Regarding the tire plug thread....

[jmcghee]

only if

In extreme weather environments it is important to replace all four. Driving on snow or ice coated roads or continually wet road from rain, cornering and braking won't be equal with different tread patterns or wear.

Only true on an all wheel drive computer traction controlled vehicle , Wehicles with clutch type limited slip differentials need same diameter tires on that axle, to limit clutch wear in the diff . All thru New England tire dealers other packages of snow tires for your drive wheels and all season tires for the oter end.

 

[Yendor357]

Bought an Astro van with 4 different tires, and supposedly only 12K on the odo? That didnt raise a red flag? I hope it was cheap. Real cheap.

Now that we have the tire thing hashed out, We need to settle the issue of putting 180 degree thermostats in vehicles that came with a 200 degree thermostat.

And then we can tackle the issue of putting 10W-40 in vehicles that were designed to run with 5W-20 oil.

 

[ridewv]

Subaru specs that all four tires must be within 1/4" of the same circumference (not diameter). I don't know of another manufacturer that picky. Comparing a new to a half worn tire, the new one might be 1" greater in circumference.

 

[JohnRippert]

I’m assuming someone at the dealer or wherever need the tires. Put together a set of 4 that kinda matched from the used tire pile, and swapped ‘em.
I didn’t notice it when we bought it.
Those 4.3L engines are strong!
I wish GM still made the Astro.

I had a 1996 S10 Blazer for years with that same 4.3L engine. Loved that vehicle and that engine. Only got rid of it because I did not want to replace the AC components. Gotta have good AC in SE Texas. The 6cyl engine in the Ford Aerostar of that same time period was another bullet proof engine. The transmission however was nowhere as good as the Chevy. I always thought the Astro was about the perfect size for a van.