Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ's

**4x4Fink** · 05-03-2007, 02:19 PM

I got my MTZ's mounted yesterday and the weather cleared up today for me to take some pics and get em all cleaned up.

My first impression, un-freaking-believable. These tires, IMO, blow the BFG's out of the stinkin' water. I have had two consecutive sets of BFG M/T's (one on my '95 and this past set on my '99) and I have to say, these have ALREADY outperformed the BFG's.

The first thing I noticed was the obvious change in appearance. These tires are much more aggressive and tough looking than the BFG's ever had a prayer of looking. The sidewalls are beefy and the tread itself looks so tough. The angled and siped lugs are bigger than the BFG's lugs and with them being siped, I can only imagine that the wet/ice/snow traction will be much better.

The second thing I noticed the minute I hit the asphalt outside the shop's garage was the ride quality. With both sets of my BFG's I had fairly bad vibrations when rolling at a slow speed. Anywhere from 1mph to about 15mph I had a bad shake in the rig. Due to this vibration I was getting an extremely loud sound coming from the rear of my Runner, I had tried to diagnose it for months. It was a metal on metal buzzing/clanking. Once I got my MTZ's...the vibration is gone, thus, the dreaded sound that had PLAGUED me for months is now gone as well. It literally feels as if I am riding in a completely different 4Runner. I could not be happier with the initial ride quality.

The thrid thing I noticed was the decrease in road noise. What I should say is, DRASTIC decrease in road noise. With my BFG's I could hear the roar of the M/T anytime I was moving...be it city, highway, parking lots, drive-thru's, etc... With my MTZ's, the only time I ever hear them is on the highway with my windows down. The only sound I hear in the cab now is the sound of my Vortex.

The fourth thing I noticed was a difference in ride quality when moving faster and hitting moderately sized bumps. With the BFG's I felt every bump in the road, granted I didn't feel them violently but every bump I felt, regardless. With the MTZ's, smaller, more "washboardy" bumps I hardly feel anymore. Bigger, more moderately sized bumps I still feel but they are much more smooth. The MTZ's overall feel "softer" than the BFG's.

Overall, I am more than pleased with these tires. I cannot see myself ever going back to the BFG's. This is coming from a diehard BFG fan since day one. As long as these stay this way I will forever look to these as my choice for an M/T tire.

Just for a reference I had both my BFG's and the MTZ's filled to the same pressure when doing the tests. I orginally had my BFG's aired up to 35psi but during my testing I aired them down to 30psi. I now have my MTZ's aired up to 30psi as well to ensure I get a good comparison.

Now for the good stuff:

Note the aggressive tread pattern

Close-up

Check out that tread!

What a stance...

Classic pose

Best pic IMO

Thanks for lookin' guys!

Fink

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yotawheelin95 · 05-03-2007, 02:23 PM

Lookin great!

WHats the price difference between the two. My A/T's are wearin out and i was thinkin BFG's M/T

**4x4Fink** · 05-03-2007, 02:30 PM

BFG M/T's run about $200, all depends on where you go. I got these MTZ's for about $186 per tire.

I HIGHLY recommend these!

Fink

MATT0404 · 05-03-2007, 02:31 PM

Looks great, and good write up.

JulsTirn · 05-03-2007, 02:36 PM

what size are those? They do look nice minus the shine. mud looks better.

MillerPKA · 05-03-2007, 02:50 PM

can you say sexy?....well i can.

SEXY!

**4x4Fink** · 05-03-2007, 02:51 PM

Haha...thanks for the compliments guys!

I do agree, mud looks better...give it a few weeks and they'll get broken in.

Fink

Exeter · 05-03-2007, 03:27 PM

I have these also, and totally agree with all the points Fink has made. However, I've not ridden or driven with the BFG's, so my views are of just these tires. Looks great Fink!

Jdizzydub · 05-03-2007, 03:33 PM

That's a bad ass Runner!!!! Totally looks agressive! What wheels are those?? They look sweet on your ride. Let us know the performance offroad!

darkteg94 · 05-03-2007, 03:41 PM

Glad to see someone else has these. I picked mine up for $600 shipped to my door. 31x10.50x15's. Great on the road and in the mud. The aggressive look is so nice.

ADH8796 · 05-03-2007, 03:43 PM

You know I love my 305's glad you finally got them bro look good and like I said it's time to go wheelin

Anthony

***Corey*** · 05-03-2007, 03:49 PM

Fink, those look great.

