C and E load mixed tires

[micah36]

So I recently bought a JL Sahara and didn’t notice this at first but the previous owner had C load tires on the front and Es on the rear.

The tires on the rear are newer than the fronts (and the spare is C too) so I assume that he went to the tire shop, asked for two tires to be replaced and they threw a set of Es on there.

I’m just wondering if there are any big drawbacks to just running these as is until I need new tires?

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[azwjowner]

A little weird but it's fine. I would make sure you keep the same tires on each axle, and don't mix C and E on the same axle. (In case they handle differently, or one is slightly smaller/larger under load).

Really though, this is the excuse you need to justify purchasing a set of five larger tires

 

[micah36]

Ha yeah I know. Thanks for the reply. In regard to psi should I run a few pounds less in the rears? I’m currently at 35psi all around

 

[azwjowner]

Ha yeah I know. Thanks for the reply. In regard to psi should I run a few pounds less in the rears? I’m currently at 35psi all around

According to tire manufacturer load charts, C and E don't require different pressure to support the same weight; the difference is that E just has a higher maximum pressure. So there is no reason intrinsic to the load range to vary the pressure in your case.

That said, if your Jeep is heavier in the front, as are most, you could do 1-2 psi lower in the rear. I leave mine all the same.

E tires are more noticeably harsh than C if overinflated.

 

[NPC 20883467]

'E's are stiffer, so if I were going to run the same tire pressures, I'd put the 'E's up front. Which makes more sense anyway, because 'E's are tougher, and anything you hit that will puncture a tire, you're going to hit with the front tires first.

 

[Discount Tire]

So I recently bought a JL Sahara and didn’t notice this at first but the previous owner had C load tires on the front and Es on the rear.

The tires on the rear are newer than the fronts (and the spare is C too) so I assume that he went to the tire shop, asked for two tires to be replaced and they threw a set of Es on there.

I’m just wondering if there are any big drawbacks to just running these as is until I need new tires?

As a general rule of thumb, It may be possible to mix tires with different load indexes and speed ratings if the load index and speed symbols are higher than the minimum threshold recommended by the vehicle manufacturer (extra load vs. standard load). In these instances, fit the higher-rated tires to the rear axle. Of course, as @azwjowner states, it's a good opportunity for a tire upgrade all around!

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