Ok so got the KO3's in the stock size 265/70/18. Now I was not 100% that I needed an LT tire. But this tire has so many appealing characteristics in terms of it's development, for sure I needed a snowflake rated off-road tire and at least for now it was what I wanted to experience. The other aspect of it even though I figured out how to get along better with the stock tires, I did not like what I perceived to be the roll from the weak sidewall. So now I am not a tire guy so the words that I am using are likely incorrect but this is my perception.
These were installed at the dealer and once again inflated in the high 40s psi as I when I took delivery of the vehicle. It must be their thing. What I can say right off is that roll that I was experienced with the stock tires was gone, so at least for now that aspect of picking the KO3's I regard as a success. Also the steering response IMO was excellent. And even with the high PSI these were not as floaty as the stock tires were at similar pressures.
To me anyway this gives the Land Cruiser the feel that I was anticipating would be consistent with the character of this vehicle. Also IMO the off road tire is very handsome and compliments the Land Cruiser. Just my preference.
Now I wasn't sure about what to do about the PSI, however driving it home I had several occasions to experience rough railroad crossings and definitely felt that was too harsh and was not allowing the suspension to do it's thing. So that made up my mind on needed to bring down the pressure.
Got home brought it down to 40 psi and then went and retested it over the railroad tracks and now we're golden. The tires are working with the suspension to dampen beautifully. After that I drove into the adjacent subdivision which has curvy roads and round abouts and the handling is now beautiful. Great steering response, well planted. This is where I wanted it in terms of the driving characteristics.
We'll see what of hit to the mpg, but so far so good and we'll see how it goes in the winter.
These were installed at the dealer and once again inflated in the high 40s psi as I when I took delivery of the vehicle. It must be their thing. What I can say right off is that roll that I was experienced with the stock tires was gone, so at least for now that aspect of picking the KO3's I regard as a success. Also the steering response IMO was excellent. And even with the high PSI these were not as floaty as the stock tires were at similar pressures.
To me anyway this gives the Land Cruiser the feel that I was anticipating would be consistent with the character of this vehicle. Also IMO the off road tire is very handsome and compliments the Land Cruiser. Just my preference.
Now I wasn't sure about what to do about the PSI, however driving it home I had several occasions to experience rough railroad crossings and definitely felt that was too harsh and was not allowing the suspension to do it's thing. So that made up my mind on needed to bring down the pressure.
Got home brought it down to 40 psi and then went and retested it over the railroad tracks and now we're golden. The tires are working with the suspension to dampen beautifully. After that I drove into the adjacent subdivision which has curvy roads and round abouts and the handling is now beautiful. Great steering response, well planted. This is where I wanted it in terms of the driving characteristics.
We'll see what of hit to the mpg, but so far so good and we'll see how it goes in the winter.
