I drive a 1993 Nissan 4x2 pickup. I currently have winter tires, and an empty set of rims. I'd like to do some light off-roading this summer, and as such I'm in search of some tires for my truck. My truck comes stock with 195/75R14 tires, though I believe that there was an option of 215/75R14 tires.
I have a few options open to me, I guess. I'll make it easy to read here:
1) Buy four all-season tires and hope that I don't get stuck. This is the cheapest solution, as well as the quietest solution for highway driving (which I do a lot of).
2) Buy four all-terrain tires. I am having difficulty finding A/T tires that will fit my truck - I have been checking out various manufacturer websites and none except for Kumho sell any A/T less than 15". This solution will be more expensive, and will cause more noise when driving (although no worse than my current studded winter tires).
3) Combine the two, attempting to achieve a balance between performance and cost. This is the option of which I am least sure. How will my handling be compromised by having A/S on the front and A/T on the rear? Obviously I would attempt to achieve the greatest similarity between the tires to reduce any problems, but is it worthwhile?
I have only been able to check websites for information so far. I live in a remote area in Alberta right now, but I will be visiting Grande Prairie soon, where I can check out Costco and Canadian Tire, as well as other tire stores.
What advice can you provide? I've been advised by a Nissan fanatic that I can put on up to 235/60R14, though I may need to add in a ball joint spacer or a suspension lift (not what I want to do!).
