My 1954 2-ton has highway-rib 8.25-20 on the rear and 7.5-20 on the front. In spring muddy (or any wet period) it won't move up even very slight slopes if they are not gravelled, which I need it to do. In addition to wanting to drive around the farm, I plan to go to the quarry a number of times and haul back 5 tons of gravel each (twenty miles of paved road.) The tires have been on there at least twenty years and have evidence of crazing. I've been told not to try to carry such a load with these old tires, though they have good tread.

I have seen offered for sale tires called "Highway Rib" and others called "Traction". I would like to put the "Traction" ones on, but I heard that they would affect the handling adversely. Does anyone know if this is true? I thought maybe just the fronts being "highway" would be OK.

Thanks much for any help.