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BFG KM2 Mud Terrain Review Off Road Part II

Peter Stewart — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:45:10 +0000

Update: I’ve driven the BFG KM2 Mud Terrain tires for 7 months; total distance traveled on road was 8,000-10,000 miles. Trips included: Portland to Bend Oregon (4 hrs), Portland to Northern California, Portland to Colorado (4,600 miles) and Portland to San Francisco California. The tires are wearing perfectly and still look like new.

BFG KM2 Mud Terrain - Off Road

Off Road Trips Included: Tillamook State Forest (NW Oregon), Goat Mountain (Estacada Area), McGrew Trail (Southern Oregon), Pacific City (Oregon Coast), Iron Chest (Colorado) and the Rubicon (California).

BFG KM2 Mud Terrain Off Road Driving Conditions (35″ x 12.5″)

Sand Traction: We tested the BFG KM2 tires at Pacific City, Oregon. We tried to get the truck stuck but couldn’t even with the tires at 35 PSI. The tires dug down but kept pushing the truck forward. We climbed a couple soft sand hills without issues. The KM2 tires did much better than my previous Toyo MT tires which seemed to dig straight down.

BFG KM2 Mud Terrain - Off Road 2

Snow & Ice Traction: My BFG KM2 tires are siped in the center which increased slippery surface traction. There were no traction issues whatsoever in wet or rainy conditions. Ice traction isn’t great in comparison to the Toyo MT tires. Snow Traction is alright but not incredible; once again the Toyo MT tires are better. I would highly recommend siping the center lugs if you drive frequently in snow or ice.

Mud Traction: The BFG KM2 tires are excellent in mud. Here in the Pacific Northwest we have tons of rain, mud and gooey clay. These tires hook up. I never hand an issue with traction in mud. The tread on the tire sidewall helps immensely when properly aired down. You won’t be disappointed here.

BFG KM2 Mud Terrain - Off Road 3

Rock Crawling Traction: BFG KM2 tires are incredible in the rocks (very similar to the BFG Crawler tires). I aired the tires down to 9 PSI and had ample traction. The tires grabbed and clung onto every rock surface we drove on. The sidewall construction is tough; we didn’t have issues with flats or beads coming off. These are the perfect tires for rock crawling.

BFG KM2 Mud Terrain - Off Road 4

On Road: Check out our previous BFG KM2 Mud Terrain Review On Road

I would highly recommend purchasing the BFG KM2 Mud tires for all around solid off road traction with good road manners and seemingly long tread life.

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Sky Manufacturing: Toyota SAS Solid Axle Swap Kit

Peter Stewart — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:34:11 +0000

A solid axle swap is one of the best modifications for extreme off road adventures. I purchased my 1986 Toyota 4runner with the factory IFS (independent front suspension) swapped for a 1983 Toyota solid front axle. Unfortunately, it was not done properly including: the springs, shackle angle, shackle location and front cross member. I decided it was time torch the cross member and get it installed properly.

Sky Manufacturing provided the Toyota Solid Axle Swap Kit. The parts installed included: the front spring hanger cross member with laser cut logo, frame jigs, sleeves, bushings and hardware. Parts were installed by Joe Hope – PNWFAB.

View on Vimeo.

Step 1: Unbolt front leaf springs and shackles.

Step 2: Remove cross member and frame tubes with torch.

Step 3: Position and weld on new Sky Manufacturing Spring Cross Member

Step 4: Position and weld frame tubes. Plate frame.

Step 5: Bolt everything up and paint.

The parts fit perfectly; it looks factory. The design and quality of construction is top notch. I’ve been very impressed with the customer service and products offered by Sky Manufacturing.

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Portable Air Compressor: High-Volume Superflow MV50

Peter Stewart — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 07:23:33 +0000

Portable air compressors are an excellent choice for airing up tires after 4wheeling off road. They are less expensive than CO2 Systems or Onboard Air Systems.

The issue with most portable air compressors is that they are slow. While speed isn’t a requirement it’s nice to get your tires aired up to highway pressure in a reasonable amount of time.

Introducing the Superflow MV-50 and MasterFlow MF-1050 made by Q Industries. This compressor is remarkably fast and capable and has a price tag much less than other comparable compressors ($50-70).

Superflow MV50 Portable Air Compressor

Q Industries MV50 SuperFlow Hi-Volume Air Compressor Includes:

Compressor, 12V High Volume, 150 PSI with Gauge, Quick Release 16 ft Air Hose, Fuseable Link, Alligator Clip Connections, Storage Bag & Accessories.

Superflow MV50 Specs:

- Flows up to72 lpm or 2.54 CFM
- 1/3 Horsepower Oil-less Motor
- 150 PSI Max Pressure
- Can be hard mounted for Onboard Air Applications

I have used my Superflow compressor for about 4 years now. It has run continuously to air up 8 tires or more without issues. How fast is it for airing up tires?

My truck has 35×12.5″ BFG KM2 Tires on 8×15″ wheels. The air compressor inflates the tires from 10 PSI to 35 PSI in 3 Minutes and 20 Seconds. That’s impressive! With 2 compressors I can air up all 4 tires in 8-10 minutes. This is one of the best values for a portable air compressor on the market.

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Tire Deflator Tool: Staun Tyre Deflators

Peter Stewart — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 07:16:43 +0000

Your tires need to be deflated to take advantage of increased traction while 4wheeling off road. This lengthy process often involves removing the tire valve stem caps and depressing the valve. Often times people use vehicle keys, knives, small sticks or other similar tools to depress the tire valve. This is a painfully slow process and involves extended time kneeling on the ground or bending over waiting for the tire pressure to drop.

