I'm tire shopping for my 02 4WD Dakota, and getting more confused than ever. One of my Mopar buddies is a long time tire guy, and suggests LT tires, in a load range C. Says D or E range cost more, and I don't need them. I went online to Tire Rack and Sam's Club. Found a few LT's, but mostly P tires. Most had load range E, and some didn't list an alpha designation, just a weight rating.

I've been online researching, and it seems that the vote is split between LT and P-metric, but I'm leaning towards LT. I don't ever have a heavy load in the truck, and only tow a john boat. It'll see a little mud when I go to the fishing hole, which the 4WD can handle. What do you guys recommend?

Also got an education at Sam's. Seems they will only install the exact size listed on the door jamb sticker, which in my case is 235/65/16. However, I have the original window sticker for the truck. It says:

Standard Equipment (Unless replaced by optional equipment)
Tires-P235/70R15 XL OWL All-Season

However, under Optional Equipment is the Customer Preferred Package 26C, which includes P265/70R16 OWL All-Terrain, which my truck came with. I pointed that out to them. Doesn't matter according to Sam's. Gotta follow the door jamb sticker. I just shrugged and left. Didn't realize at the time that the jamb sticker has 15's, window sticker has 16's. But as I type this and read the sizes again, I realize they're gonna have a helluva time putting 15" tires on my 16" wheels...

In addition, the shot tires that were on it when I bought it are LT265/65/16 Mud & Snow. A little taller and narrower than the OE 70's, but I think I'd like to go back with the 65's for a little added height.

Also, the truck came OE with All-Terrain's, but now has the M & S. New tire choices include All-Season, Mud & Snow, and All-Terrain. I'm thinking of going with All-Season for more of a street tread, with a better ride.

Any advice would be appreciated. My head is spinning right now...