Hey, I've got a 24' Expedition limited without CCD, and 22" wheels. Stock it came with the general graber tires. I have a ton of road noise on concrete roads. I am thinking about replacing these tires and was wondering if replacing these tires will make a big difference in road noise? I was looking at Michelin Defender tires. The Grabers still have plenty of tread on them and don't want to spend the money if it is not going to make a difference. I'm sure going to smaller wheels would help too but just curious on people changing from the stock graber tires. Thanks for the help.
2024 Ford Expediton New Tires
- Thread starter joedirt08
- Start date
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I have recently changed 2 of my 3 vehicles (Acadia & Cherokee) to Michelin Defender 2's, and have noticed a huge difference not only in lower road noise but better handling and steadier braking responses....so the family is riding better all around.
Next up will be my Expy, in the spring, when the current Goodyear's wear out. The set I have in mind are called the "Defender LTX Platinum" which is a heavier-duty version of the standard Defender 2's, with a deeper, more aggressive tread pattern (see the attached pic)
However, I will wait until the spring to see how our standard Defender 2's hold up, then decide on which version to get, as the Platinum's are almost $400 each vs. $250 for the standard version
If you look thru the threads here, you will see that the Defenders are well regarded by a lot of Expy owners, but quite a few not liking the General's for the same reason as you...
As for changing to smaller wheels goes, doing so will give you some room for some taller sidewalls, which gives you more rubber between you & the road, which can absorb the road noise, make bumps less jarring and the ride steadier too. I will probably move from my OEM 20" wheels to 18" ones, assuming I can find some that are reasonably priced when the time comes.
Lookie here for a visual comparison of how changing sizes will look, and don't forget to look at the speedo changes also...
Good luck with whatever you chose to do
Next up will be my Expy, in the spring, when the current Goodyear's wear out. The set I have in mind are called the "Defender LTX Platinum" which is a heavier-duty version of the standard Defender 2's, with a deeper, more aggressive tread pattern (see the attached pic)
However, I will wait until the spring to see how our standard Defender 2's hold up, then decide on which version to get, as the Platinum's are almost $400 each vs. $250 for the standard version
If you look thru the threads here, you will see that the Defenders are well regarded by a lot of Expy owners, but quite a few not liking the General's for the same reason as you...
As for changing to smaller wheels goes, doing so will give you some room for some taller sidewalls, which gives you more rubber between you & the road, which can absorb the road noise, make bumps less jarring and the ride steadier too. I will probably move from my OEM 20" wheels to 18" ones, assuming I can find some that are reasonably priced when the time comes.
Lookie here for a visual comparison of how changing sizes will look, and don't forget to look at the speedo changes also...
Good luck with whatever you chose to do
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I put Michelin defenders on my nav and went up in size to 275/r50s. It def helps with bad road vibrations and they are quieter, though they are slightly stiffer feeling than the generals that came on the truck.
About a month ago, I replaced the General Grabber H/T tires in size 285/45R22 that came on my Limited 304A with a set of Michelin Defender LTX M/S 2 tires (the official name from Michelin's website) in size 275/55R20. I had the new tires installed on a set of 20" F-150 FX4 take-off wheels that I bought last fall.
Subjectively, I think the noise is less and the ride is much better with the new tires. I am very happy with the Michelins.
Subjectively, I think the noise is less and the ride is much better with the new tires. I am very happy with the Michelins.
We are currently driving our fifth vehicle with Michelin Defender MX/2 tires. They're quiet, have good traction, and ride nicely. We strongly recommend them. Side note: Most reputable tire shops will not repair a tire if it's more than six years old. They WILL repair Michelins right up until they're TEN years old. Something to think about .....
Allentown Bob
New Member
I've replaced two vehicles, including my 2020 Expy with Continental CrossContacts LX25. Better ride and much lower noise.
Kevin Baird
Member
I see some people went up to a 55 side wall. I do not think the clearance was enough to try on my 2020 limited stealth??
E Load, XL load. Which did you get?
SyndicateZ
Full Access Members
Sailun Terramax HLT on 22" stock rims
Literally 0 road noise. They are a cheaper priced tire and have had them on since 2022 . Absolutely love them.
If road noise elimination is what your looking for that my recommendation on my own experience with them.
Literally 0 road noise. They are a cheaper priced tire and have had them on since 2022 . Absolutely love them.
If road noise elimination is what your looking for that my recommendation on my own experience with them.
New to me 2024 Exp Limited Stealth 20K miles noted vibration in the steering wheel and slight floor vibration approaching 40 thru 60 mph and at 60 and above it was steady. Read about the issues and decided to take it in for a Road Force Balance. Dealer Service checked all four tires and put the lower numbered up front. Well all four tires were high. One 18 and the other tires measured over 20 to 28. The tires were Vantage Sport UHP OEM as delivered. No acceptable configuration would solve the vibration. Tires were changed to other rims but that didn’t change anything. The wheels were spun alone and all were balanced and weighed within ounces of each other. Service noted they have experienced others with vibrations associated to the Vantage UHP tires and other low brand tires placed on the Expeditions, Explorers and F150s in production.
Decided to replace the tires with Michelin Defender LTX M/S2’s. All tires Road Force balanced below 15 and within a few lbs of each other. Test drive was good and problem solved.
Truly thanks to the forum for all the available information and experiences which helped get this solved and thank goodness because next check was to look at axles as one member mentioned solve their vibration issue.
Decided to replace the tires with Michelin Defender LTX M/S2’s. All tires Road Force balanced below 15 and within a few lbs of each other. Test drive was good and problem solved.
Truly thanks to the forum for all the available information and experiences which helped get this solved and thank goodness because next check was to look at axles as one member mentioned solve their vibration issue.
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Hardcase60
Active Member
We had Michelin Defender LTX M/S 2 on our 2018 and really liked them. highly recommend.
JohnnyG
Active Member
I have the 22" wheels on my Expedition, and it’s time to replace the tires. Since we’re moving to Utah and will be dealing with dirt roads and snow, I’m considering going with smaller wheels.
I’m seeing a couple of nice Ford OEM take-off sets on Facebook Marketplace. One set is 18" wheels with 275/65R18 Goodyear Wrangler Territory All-Terrain tires, and the other set is 20" wheels with 275/60R20 Hankook Dynapro A/T2 tires. Both options are roughly 32" tall.
Here’s my dilemma: I actually really like the highway ride of our Expedition with the 22s, which I know may put me in the minority. For those who have switched from 22s to either 18s or 20s, did you lose much highway comfort, handling, or quietness?
For a good balance of highway comfort, dirt-road durability, and snow performance, would you go with the 18s or the 20s?
-JG
I’m seeing a couple of nice Ford OEM take-off sets on Facebook Marketplace. One set is 18" wheels with 275/65R18 Goodyear Wrangler Territory All-Terrain tires, and the other set is 20" wheels with 275/60R20 Hankook Dynapro A/T2 tires. Both options are roughly 32" tall.
Here’s my dilemma: I actually really like the highway ride of our Expedition with the 22s, which I know may put me in the minority. For those who have switched from 22s to either 18s or 20s, did you lose much highway comfort, handling, or quietness?
For a good balance of highway comfort, dirt-road durability, and snow performance, would you go with the 18s or the 20s?
-JG
Switching from the OEM General Grabbers on 22" wheels to Michelin Defenders on 20" wheels improved my highway comfort and quietness.
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