You know, when I was trying to find out who made my Dick Cepek Mountain Cats (distributed only through Les Schwab Tire Centers), I was told that Cooper made them, and also Cooper makes the Micky Thompson tires, as I called them up and talked with them.

Look at the similarity of our tread patterns.

They look pretty close to me.
Mine ride smooth too, almost as smooth as the stock FJ tires.
But, mine are noisy, but I do not mind, I like the low hum.

AuburnRunner · 05-03-2007, 05:05 PM

Tires look Siiiick.
Have you used your D-rings to pull on anything before? It looks like you might have a problem with the lower bumper valence

**4x4Fink** · 05-03-2007, 05:28 PM

Thanks for all the comps guys!

I have never used the front shackles, there is a chance I may run into the valence but I haven't tested em out yet...it'll depend on the angle.

Corey, that's crazy! Great find.

Fink

**4x4Fink** · 05-03-2007, 05:44 PM

Hey guys, check this thread out. I need to figure this out A.S.A.P. so that my new ones don't have this same problem.

Thanks,

http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=114832

Fink

chrishf12 · 05-03-2007, 06:17 PM

Keep us updated on the off road performance. I want to know if they will beat out the bfgs there too!

coldwiz · 05-03-2007, 06:31 PM

Love the tires - very sweet ride. I've been debating between those and Toyo Open Country M/T's for my '00.

olsy1984 · 05-03-2007, 06:38 PM

i like them too, i was thinking about the bfg m/t's but hear they are bad in winter...anyone know about the MTZ?????

TRDatVT · 05-03-2007, 07:50 PM

I love them as well. I am using bead balancing and they have been better than i could have ever imagined. Offroad capability thus far has been perfect and on road has been amazing in comparison to my MTR's i had before! They ride smooth and are relatively quiet for an aggressive tire. Wear seems very smooth with 5000 miles so far!

PS: If your not using "dynabeads" in your tires... your an idiot! Weight balancing on the machine sucks in comparison!

**4x4Fink** · 05-04-2007, 09:21 AM

I think somebody asked what size they were...sorry I missed your post last time. They are 285/75R16.

Thanks again for the comps,

Fink

Albuquerque Jim · 05-04-2007, 01:46 PM

I just ordered a set of these in the 315x75R16 variety. I hope they are as good as you all say.

I plan to balance with Air Soft Pellets

cox380 · 05-05-2007, 02:09 AM

you said that they feel softer so we'll see if they last as long as the bfg's(tread wear)

faubrunner64 · 05-06-2007, 05:35 PM

Thoes are awesome looking tires and a great informative write up, one request, let us know how thw tread wear is. how long they last and if they wear evenly. thanks

TRDatVT · 05-06-2007, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albuquerque Jim

I just ordered a set of these in the 315x75R16 variety. I hope they are as good as you all say.

I plan to balance with Air Soft Pellets

Wouldnt suggest those since they are not nearly dense enough and will make tons of noise. You will need about 2000 or so of them to balance them.

yotasavg · 05-06-2007, 08:45 PM

your 4runner is simply beautiful fink. crazy. i was just thinking of buying these tires so i'm glad to hear some testimonies.

05-03-2007, 02:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
yotawheelin95 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Menomonie, WI Posts: 190	Lookin great! WHats the price difference between the two. My A/T's are wearin out and i was thinkin BFG's M/T __________________ The Truck 1995 Toyota Pickup Bauer Color Matched Topper, Westin Push Bar, Westin Brush Gaurds, Baja Off Road Lights Gator Tailgate Net(Blue), 15x8 American Racing Rims, 31x10.5R15 Lemans A/T, Uniden CB, 102" CB whip, Craftsman Tool Box Betsy 1986 Toyota 4runner 31x10.5 R15 Baja Widetrack Chrome Rims Stock, For now....

05-03-2007, 02:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
4x4Fink Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Centerton, AR Posts: 5,941	BFG M/T's run about $200, all depends on where you go. I got these MTZ's for about $186 per tire. I HIGHLY recommend these! Fink __________________ 1985 4Runner 22RE 4WD "Ratchet" 2007 Tacoma Double Cab SB 4x4 V6 TRD Sport AR-TTORA "My work number is 9-1-1."

