Kevin, As an old opinionated guy, I run radials because I can. Perhaps I've become hooked on the radial cool aid but I noticed the improvement difference when radials came out and have not gone back. Lots of documentation about the benefits of radials. Granted, to maintain the "old look", bias is necessary but I understand some of the new radials are designed to eliminate the flat tire look. We'll just have to agree to disagree.
So far as low speed steering difficulty, I have radials on my F4 and F350 and have no problems steering either truck without PS. And you know, I am not a big guy.

 

Ray, I guess "back in the day" when I was a youngin in highschool I had those really wide tires on my 56 and they were radials and I could barely drive that rig. I'd say its safe to say radials in an equal size to stock would drive well at slow speeds, just i have never experienced it.

 

Good points, Ray. There have been improvements in bias ply also that make them better than the old ones we used when we were young.

 

I agree totally with Ray. For a driver, there is simply no reason to use 100-yr-old technology when there is a proven, safer alternative, that BTW costs about 50% less. Whatever you run, your alignment needs to be optimized for that type of tire.

 

I think we're still on topic, not hijacking the thread too much, but I ask what size steering wheel did you have and how much caster? I know of a few folks who change out that nice big steering wheel in an old car and then wondered why their vehicle steered so hard. Caster will make a huge difference in low speed handling, parking........But you know all this........Some folks may not.

 

I think I know what you mean

the 7.1 has a lot different "pie-crust"

Firestone Blackwall - 710-15

than the 6.7

Firestone Blackwall - 670-15

 

Yep that mest be it because I do not like the looks of the 7.10-15

 

What about these bias ply looking radials from Coker and dbtires? Anyone tried those?

 

Have only used bias for years since I have had the truck so I can't speak for how radials would do. Bias have issues with bump from flat settled spots at start-up drive until they warm up (just a mile or so), grooved road control jerk as noted in other threads, and slick road stopping. However, it otherwise drives well once out of the driveway, looks great with stock look of truck, fits the old underbed spare carrier well, tubes hold air well, no undue problems with stress on old steering system, and truck sits high like I like.

All depends on what you like.

Regarding steering wheel. I guess it would fit the rest that I would have the old big wheel.

Bruce