I have ITP Blackwater 26X12X12 on steel rims on my Wolverine. The machine came like that when I bought it used. Problem is it has a harsh ride and the front in particular is a handful when riding a rocky trail. The wide flat tire profile tends to catch rocks ect and pull the steering. Silt and sticky mud bog the engine and excelleration is reduced. However I must say the huge tires do look cool. I have been looking around for a more multi use replacement with about 60% mud and 40% rocky trail. So far the Maxxis Sur Traks F 25X8X12, R 25X10X12 on aluminum .190 seems to be a good choice from what a read However I though that a rounder profile in the front might be more useful so I am looking at Titan 489 F 25X8X12, and the new 589 R 25X10X12 on .190 aluminim. What are your ideas on tire size, selection and steel versus aluminum rims.

 

I'd Stick with what you have and get som bolt on power,like muffler, k&N filter or pro flow kit also you can get it jetted.This should get the wheels spinnig. also you also might want to look at a steering damper.



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99' Wolverine, FMF MegaMax2 Pipe, K&N jet kit and filter, OxLite brush guards,Skidplate, DuraBlue Elimanator axle and lift kit and Kenda BearClaws

 

Aluminum rims will bend like spaghetti. Everything that touches them will bend the outer ridge over. Having big tires that protrude out the sides (like blackwaters), will protect them to an extent, but I'd still be nervous.

 

give the mudrunners a look

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Harold Wells Raleigh NC 98 Wolverine& 97 Timberwolf Blueribbon Coalition Member

 

Wolv99, derekjes, Harold. Thanks for the reply. I always feel that group opinions produce the best results. Wolv99 I always enjoy you comments, keep em coming. Adding the power boosting extras would be nice however I wish to keep my noise impact at a minimum so for now those are on hold. I have considered a steering damper and they do seem to be a good fix for front ends with a mind of their own. derekejes I have thought about aluminum to lower the unsprung weight of the wheels. however if the .190 is going to be very prone to bending versus a standard steel rim then I would have to pass. If however they could be as much as 75% as strong as steel then I would still consider the aluminum. Harold I will take a close look at the Mud Runners, thanks for the recommendation.

 

u can always get racing rings for the out side of the aluminum wheels those for sure will not bend, but are a bit more money.
check in to the Kenda BEAR Claws, the new maxxis Mud Bugs look sweet but they only come in 26, and 27.