Anyone running 295/70R18 Michelin Defender LTX M/S

First off, I love the look of aggressive AT tires (Wildpeaks, Ridge Grapplers, KO2, etc.). But this will be on my daily driver and we take 3 long trips per year out west (Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado) and can put upwards of 3000-5000 miles per trip. So comfort and road noise are very important, especially when everyone is sleeping and I have the cruise set at 85+.

So is anyone running the Michelins in the 295 size?

I have a 2014 CM SR5 and am about to add up front Billstein 6112s at the 1.9" setting. Can also do a Coachbuilder shim on both sides if necessary, bringing it up to approx 2.4" in front. Could do a second shim in front (both sides), but would like to avoid having to go with aftermarket upper control arms (UCA).

With this I am going to get some SCS Ray10 18x9 +25 offset rims, which will work with the 34" LT295/70r18 Defenders. Originally wanted thinking of the 33" LT275/70r18 Defenders, but the recommended rim size is 7"-8.5". Although a 9" rim works, it drops the tire height down to darn near OEM tire height (32.1").

 

There are plenty of popular AT tires in 275 65 that are rated up to a 9 or 10 inch wheel. That's basically the same size you were originally looking at.

If you think you need 295 for whatever reason, the difference in ride on the road is probably not much different than some of the other ATs available. Most of them specify they work on a 9" wheel.