05-03-2007, 02:31 PM	#4 (permalink)
MATT0404 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW PA Posts: 170	Looks great, and good write up. __________________ 99 4Runner 4x4 3.4 5 speed E-Locker SAW 2.0 Coilovers LC coils and shocks 1" 4 Crawler Body Lift 1" Diff drop SS adjustable trac bar Addco front/rear sway bars 285/75/16 Maxxis Bighorns

05-03-2007, 02:36 PM	#5 (permalink)
JulsTirn Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Fort Lewis, Washinton Posts: 122	what size are those? They do look nice minus the shine. mud looks better. __________________ Julian

05-03-2007, 02:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
MillerPKA Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: GSU/ATL/SD Posts: 1,318	can you say sexy?....well i can. SEXY! __________________ Weston 97 SR5: Profile 883/LC with OME/PC shocks ∙ 2" body lift ∙ ARB bull bar ∙ Safari Snorkel ∙ KC/IPF aux lighting ∙ 315/75 BF Goodrich KM2s ∙ LC Wheels ∙ Vortex Cherrybomb ∙ Custom black/tan color scheme ∙ couple other things Toytec 4Runner Catalog

05-03-2007, 02:51 PM	#7 (permalink)
4x4Fink Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Centerton, AR Posts: 5,941	Haha...thanks for the compliments guys! I do agree, mud looks better...give it a few weeks and they'll get broken in. Fink __________________ 1985 4Runner 22RE 4WD "Ratchet" 2007 Tacoma Double Cab SB 4x4 V6 TRD Sport AR-TTORA "My work number is 9-1-1."

05-03-2007, 03:27 PM	#8 (permalink)
Exeter Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Fayetteville, AR Posts: 235	I have these also, and totally agree with all the points Fink has made. However, I've not ridden or driven with the BFG's, so my views are of just these tires. Looks great Fink! __________________ -Keith '94 4Runner l 3VZE + A340H l 164,000 miles l 1" 4Crawler BL l LC Coils l BJ Spacers l Rancho's l Mickey Thompson MTZ l Rear Powertrax Lock Right

05-03-2007, 03:33 PM	#9 (permalink)
Jdizzydub Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mill Creek, Washington Posts: 558	That's a bad ass Runner!!!! Totally looks agressive! What wheels are those?? They look sweet on your ride. Let us know the performance offroad! __________________ 97' 4RUNNER SR5 4x4 Lift:OME 881's OME Fronts w/ TOYTEC top out spacer, OME LC Rears 2in. 4crawler BL, SS Diff drop, Custom welded drop bar Performance:Yellow Top,Custom Dual Vortex Exhaust, Magnaflow Hi-flo CAT, K&N FIPK, Diff Breather Mod Wheels & Tires:315 16x9's on MOTO METALS Lights:Silver Reverse Glow Gauges, Hella 500's Armor:Trailgear Sliders, Taco ARB "Sounds stupid. . .sign me up!"

05-03-2007, 03:41 PM	#10 (permalink)
darkteg94 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 3	Glad to see someone else has these. I picked mine up for $600 shipped to my door. 31x10.50x15's. Great on the road and in the mud. The aggressive look is so nice.

05-03-2007, 03:43 PM	#11 (permalink)
ADH8796 Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Fayetteville, AR Posts: 1,072	You know I love my 305's glad you finally got them bro look good and like I said it's time to go wheelin Anthony __________________ SOLDBlack '99 4Runner Highlander Edition SOLD '98 4Runner Limited Edition

05-03-2007, 03:49 PM	#12 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,018	Fink, those look great. You know, when I was trying to find out who made my Dick Cepek Mountain Cats (distributed only through Les Schwab Tire Centers), I was told that Cooper made them, and also Cooper makes the Micky Thompson tires, as I called them up and talked with them. Look at the similarity of our tread patterns. They look pretty close to me. Mine ride smooth too, almost as smooth as the stock FJ tires. But, mine are noisy, but I do not mind, I like the low hum. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

05-03-2007, 05:28 PM	#14 (permalink)
4x4Fink Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Centerton, AR Posts: 5,941	Thanks for all the comps guys! I have never used the front shackles, there is a chance I may run into the valence but I haven't tested em out yet...it'll depend on the angle. Corey, that's crazy! Great find. Fink __________________ 1985 4Runner 22RE 4WD "Ratchet" 2007 Tacoma Double Cab SB 4x4 V6 TRD Sport AR-TTORA "My work number is 9-1-1."

05-03-2007, 05:44 PM	#15 (permalink)
4x4Fink Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Centerton, AR Posts: 5,941	Hey guys, check this thread out. I need to figure this out A.S.A.P. so that my new ones don't have this same problem. Thanks, http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=114832 Fink __________________ 1985 4Runner 22RE 4WD "Ratchet" 2007 Tacoma Double Cab SB 4x4 V6 TRD Sport AR-TTORA "My work number is 9-1-1."

