2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Bad Tire wear/Cupping-Help?

[Newf Limo]

My BFG 285's AT are cupping on the front. The inside two or three inches of tread are showing the adverse treadwear and I am getting a work-out driving the 100 miles of country road, back and forth to work every day. Has any one experienced this? What was the fix? I want to be armed with info before a visit to the Dealer. I have 52k miles on the truck and this is the only real problem I hav had. Thanks Guys!

 

[Randy J]

Cupping wear is usually a result of anything that makes the wheel bounce up & down as you drive. As you said you're getting a workout driving it, I would assume this to be true in your case also. Things to look at include the shocks (now there's a suprise), wheel balance, springs, stuff like that. An easy way to isolate the problem to the wheel or suspension is rotate the tires front to back. If you're still getting a workout, I'd suspect the shocks. If you feel it more in the rear, I'd suspect wheel balance.

Good luck.

 

[willyslover]

watch inflation close on tire that sees lost of miles to and fro... if you see both inside and outside wear the inflation will be a issue . . that is unless you drive it like a slot car and are just grinding them off.



you issue stated here is a result of shocks being worn out... does your front end bounce more than twice on bumps ?are they stock isssue. . if so with that many miles they are long gone.

 

[Rob Thomas]

If the inside of the tires are wearin', I'd check the toe-in first. Bad alignment will do it every time. Cupping, as you say, would show wear on both inside and outside edges, and is a result of under inflation. BTW, the dealer will say "your on your own", so try a front-end shop, they're cheaper and quicker.



Later, Rob

 

[Riflesmith]

I have the same problem. Took mine to a front end shop that I trust. They checked it out and everything was tight and within specs. The owner said the only solution to this problem if you are going to run load range D tires is to rotate them, and often.



He specifically suggested rotating them every 3500 miles, crossing the front tires as they go to the rear, bringing the rears straight forward. Been following this advice for 30,000 miles now.



The problem is gone. Hope this helps.

 

[Newf Limo]

Thanks Guys,

I will try a front end shop and have it checked out. It is alot of work to keep up with the truck on these little back woods highways. My left shoulder is getting more and more sore everyday. The truck just bounces of the yellow lines. At a stop, with a little brake pressure applied, I can feather the clutch in and out and feel and hear a slight clunking in the steering column, as it moves up and down. The steering feels loose going down the road. I wonder if I should try a dealer first incase there is a TSB on the front end, and get the recall item on the generator cable fixed at the same time. Time is what I have the least of

 

[Steve Campbell]

This almost sounds like...

a track bar problem, exacerbated by loose ball joints or maybe toe-in (as stated above).