EXHIBIT 23
                                      







                                      
                                      
                                      
                                      




















                                      
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23
                                      
                                      
                                      
             CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
                                      
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8 No. 33-66696) pertaining to the Treadco, Inc. Stock Option Plan and
Treadco, Inc. Disinterested Director Stockholder Plan of our report dated
January 30, 1997, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and
schedule of Treadco, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the
year ended December 31, 1996.

                                   ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Little Rock, Arkansas
March 21, 1997