FordExcursions.com Forums
Andy Anderson
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• Jacksonville, FL, USA |
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• Registered on 1/17/2005 |
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• 77 posts |
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 Posted:7/14/2005 18:15 |
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I opted for the Steel Tex last year due to availibility. The tires have been pretty good, a little noisy, but track very well. Well, yesterday as I was driving down the road at about 45 mph (65 psi) I actually saw the sidewall blowout on the street, right rear tire. I have been in contact with Firestone at the coorperate level down to the store and so far they have only offered to replace the tire with another Firestone or a 50% discount on another brand. My bone of contention is this, when the recall first came out Firestone put another D range tire, then do to availibility I opted for the Firestone which has now blown apart. Well boys I have contacted an attorney and will be heading "to the mattresses". I will keep you posted, I will not settle for Firestone or having to put any money out. Any advice or direction is welcome..... |
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CHPMustang
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• Plano, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 7/24/2002 |
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• 1,800 posts |
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Posted:7/14/2005 19:25 |
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If Firestone replaced your D range steeltex's with another set of D Range they are responsible for it as they we're required to install only E range 
Good to hear you were able to control the truck during a blowout 
Bill
Bill
2002 Excursion XLT-P 4x4 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel
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Andy Anderson
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• Jacksonville, FL, USA |
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• Registered on 1/17/2005 |
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• 77 posts |
• 1
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Posted:7/14/2005 20:19 |
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After reading my post I realized that I left out Firestone did replace the D range with an E range three months after their screw up. It was an E range that blew out. I was fortunate that it was not my wife driving and our three kids in the car, she may not have been able to control it. Firestone stated that they had never had a problem with this tire yet. My reply, " there was a first call in on the old firestones at some point"... |
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E. Long
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• Subscriber since 1/1/2001 |
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• Atlanta, GA, USA |
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• Registered on 1/23/2001 |
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• 2,229 posts |
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Posted:7/14/2005 21:05 |
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| Quote: | | After reading my post I realized that I left out Firestone did replace the D range with an E range three months after their screw up. It was an E range that blew out. I was fortunate that it was not my wife driving and our three kids in the car, she may not have been able to control it. Firestone stated that they had never had a problem with this tire yet. My reply, " there was a first call in on the old firestones at some point"... |
Have you been able to inspect the tire post-blowout to determine if there were any gashes in it? I understand your frustration but what if the blowout was due to a sidewall already weakened by a foreign object? I'm not sure that there's any way to tell but I guarantee you that's what Firestone would be point the finger at...if it even goes that far.
My Steeltex's had a history of the sidewalls peeling:
I replaced 3 of them over time due to the sidewall splitting. Then one day when I had the X in at a dealership, they swapped out all 5 Steeltexes with BFG Rugged Trail T/A's (due to the Firestone recall). I really liked those tires, they lasted so long...but I'm quite satisfied with my BFG Rugger Trails. I would highly recommend them when you get rid of the Steeltexes. They are much better in the snow, too...not that it matters for you, seeing as you are in Florida.
-Eric
'67 Galaxie 500 - 390 FE, .030" over, FE to AOD adapter, disc brake conversion. The Daily Driver.
'00 Excursion - 7.3L PSD, LANDYOT Gen-II Radius Rods, Factory Tech Valve Body, 200K+ miles and going |
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Andy Anderson
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• Jacksonville, FL, USA |
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• Registered on 1/17/2005 |
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• 77 posts |
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Posted:7/15/2005 10:30 |
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You can actually see the spot were the tire exploded from the inside out. I liken it to a bullet, small hole in and a large whole out. The tires have not been weakened by any road hazard. I inspect them on a regular basis. As for the BFG, that is what I chose at the initial recall (Rugged Trail), and they put a D range tire on it. Beside feeling squirely on the road there was quite a bit of road noise, probably due to the overloading. I would try them again if you recommend it, but they have made other options availible such as Goodyear, Toyo, Cooper and a few others. |
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E. Long
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• Subscriber since 1/1/2001 |
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• Atlanta, GA, USA |
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• Registered on 1/23/2001 |
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• 2,229 posts |
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Posted:7/15/2005 10:59 |
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| Quote: | | You can actually see the spot were the tire exploded from the inside out. I liken it to a bullet, small hole in and a large whole out. The tires have not been weakened by any road hazard. I inspect them on a regular basis. As for the BFG, that is what I chose at the initial recall (Rugged Trail), and they put a D range tire on it. Beside feeling squirely on the road there was quite a bit of road noise, probably due to the overloading. I would try them again if you recommend it, but they have made other options availible such as Goodyear, Toyo, Cooper and a few others. |
I'm not sure what load range mine are...I would assume "D" as your previous set. I have not towed often enough with different types of tires to be able to make a recommendation on which performs better. I've towed a 7K load and have been quite pleased -- I do have a rear sway bar and LANDYOT radius rods, too...these definitely contribute to better handling. However, city/highway driving I am much happier with the BFG's. Also, the Steeltexes seemed harder and as a result, were not the best performing tire in off-road conditions, which I experience frequently during the winter time or when hunting. Secondarily, I prefer the look of the BFG's over the Steeltex's too. An added bonus.
-Eric
'67 Galaxie 500 - 390 FE, .030" over, FE to AOD adapter, disc brake conversion. The Daily Driver.
'00 Excursion - 7.3L PSD, LANDYOT Gen-II Radius Rods, Factory Tech Valve Body, 200K+ miles and going |
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