I've searched the forum for the discussions on tires, what fits, etc. I don't want to add lifters or buy 16" wheels. I have a 2001 Disco II with 130K miles and all I want is a good tire for snow and some off-road driving. All I can find are basically highway tires. Any suggestions?

 

There are options out there but not as many as for 16" rims. If you just look at any of the sponsors sites on this forum you will find them. You can get a nice all terrain such as a BFG AT or Nitto Terra Grapplers or Firestone Destination AT or Bridgestone Dueler. They all make one for our size of tires. You will pay almost 1.5X to 2X the amount for the same tire in 18" rim as compared to 16".

 

General Grabber A/t2 hands down best option for 18" wheels.
Price and performance. I've been very happy with them.
They are quiet for A/t tires on road, the are great in mud and snow too. (and they have that aggressive look you're going for.)

 

I highly recommend the Nitto Terra Grapplers. I bought 5 of them on Discount Tire Direct for $181 each plus free shipping. I decided to upsize to the 255/60/18 (30"x10.4"). They fill the wheel well a bit more and have had no effect on MPG. They also had good ratings in sand, snow and wet traction, which I can vouch for and they are $80 less then the Grabbers. Those are the reasons I chose these over the General Grabber. I think their only weakness is deep mud but they are an AT not MT. I also had the Mastercraft Coarser AT2 on my Jeep and those are great on everything but sand. You can get them in 265/60/18 (30.4"x10.5").

 

But the bottom line is that on a 9 year old Disco I need to stick with 255/60's?

 

Yes, you will have rubbing with anything over 255/60 without a lift.

 

OK, thanks Cam. One last (I hope) question. Some of the reviews on The Tire Rack really trash the General Grabber's for wear. Any thoughts?

 

Be sure you're looking at the General Grabber A/t2. The original general grabber a/t was a horrible tire, but they really turned it around with the A/t2.

I've had mine for almost 2 years and they hardly show any wear, even with a handful of off road use. Also, on tire rack, be sure to avoid reviews by guys with giant F350's and Ford super duty, ect...

 

If you don't want to lift your sagging old suspension then go to the Better tire like the Good Year Dura Trac. This one tire will do all you want year around.

 

If you get a lift these coopers are the least expensive (though they used to be $115 each) most aggressive tire you can get in 18". They are pretty big though, as soon as get around to get them mounted I will post pics:

http://www.treadepot.com/tire/01401.html