2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission New tires funky steering

[RGardner]

I just put new tires on my 2001 3500 drw 4x4 at 46000 miles. Steering seemed fine before the change but now the steering feels like I have a giant load in the bed. The front end feels very light and wants to wander. Any suggestions or ideas? Probably time for an alignment. TIA

 

[John - K5AWO]

I think the rubber compound is too soft and squirmy. I would suggest going back to your dealer and telling them how it feels and upgrade to a better compound.



What you are describing is exactly how very aggressive A/T tires with deep treads feel. I personally don't like it, I want a solid, firm steering and control.

 

[BNH4221]

R



I kind of felt the same thing when I replaced my tires. Front end was all OK, shocks, alignment, DSS etc. I think it might just have been because I got used to the old tires wearing slowly and didn't notice the handling changing over time.

New tires dramatically changed the handling. Took some getting used to.



I did lose the death wobble tho with the new tires. Used to hit a particular expansion joint with the old tires and got the wobble all the time. Never since the new ones.



Hope it helps



Steve

98 QC 12v 4x4

 

[NIsaacs]

Check your front tire air pressure, most tire dealers over inflate.





"NICK"

 

[Joe Mc]

What tires did you have make, size etc and what did you replace with? Alot of the guys here like the Coopers - I'm kind of partial to them as I've had mine for 50k now and they still have a long way to go. The Firestone Steeltexs that were on it when I purchased the truck (@ 75k) were new front and the back were less than fair. At that time all the Firestone bashing was going on - the "E" range tires I had were nice riding tire (265X??X16) I would have purcheased another set but, the wife said "she wasn't going anywhere in 'That Truck'" if I had firestones on it . . . after realizing this statement - maybe I should have got the Firestones :-laf Just kidding.



Air pressure has a great deal to do with ride communicate the type tire etc and I'm sure folks will jump in and give you pressures to start with.

 

[willyslover]

on some new tire tread patterns there is a break in period. .

when I buy a new set of XPS traction Mich. they take a couple weeks to lay down and act correct, prior to that they act as if your on finger tips / squirley as hell . . lasts about two weeks of daily use to start to lay a tread pattern down so they are great tires. .