewall strength, great offroad and an awesome price (atleast over here). I would recommend them highly if you have decided on the BFGs.
 
Thanks Smash, im not set on brand, i just want a good tyre that will serve me well for a number of years - coopers are looking better atm.

Brendon, just to clarify, you fitted 215/70/16 on a 03-07 Forester with stock suspension? Thats awesome. I have recieved my lift yet, so that would be good if i can get them on now.
 
mr turbo said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it 23mm larger for the total rolling diameter.
215/65/16 = 686mm
215/60/16 = 663mm
So therefore 23mm divided by pye (22/7) = 7.3mm.
Hence the tyres would only raise the height of your vehicle by approx 3.6mm. :confused:

Or have I just made a complete idiot of myself. :shrug: :redface: :confused:
Click to expand...

2jz929 said:
I was looking at looking at
215/60/16 = 664.4mm
215/70/16 = 704.4mm

That is 43mm in the diametre which is 21.5mm in the radius. Even a 65 gives 10.75 in the radius.
I would definitely like to stick with the factory alloys, so 15s are out of the question.
Click to expand...

I stand corrected. :o :redface: :o
And after looking at the numbers again (60's when compared to 65's) it does appear to lift / raise the vehicle by 10.75mm. :)

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
No worries mate, definitely going for the 215/70/16, its just impossible to decide on a tyre...currently leaning towards coopers... it opens up a whole new world of options.
 
Smash81 said:
I'm on my second set of General Grabber AT2s. No issues with sidewall strength, great offroad and an awesome price (atleast over here). I would recommend them highly if you have decided on the BFGs.
Click to expand...

Interestingly enough, I'm seeing a lot of General Grabbers here in West Africa. After the BFG ATs and Goodyear Wrangler A/T-R, the Grabbers are probably the most popular. This excludes cheapo Chinese tires, which suck badly in most respects other than rock-bottom price.

I had the Geolandar AT-S on my MY06 Forester. They were much better than expected on pavement, including highway. And they were quite good in snow and mild off-road conditions (mostly dirt tracks). Unfortunately, since I ended up not bringing the Fozza along to West Africa, I never got to test out the Geo AT-S in serious off-road conditions.

Size considerations aside, I would pick the BFG and Grabber over the Geo AT-S, if off-road ability is the top priority. However, if on-road driving will be the main use, the Geolandars are very good, and can still perform off-road.
 
Yes it will but you will have to let some air out to do so.
I had to lower mine to around 15psi to get it to fit.

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
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