[AC/DC Fan]

So my boys at Hibdon Tires Plus have spoken to some people they know (Ford dealerships, Tire Rack, etc.) about what might be making my '06 GT ride so stiff especially compared to my '08 GT. They do not think it's the shocks or struts, which they say are KYB (FYI). They suggested swapping the wheels on the two cars to see how the '06 then rides. We did that this morning, and I'm thrilled to tell you, I believe we've found the problem! The '06 rides just like the '08 does (even on the I40 crosstown-worst rode in town)!

Looks like Ski answered my mystery in one of previous threads re: this subject. He said his Pirellis were down to 5/32 and were riding a lot stiffer than they used to. I don't know what mine are down to (2 years old 8/10/08) but they absolutely ride stiffer than they used to. I knew my car didn't always ride this poorly.

So looks like I'll be putting a set of BFGs on the '06 tomorrow. I'm picking my husband up at lunch to see what he thinks as well, just to be sure.
If I didn't love my chrome bullits so much (and they're already paid for), I'd buy some new 18" chrome bullits for the '06 too. Oh well, I'm just happy to now know how to fix the problem!!

[stlwagon]

I'm glad it's nothing worse than a set of tires!

[AC/DC Fan]

Originally Posted by stlwagon

I'm glad it's nothing worse than a set of tires!

Me too!
I just searched Tire Rack for replacements for my stock Pirellis and they say there are no tires that fit my car?? When I searched BF Goodrich, when I searched by putting the tire info. in, when I got down to tire size, it only offered a 16" as a choice? What's up??

I think I want BFGs (what' on the '08). Surely they make a 17" tire!!
I'm trying to look at prices to make sure I'm getting good deal tomorrow.

[stlwagon]

I don't see a 235-55-17 BFG KDW offered.

[stlwagon]

You might look into a set of Kumho Ecsta's. I had a set and they were great tires.

[AC/DC Fan]

Originally Posted by stlwagon

I don't see a 235-55-17 BFG KDW offered.

Me neither.

I didn't realize the filter was set to only BF Goodrich. When I added a few other brands, it returned the Pirelli as the only option.
Seriously????!!!!!!

[AC/DC Fan]

Originally Posted by stlwagon

You might look into a set of Kumho Ecsta's. I had a set and they were great tires.

Which ones do you think?

Pattern
NameTire
SizeService
DescS.W.
TypeRange
(inch)Overall Dia
(inch)Tread Depth
(1/32")U.T.Q.G.Tire Weight
(lbs.)http://www.kumhousa.com/images/tiresrowcorner.gifECSTA KH11 235/55R17 99W BSW 6.5 - 8.5 - 10 - 29.9 Solus KH16 P235/55R17 99H BSW 6.5 - 8.5 - 10 - 26.8 Solus KH16 P235/55R17 98V BSW 6.5 - 8.5 - 10 - 27.2 ECSTA LX PLATINUM 235/55R17 103W BSW 6.5 - 8.5 - 11.0 - 28.6 ECSTA LX PLATINUM 235/55R17 99V BSW 6.5 - 8.5 - 11.0 - 28.6

[stlwagon]

I'd go with the Ecsta Supra's.

[AC/DC Fan]

Originally Posted by stlwagon

I'd go with the Ecsta Supra's.

OK, well I see the info. I posted did NOT stay in it's table format...
When I search their website, they do not return a Supra as an option.

[AC/DC Fan]

You don't think the 18" wheel on the '06 has any thing to do with the better ride too do you?

[stlwagon]

That's weird. They don't show a 235-55-17.

[stlwagon]

Originally Posted by AC/DC Fan

You don't think the 18" wheel on the '06 has any thing to do with the better ride too do you?

No... 17s have more sidewall and should actually ride smoother than 18s. Just like 18s ride better than 20s.

[Gary Paul]

Originally Posted by AC/DC Fan

Solved the mystery of the stiff riding '06 GT.

Oh, I thought you solved the mystery of the stiff riding in the '06 GT. A body has been missing from the mortuary by you, and one could understand if it was out joyriding in a nice Mustang...

[AC/DC Fan]

Originally Posted by stlwagon

No... 17s have more sidewall and should actually ride smoother than 18s. Just like 18s ride better than 20s.

That's my understanding...just double checking.

[ski]

Originally Posted by AC/DC Fan

Me too!
I just searched Tire Rack for replacements for my stock Pirellis and they say there are no tires that fit my car?? When I searched BF Goodrich, when I searched by putting the tire info. in, when I got down to tire size, it only offered a 16" as a choice? What's up??

I think I want BFGs (what' on the '08). Surely they make a 17" tire!!
I'm trying to look at prices to make sure I'm getting good deal tomorrow.

At the TireRack home site, click on "Tire By Size", select 235/55-17, and select "Ultra High Performance All Season". You should see about a half dozen tires from different manufacturers, incl. Pirelli.
Be aware that the tires shown from Avon Tech, Goodyear(Eagle F1), and Michelin are unidirectional, meaning that they can be rotated only from front to back on the same side, and not from side to side. This will not allow the tires to even out any tread "feathering", which may result in replacement at a relatively low mileage.
You can also select from Extreme/Max/Ultra High Performance summer tires if you do not plan to do any driving in the snow..