So luck was on my side. I got the BT45s, new tubes, and free shipping. It totalled to $210, a bargain for sure! I forgot to get some decent tire irons so I guess I'll get those locally. Harbro Freigt has a 24" one for about $6. The AM26s are a beast to remove so a couple of those is probably a good idea.
I find the AM26s seem to stick well enough, they just don't feel right to me. Never have. We'll see if the BT45s are any different.
Scott