BF Goodrich Mud Terrain Tires - Contact Patch

  |   0812rv 01 Bf Goodrich Mud Terrain Tires Walker Evans Wheels Not wanting to be left behind on the latest tow-rig trends, we also updated the 2006 Dodge Ram with a new set of BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tires mounted on 20-inch polished Walker Evans Street Wheels. BFGoodrich and Walker Evans Racing represent some of the best experience and knowledge the off-road industry has to offer. The lessons learned in both of their rich racing history are, without a doubt, the consumer's gain. The BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2s provided excellent traction off-highway and were surprisingly quiet and smooth on the street, where they spent most of their time. The fact that they are now 33 percent stronger than previous tires also inspires a good deal of confidence. The KM2s we mounted were LT325/60R20/D, which for us measured just under 36 inches high by 12 3/4 inches wide. This turned out to be a little bit large for the truck and required some inner fender well trimming. In retrospect, we would have been better off to get the LT305/55R20/E, which would have been closer to 34 inches by 11 3/4 inches, and also it would have given us a better load rating. This is where some better planning on our part would have helped. The Walker Evans Racing Street Wheels are a favorite among many, and that is not due solely to aesthetics. The Street Wheel is DOT-approved and made from the same mold as the Walker Evans Racing bead lock. These wheels exceed all industry standards of wheel load ratings. Aside from being one of the strongest wheels on the market, another contributing factor for going with Walker Evans wheels is the versatility in backspacing and appearance. The wheels are made to order, with 17x8.5-inch wheel backspacing available from 3 3/4 inches to 6 inches and the 20x8.5 available from 4 3/4 inches to 6 inches. The finishes are in satin or polished, along with a variety of anodized colors for the beauty rings. We went with 6-inch backspacing, polished wheel and beauty ring. Staying as close to the factory backspace of 6 1/4 inches should help to reduce stress on the ball joints; however, it does allow the larger tires to rub the lower control arm, resulting in a small loss of turning radius. The addition of BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires and Walker Evans Street Wheels has led to little or no worry, on- or off-road, and are in keeping with our goal of building an extremely versatile truck.