• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Jeepfan.com

Jeepfan.com

serving the Jeep community since 1997

  • Projects & Installs
  • Offroading & Events
  • Technical & Info
  • Readers Jeeps
  • Jeep Racing
  • Products
  • Ask
  • jeepfan.com 2022 4xe
  • jeepfan.com 2018 JL
  • jeepfan.com 2004 TJ Unlimited
  • jeepfan.com 1978 CJ-5
Home » Projects & Installs » Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac 285/70R17 Tires Installation

Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac 285/70R17 Tires Installation

A few days after the tires arrived at OK Auto we took the Jeep to get the tires mounted and balanced on the Jeep’s Moab wheels.  We also took the opportunity while the Jeep was on the lift to look over the underside of the Jeep  and check for pulled tight brake lines, wires, hoses, etc.

Get personalized content recommendations and answers drawn from our website. Simply type your question or topic of interest, and our AI assistant will help you find relevant articles, tips, and insights. You can also have a natural conversation to explore topics in more depth.

Below are some comparison differences between the factory BFG Mud Terrain tires and the Duratracs.  We chose not to go with a much larger tire which made the 285/70R17 size perfect.

Duratrac to Mud Terrain Comparison

Tire height difference

The tires were removed from the Jeep and the air was let out of the tires to allow them to be unmounted.  Today’s tire mounting/un-mounting machines make for a relatively effortless process.

in the bay

on the lift

wheel with tire unmounted – note TPMS sensor

After a tire was mounted and balanced we took a few more comparison pictures.  These show the tires in equal conditions, mounted and unmounted off the Jeep.

new tires ready for mounting

both tires unmounted

both tires mounted and inflated

The tires were all mounted and ready for installation on the Jeep.  While still on the lift we checked for rubbing.  The drivers side rear is a known problem spot for the tire rubbing on the rear sway bar.  The suspension extended will make the gap grow smaller since the track bar makes the axle shift toward the passenger side.  On this Jeep the tire just fits, any wider and it would rub.

ready for tires

tires installed

checking for rubbing

After all the tires were on the Jeep was lowered and the wheels were torqued to 90 ft lb.  We were very pleased with the Jeep’s look and stance.

tires installed

new look

next to a stock JK Sport

Impressions

The new tires were inflated to 35 psi for the initial trip.  The noise of the tire was immediately noticeable – more like the lack of noise compared to the BFG tires.  There was a hum typical to all tires of this kind but the hum was less noticeable and of a different tone.  The Jeep drove the same as before and there wasn’t any noticeable loss in power.  Check back for an update after a few months of driving.

Comparison Pictures

driver side before lift

driver side after lift

driver side after lift and tires

no lift, lift, lift & tires

UPDATE – Rain Driving

A nice fall rainy day fell upon the northeast so we hit the street to see if these Duratracs lived up to their reputation and to say it frankly, they sure did.  The increased grip over the BFG tires was very noticeable.  Stomping on the gas and allowing the 285HP of the new Pentastar engine did manage to spin the rear wheels but only briefly.  The Jeep’s new tires quickly managed to find traction and have us on our way.  Cornering and stopping were very impressive too.  Winter is quickly approaching..we can’t wait to dig into some snow.

UPDATE – Snow

The northeast weathered an unexpected freak snowstorm in late October.  This storm wreaked havoc in several states due to heavy snow and leaves still on the trees.  Through all this we got a chance to put the new tires to the test in the new fallen snow.  There was packed roads to slush all of which the Jeep handled exceptionally.  The Duratracs dug in and stuck to the surface much better than most mud type tires.  The special tread pattern and generous sipes allow the tires to maintain grip. We tested the Jeep in both 2wd and 4wd.  Stopping performance was exceptional too.

Category: Projects & InstallsTag: JK, OK Auto, tires, Wrangler

You’ll also enjoy these posts


check out these trending posts


Jeep Vehicles VIN Reference Guide

 14K+

How Electronic Start Stop ESS Works on the Jeep Wrangler JL

 6K+

The Wrangler 4xe Explained Simply-ish

 2K+

Understanding and Troubleshooting Jeep CJ Gauges and Senders

 4K+

Jeep CJ Exhaust – Headers and Mufflers

 966

Jeep Quadra-Trac 4wd System

 2K+

Receive exclusive recommendations directly from our website.

Sidebar


Jeep CJ 1972-1986 How to Build and Modify

Grab Your CopyJeep CJ 1972-1986 How to Build and Modify

jeepfan.com

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

© 2025 · jeepfan.com · Powered by Bizbudding

Privacy Manager

Explore

  • Projects & Installs
  • Technical & Info
  • Offroading & Events
  • Products
  • Racing
  • Readers Jeeps
  • Jeep News & Information jeepfan.com blog

About

  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • About
  • Terms of Use

Partners

  • Quadratec
  • Rough Country
  • TeraFlex
  • Maximus 3
  • 7S Garage
  • OK Auto