Tire Deflation Hard Method

As the tire pressure decreases you will need to periodically stop and check the tire pressure with a tire pressure gauge; then resume as needed. The major shortfalls of this method are: 1. Slow & Tedious. 2. Painful on back and/or knees. 3. Difficult to make all tires equal pressure.

A less painful method is to remove the valve from the valve stem; you will need a small screw driver or valve stem remover. This process requires careful attention to tire pressure as the air will escape rapidly; be quick to check tire pressure and replace valve. There are several shortfalls with this method: 1. You can only air down 1 or 2 tires at a time. 2. Danger of losing tire valves. 3. Difficulty to stop tire deflating at an exact pressure.

Ready for a better method? Staun Tyre Deflators. One of the best inventions to enhance your 4wheeling experience.

Staun Tyre Deflators

These automatic tire deflators are fully adjustable. Setting the tire deflator pressure is simple. First, deflate your tire to the desired pressure. Second, screw the Staun Tyre Deflator onto the valve stem. Third, screw the tyre deflator tip out and slow tighten until the valve shuts off. Remove the tyre deflator and repeat the same steps for the other tyre deflators.

How does it work on the trail? Simple. Incredible. Easy. Screw the Staun Tyre Deflators onto all four tire valve stems. They will automatically air down the tires to the previously set pressure and shut off. Simply remove the deflator after the valve has closed. All 4 tires will be at the exact same pressure. No need to mess with tire gauges. No lost tire stem valves. No sore knees or back.

Staun Tyre Deflator Adjustment

Some of the additional advantages of the Staun Tyre Deflators:

1. Fastest tire deflators on the market.
2. Easy to use, no tools required.
3. Extremely accurate; within .o5 psi of set pressure.
4. Can air down all four tires unattended, simultaneously.
5. Can drive vehicle while tires are deflating.

Check out more details: http://www.staunproducts.com/products.php

This is one of the few inexpensive purchases that can be enjoyed on every 4wheeling trip. I’ve had my tyre deflators for over 3 years. They have been used on 3 different 4wd vehicles I’ve owned.

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Sky-Manufacturing: Toyota Axle Armor & Front Axle Truss

Peter Stewart — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 04:13:37 +0000

Toyota trucks are known for their reliability, durability and near bullet proof construction. In stock form that is very true. Although, most Toyota owners tend to push their vehicles beyond design limitations especially off road.

Sky Manufacturing comes to the rescue with axle protection parts.

Toyota Axle Armor & Axle Truss

Strengthening your front axle will save you from causing un-repairable damage while 4wheeling off road. The front solid axle truss and ring gear guard are the perfect additions to your 1980-1985 factory solid axle truck. This is also an excellent upgrade if you decide to SAS (solid axle swap) your newer Toyota 1986-1995 (like my 1986 4runner).

Toyota Axle Armor & Axle Truss

The Toyota front axle truss strengthens the axle housing to keep it from bending. This is virtually a requirement if your axle housing does not have the factory lower truss.

The Toyota ring gear guard protects the ring gear (axle gears) from impact damage. It fits both front and rear Toyota axles. This mod will save you from being stranded on the trail with a damaged axle and ruined gears, not to mention hundreds of dollars in repair bills and towing costs.

Toyota Rear Axle Armor

Note: The axle truss and ring gear guard both require welding to install. Both parts are laser cut and have excellent fitment; not to mention it makes your axles look beefy.

Sky Manufacturing is a local Oregon company based in Springfield. They offer unique, quality constructed products not found at many off road parts stores. You won’t find better craftsmanship or prices.

Check them out at: www.sky-manufacturing.com

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BFG KM2 Mud Terrain Review On Road Part I

Peter Stewart — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:07:43 +0000

It was time to upgrade my old 35″ Wild Country XTR Mud Terrain Tires. My goal was to find a tire with good on road manners and excellent off road traction. After hours of researching and reading reviews my choices were narrowed down to the Yokohama Geolander MT+, Toyo Open Country MT and the BFGoodrick T/A KM2 tires. I decided to try the new BGFs.

BFG KM2 Tire Profile

The new BFG KM2 tires look incredible! They share a similar tread design and styling to the award winning rock-crawling counterpart the Krawler KX. Yet… It is a functional dual purpose tire.

The primary complaint I found online was poor snow and ice traction; this is mostly attributed to the lack of tread siping. In contrast, the Toyo MT tires come with factory siping and have excellent snow/ ice traction; unfortunately they are nearly twice the price!

BFG KM2 Tire Siping

The solution was aftermarket tire siping peformed by the folks at America’s Tire / Discount Tire. I opted to only have the center lugs siped to increase on road traction and increase tread life. The outer lugs were left un-siped to limit tread chunking off road.

The tread siping was well worth the cost. On a recent trip to Mt Bachelor the truck performed very well. It stayed under control at all times with plenty of traction in packed snow and ice. Wet traction has also been excellent. Siping the KM2 tires is highly recommended.

BFG KM2 Tread

The on road manners of the KM2 tires is excellent. It is quiet for a mud terrain tire and there isn’t excessive humming or vibrations at highway speeds (70 mph). The noice level is comperable to many all-terrain tires I have driven in the past.

The tires balanced with a limited amount of weight and have no wobble or unevenness. You won’t feel the aggressive lugs even at slow speeds unlike the Yokohama Geolander MT+ which feels like you’re driving on cobble stones.

Gas mileage decreased slightly (1-2 mpg); in part due to the larger diameter compared to the old tires. Note: these tires measure larger than most 35″ tires on the market.

The BFG KM2 tires are an excellent choice if you desire good on road performance and aggressive looks. Be sure to read Part II: BFG KM2 Mud Terrain Review Off Road

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