I had the best luck of all on Goodyear's. I don't agree at all that the side walls are bad. I'd bet they were run on too low of pressure. I just bought a new set of the Silent Armour for my Rubicon. I'll bet I will get a couple of MPG more than the MT/R and be better on ice. The type of tread really depends on your main driving. I need and ice and snow tire that can go off road. Also, I don't think you can go much more than a 31" tire on a Ranger with those gears.