05-03-2007, 06:17 PM	#16 (permalink)
chrishf12 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 253	Keep us updated on the off road performance. I want to know if they will beat out the bfgs there too! __________________ Chris DD 1998 4runner 4x4 SR5, 3.4 Automatic, stock 98 4runner Profile Project 1990 Ext Cab Pickup 4x4 SR5, 3.0 5 speed, stock 1990 Buildup/Resto SOLD... 1990 4WD 22RE Pickup 5-speed, 3" lift, 32x11.50s, LOTS MORE... 1990 Profile

05-03-2007, 06:31 PM	#17 (permalink)
coldwiz Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Appleton, WI Posts: 95	Love the tires - very sweet ride. I've been debating between those and Toyo Open Country M/T's for my '00. __________________ 2000 4Runner SR5 4WD V6 5SPD Diff Lock

05-04-2007, 01:46 PM	#21 (permalink)
Albuquerque Jim Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 2,570	I just ordered a set of these in the 315x75R16 variety. I hope they are as good as you all say. I plan to balance with Air Soft Pellets __________________ '00 SR5, "Highlander" Dual Cases, Aisin Hubs, E-Lock'd, Cryo'd, Chromo'd, ARB'd, 315's, Sonoran Steel Bumper, Lift & UCA's, 4 Crawl 1" BL, Armored...etc. F-Toy #081 in progress Dual Cases, 30 Splines, 5.71's, E-lockers, Hydro-Assist, 37's, DOM Hendrix Chassis, 80Proof, ORS, Sonoran Steel...etc.

05-03-2007, 06:38 PM	#18 (permalink)
olsy1984 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 210	i like them too, i was thinking about the bfg m/t's but hear they are bad in winter...anyone know about the MTZ?????

05-03-2007, 07:50 PM	#19 (permalink)
TRDatVT Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 275	I love them as well. I am using bead balancing and they have been better than i could have ever imagined. Offroad capability thus far has been perfect and on road has been amazing in comparison to my MTR's i had before! They ride smooth and are relatively quiet for an aggressive tire. Wear seems very smooth with 5000 miles so far! PS: If your not using "dynabeads" in your tires... your an idiot! Weight balancing on the machine sucks in comparison! __________________ 1999 4 Runner 9.9 sec 1/8 mile on 7 psi and fuel injectors only (NO Alcohol) weak tune! TRD Supercharger, Alcohol Injection, Walbro fuel pump upgrade, Custom 2.5" stainless exhaust, 3" Tundra/LC Coil Lift, 1.5" 4Crawler BL, 305/70/16 Mickey Thompson MTZ's... Next: HID Bi-xenon Conversion, Tundra brake upgrade...

05-04-2007, 09:21 AM	#20 (permalink)
4x4Fink Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Centerton, AR Posts: 5,941	I think somebody asked what size they were...sorry I missed your post last time. They are 285/75R16. Thanks again for the comps, Fink __________________ 1985 4Runner 22RE 4WD "Ratchet" 2007 Tacoma Double Cab SB 4x4 V6 TRD Sport AR-TTORA "My work number is 9-1-1."

05-05-2007, 02:09 AM	#22 (permalink)
cox380 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hawaii Posts: 96	you said that they feel softer so we'll see if they last as long as the bfg's(tread wear)

05-06-2007, 05:35 PM	#23 (permalink)
faubrunner64 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NorCal! Posts: 191	Thoes are awesome looking tires and a great informative write up, one request, let us know how thw tread wear is. how long they last and if they wear evenly. thanks __________________ 95 runner 3.0 4x4 auto, ported/polished heads, downey headers, custom 2.5" downey exhaust all the way back, bored throttle body,HD tortion bars, 3" body lift, 3" drivetrain lift, BudBuilt low pro crossmember/ under belly skid plate,mile marker manual locking hubs,32x11.50x15 bfg a/t ko's, american eagle alloy 57 series wheels

05-06-2007, 08:45 PM	#25 (permalink)
yotasavg Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Chico Republic, NOR*CAL Posts: 1,625	your 4runner is simply beautiful fink. crazy. i was just thinking of buying these tires so i'm glad to hear some testimonies. __________________ -Andrew 94 4Runner 3.0 Auto. I got mods Now Back in Action!

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