Evidently General has discontinued the 43's and replaced them with the 45, seems like a decent tire overall but like most when they near the end of their lifespan they get brutal as in harsh ride quality and the noise. Depending on the tire I've found that anywhere 5k-10k miles remaining tread life is typically when it becomes an issue.
I don't have any experience with Cooper but I agree that the general consensus would be that with the statement made about being bought out by Goodyear and the quality may have gone downhill. I've always wanted to try Goodyear but honestly I cannot find anything I even like from them with good enough ratings for me. They seem like an ok tire but for the money I can save and actually get better tires it doesn't make any reasonable sense to go with them.
I'm good with Goodyear.. closest tire store to my house is a Goodyear Corporate owned store.
treat me right, do things on time..
about the only store near me that will handle a dually without trying to rip me off with extra's..
you know how they are, hey you need ball joints, brakes or you are going to die before you get home sales pitch.