Originally Posted By: c502cid
I'll probably wait until early spring but I have a way to test the studs vs no stud performance out. I run the exact same tires on my truck year round, with one exception. My winter set is studded and my summer set is not. Otherwise, everything (truck, tire brand, tire size, load rating) is the same. If I did a stopping distance test on a icy road, then on dry road, with each test being on the same day and temperature it ought to tell us something, shouldn't it?
As long as you're running the correct stud length for the tire you will have shorter braking no doubt, on ice that is. If your truck is heavy enough you really shouldn't see any difference in dry braking, but it will be noisy I'm sure, heheh.
That, along with proper psi, which plays more a part than people would think in our trucks. Ford recommends 55/70psi fr/rr, which is insane. I only run 50/40psi fr/rr with my super duty, I have perfect wear an a full footprint on the road. Too much psi, the outer edges don't make proper contact, and that's exactly where the studs are located. Go figure.
On a 3/4 or 1 ton 4x4 diesel, not a dually, I'd run 50-55psi front and 40-45psi rear, empty, no winch, bumpers, etc. Add psi accordingly with added weight as needed.
Even the wife's Windstar, 35/35 fr/rr reommended, I only use 34/32psi fr/rr with our eco-studded Nokians. Better conforming to the road conditions, excellent stud penetration. A loss in mpg no doubt, but traction is more important than fuel costs with glare ice and my kids inside.