As many here know, I have used all different types of tires and wheels on my FJ Cruiser in it's short 2-1/2 year life, for both professional and personal reasons.
In the interest of full disclosure,Nitto provided these tires to me at no charge - I provided the wheels and mounted/balanced/installed them myself. All they requested, however, is that I give my honest impression of their fit, form , and function, based on my 35 years in the automotive industry and 25 years of off-road specific experience.
So here goes the first entry in what will be a multi-part review over time:
Nitto Dune Grapplers
The specific tires I am using are Nitto Dune Grapplers, LT305/70R17, load range "E". They are mounted on ProComp 7089 wheels, size 17X8" (I have used this style wheel previously with several other tire combinations, including BFG A/T K/O, ProComp X-Terrain, ProComp Extreme A/T, and ProComp Extreme M/T, so I can remove the wheel effect from the tire review).
Dyna Beads
Another interesting first (for me) is the use of DYNA-BEADS to balance the tire / wheel combination. I was intrigued after reading some of the other threads posted here, and having had experience with other brands of dynamic wheel beads in larger tires over the years, decided to test them out, too.:bigthumb:
Tire Design
First, a physical description: The Nitto Dune Grapplers are different than any tire I have used in both tread design and sidewall style - definitely something you'll either like or hate. The tread uses an interlocking, side to side oriented varying height lug design, that should work like min-paddles in softer terrain, without compromising on highway traction and handling. The sidewall has extended ridges shaped like flames - so, if you are into flames, you'll cheer; if you're not, well you've got flames.

First Impressions
I installed the Nittos 2 days ago, and have had a chance to run them up to higher speeds to see how well the Dyna Beads worked. First impression - the Dyna Beads work flawlessly. No vibration whatsoever at any speed I've attained so far. The Nitto tires are smooth as glass on the freeway, which is a noticeable difference from the more aggressive tread on the ProComp Extreme M/Ts that I just removed. On the street and on the freeway, the Dune Grapplers feel excellent - very smooth, and grippy around corners, with no soft "wobble" feel at speed that some other larger tires tend to transmit. Braking feels sure and steady as well. So, my first impression is a good one - the Nittos feel sturdy, look good, and on the street, work very well so far.
I'll continue to post my impressions of this tire as I get some more miles on them, and more importantly, as I get to test them out on the trail. So, stay tuned as the Nitto Dune Grappler experience continues...
