Idasho

Thats probably where Im loosing you guys a bit. I know you guys like to wheel. This isnt a "trail rig" This isnt a car I beat on. This isnt a car I TRY to break. It is a tool to get me into the back country on logging/forest service/abandoned roads. Finding a tire that I dont have to worry about is the current goal. And yes, every time we do this I have a complete tool kit with all the appropriate replacement parts. And considering this rig is getting us to a destination that starts a backpacking trip that will last anywhere from 2-4 weeks, I think we have the food and water thing handled.

Im 30+ miles off the pavement. Not 200+ Thats a huge difference. And if you are destroying more than a couple of tires each time you go out, then you really need to find a different tire. Which is why I started this thread in the first place. The tires I linked to are REAL tires. Not passenger car tires pretending to be off road tires, like so many of todays tires are. While the SSR might be a great tire for some, all Im seeing are the downsides... Mainly the size. The STA is much skinnier. Huge benefit for a Subaru with limited wheel well space as it is. but just for giggles, lets compare... E78-14LT STA: Overall diameter: 26.6 Rim width: 5.5 Section width: 7.6 Weight: 28 lbs Load rating: 1710 tread depth: 16/32 Ply rating: 8 And compared to the SSR Overall diameter: 27.5 Rim width: 6.5 Section width: 9.5 Weight: 37 lbs Load rating: 1585 tread depth: 19/32 Ply rating: 6 Just in that simple comparo Im seeing this: The SSR is a bit larger in height and a lot wider, MUCH heavier, has a lower load rating, and lower ply rating. It does have a deeper tread depth though. The STA retails for $135, while the Interco retails for $150 The STAs simply fit the bill better. And I just keep talking myself into these tire more

Wheel size most certainly effects overall diameter when it comes to tire availability. The limiting factor is still overall diameter. Stepping up to a 15" wheel from a 14" wheel certainly give you more LT tire choices, but the choices for an nice M/T or aggressive A/T is still VERY limited when you must keep the tire size at or less than 27" Actually, after doing some quick checking online, Ive yet to find one that would fit the bill. 15" wheel, mud terrain, and 27" or less in overall diameter. So how often have you personally needed more than 1 spare?

At this point I am not willing to go that large with the tires. Im looking for something that will fit without any major surgery. So the tire needs be 27" or less. Ive also got 2 other sets of tires that I dont want to NOT use. So a 6-lug swap is out of the question. Ive already got a set of 14" steel 6-lug wheels that will be re-drilled to fit the 4 bolt pattern. Though considering the options, stepping up to a 15" wheel might be better. I still need to keep the overall diameter down though.

Thanks dude. We went for another day hike with the pooch again today. And since the hound dog decided to chase after some deer for what was probably more than 5 miles, we were out much longer than expected. Silly dog was AWOL for more than an hour.... I was certainly a bit worried. Anywho... our destination was Mineral Mtn, at McCrosley State Park About 16 inches of snow at the top. This was half way down... Even still, the ruts were 12" inches deep. And a bit wide for the subaru

Does the SST fit a 14" wheel?

Dont worry, Im keeping my eye on them. Unfortunately as we all know, the 14" off road tire is a dying breed. So Im thinking long term here, and I see the STA's lasting much longer than the BFG. Ive yet to get more than 50k miles out of my BFG A/Ts on pickups. They are a truck tire.... they should last way longer than that. but in todays market people want trucks that ride like cars.... I remember when tires dry-rotted before the tread wore out:popcorn: 80k + miles was not uncommon for a set of tires. If I find some reason to NOT go with these STA's, Ill jump on the BFGs Interesting enough though.... the site I linked to for the STA's has FREE shipping right now. Too bad Im not quite ready yet. Thats a $100+ savings.

Well its a good thing I dont need then for mud. Im looking for a no BS tire that will put up with abuse, without the worry of putting something through a sidewall more than 200 miles from anything. Traction in deep mud, though is great, takes a back seat. I cannot stand Swampers. Especially for this app. I do have to use the highway to get to the trail. And that typically means 3-4 hours of highway. Then another 30+ miles of trail to proposed trail head. By the time I get to the trail (using swampers) Id be completely deaf, and my body would be numb from the ride. Ive been looking at them too. Ive had the BFGs on a few pickups, and while the road manners, and grip on dry trails was great, they load up too quick. Not to mention, Ive yet to have a BFG A/T to wear correctly. The tread compound is quite soft.

That's what I would assume too. And potentially what Im looking for. Im looking for a dedicated tough-as-nails off road tire for backpacking season. We are always looking to get further and further into the back-country, and every additional mile you can drive before setting out on foot helps. Hard rubber + 6ply means a very rough ride though. Large side lugs means noise, but et least the center portion of the tread is highway friendly.

A bit more digging and I found a photo of them on a VW thing

Anyone seen these, or tried them out? 26" diameter, for a 14" wheel. Ive got a set of 14" steel wheels that are to be fitted with some sort of off-road LT tire, so Im on the hunt.... and I came across these. E78-14 STA Super Traxion https://www.universaltire.com/e78-14-sta-super-traxion.html

Ive just been enjoying my GL! Yesterday I took the hound dog out for a hike. Pretty cool time of the year, all of the Tamarack's are starting to turn color.

And proper road.

Switching to synthetic, or just a lighter weight gear oil will certainly help. I need to do the same. With the temps diving, the 4-speed in my GL is noticeably stiffer when I first start it. After 10 minutes of driving is clears up, as the gear oil warms and thins.

Welcome to the site! Looks VERY solid, great find! Where in WA are you guys located?

All that nice work... and he couldnt even get the aftermarket head unit installed straight??

So the hydro blocks would have the shallow casting?

Interesting. I will say that the original EA81 in my '84 GL has the deeper channels.

Ah, thats where you got confused. Do not confuse the stock 4wd (single range or hi/low) with a t-cased Subaru.

No way.... the first one gets major props for looking like a bat-mobile

Did you even read my post? I said nothing about newer subarus.

Duh... didnt even notice the plates... Thanks.

I dont think the issues you are going to find will be related to clearance. they will be related to gearing. Most people are looking for a locker for a non t-cased Subaru. That means the rear diff needs to match whatever ratio they already have.

Is that your rig UberScoober? Any more info/pics of the rear bumper/tire swing away?

You can, but installing a Weber really has nothing to do with the EGR.