need advice on some non NDCC tires for M38

[Tony Morreale]

I'm starting to research alternate tires to the 700x16 NDCCs that I have on my M38.

I'm looking for something that will have better traction on wet pavement, yet will still give decent offroad performance for the 10% of the time that I go off road.

I want to keep my original wheels and can't break the bank...

I've searched the various threads on tires here and did some other internet research, spoke to Coker and a couple local tire guys as well and wanted to ask those who do not run NDCC tires:

What are you using, where did you get them?
Are they radial or bias and can you share pictures?

Thanks -

[Ben Dover]

Anything with a significant tread will give road noise. I still prefer NDCC on my M-38A1, and have over 250,000 safe and happy M-Series Jeep miles accumulated on 700X 16 NDCC tires.

[Cuz]

There you have it Tony. Straight from the Guru himself.

If you are not going to require the alternate tires to perform any task you would not have asked of the NDCC's then any modern tire in close proximity to the cross section, diameter and tread width of the NDCC will work just fine with stock wheels in very good condition. Yes, contrary to all the hype most stock wheels will work with tubeless tires as well. Radials are also ok. Keep in mind that the tire you select should be proportionately correct for your rim width of 4.5". This is not a very common late model rim width so you will find few modern tires actually rated for use with such a narrow rim. It has been my experience that tires with close cross sections and overall diameters to the 7.00-16 tire will work ok as long as they are designed for 6" or narrower rims. Your question would get better and more favorable and better informed replies on a CJ performance web site like the Early CJ5 board. On those boards you will get sensible replies to your inquiry without the close minded replies you often get here. It is on those sites where you can benefit from their tremendous experience with all off the shelf modern tires. There you will find out that huge noisy lugs are not a necessary feature of a quality off road and on road tire.
http://www.earlycj5.com/
http://www.film.queensu.ca/cJ3B/
http://offroadaction.ca/category/jeep-cj-5
http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/assets/p ... _ta_kd.pdf

try using this google search link:
http://www.google.com/search?q=off+road ... en___US375

[Tony Morreale]

Thanks Wes - I'd already looked at Derek's site and will check out the others as well.

[modified]

from my " humble experience". I found on my stock Jeep with stock Drivetrain> axle gearing (5.38) your max conventional tire size 235/85/16, or 31" O.D. Anything larger and you got suspension, steer, performance> wear and tear issues to consider.

BTW, can anyone advise where these "GOODYEAR" tires pictured can be found in 7.50 x 16, is their a correct terminology for this tread style (i.e, NDT, NDCC)? mine were studded but suffer severe dry rot, I'd be interested in obtaining a replacement set if they are readily available. thanks

[Cuz]

Standard civvy mud & snow bias ply tire. NDT (Non Directional Tread) were a WWII design for the military. NDCC (Non Directional Cross Country) was a post WWII military design.

[modified]

thanks for the clarification Wes

[Ben Dover]

The tread on the Goodyear tires depicted were found on two brands, Goodyear and Armstrong. The Goodyear was "EXTRA GRIP", the other was "MIRACLE EXTRA TRACTION". They were about identical to each other and were super on the M-37 in 900X16, but noisier than hell. Both brands have been out of production since mid eighties. I used to sell a pile of them to Jeep owners that bought Fisher Snowplows. The tread was available from late 50's thru 60's as an option on the L6-226 P.U. in 7.00X16.

[modified]

and thank you for the tip!!

yes, they are quite noisy on pavement.
Personally fond of the tread design.

[Ben Dover]

The Goodyear versions would be very expensive today if they were available.

[modified]

they are available in Belize and Malaysia

[grant j]

Hi Tony
I just saw your posting... I have 2 of these Goodyear Traction tires, 7.00x16 ... very good tread. alittle bit of blue spray paint on part of the tread/sidewall on one tire.. can email you pics if you are interested..I tired selling these locally but no luck, I've had them for about 10 years and stored under cover the whole time. only $80 for the pair... I live in BC, Canada so maybe shipping is too expensive for you.

as well for my M38. I have been using the radial tires you find on the M101 Cdn 1/4 ton trailers that came on the market a few years ago. the same used on the Cdn Ilitis jeep. they work very well, on and off road. I had to have tubes installed with the tires even though they are tubeless tires, beccause of the M38 rims. anyway if those tires are available , they are great... I had bought 2-3 set of trailer tires(plus the trailers) for a complete set. email me if you want to see those Goodyear tires .............grant

[Tony Morreale]

Grant - thanks for the note. I'm still in the research phase and I appreciate the offer, but please don't wait for me if you find a local buyer as I'm prone to drag my feet while researching stuff like this. Thanks again for the offer and the info on the tires!