New skins/Problem
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Grays Harbor ,WA
New skins/Problem
I just bought a new set of BFG A/T LT325 65R18. These are great tires, second set for this truck. I got almost 50000 on the first set. My question , it seems the front end is starting to loosen up some, quite noticeable with the new skins. Ive replaced tie rod ends and things over the years on other rigs ,but bacically Im fairly ignorant to front end dynamics, alignments and all. What would be the first/best things to look at to get this front end tightened up again, stop the wandering. Its a challenge to keep it between the lines.
Thanks in advance, Kevin
Thanks in advance, Kevin
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,169
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From: SW Florida
Have 1 person in truck, engine off....and 1 person under truck. Have person repeatedly move steering wheel slightly left and right. Person under truck looks at every steering joint that moves and looks for play/slop. Also check steering box & sway bar links for play. Lift front tire off ground, grab top and bottom of tire, and wiggle to see if you have play.
Someone may have a better idea, but this has worked for me.
Someone may have a better idea, but this has worked for me.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 6,545
Likes: 13
From: Virginia Beach VA
I'd check the pitman arm, all the tie rod ends, ball joints and bearings. Could be the steering box itself, how many miles on the truck? Jacked up with the 325 sized tires I'd assume? I'd even check the spring hangers.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 294
Likes: 24
From: Double Oak, TX
Everyone's thoughts on what to check on your front end are right on. I'm running 16" tires on a 2003 and I noticed that the truck wandered down the road after I installed new tires. It took about 600 miles for the tires to "wear in". We were pulling the trailer down to South Padre Island which is about 600 miles so it was easy to notice the difference from the beginning of the trip and the end of the trip.
After they were worn in, I still had some wandering going on and I found the steering damper was leaking. Replaced that and everything was fine. Got a Monroe steering damper at O'Reilly with a lifetime guarantee. I have replaced it once under the guarantee. I also put new shocks on when I get new tires. Good luck.
After they were worn in, I still had some wandering going on and I found the steering damper was leaking. Replaced that and everything was fine. Got a Monroe steering damper at O'Reilly with a lifetime guarantee. I have replaced it once under the guarantee. I also put new shocks on when I get new tires. Good luck.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
From: Grays Harbor ,WA
Everyone's thoughts on what to check on your front end are right on. I'm running 16" tires on a 2003 and I noticed that the truck wandered down the road after I installed new tires. It took about 600 miles for the tires to "wear in". We were pulling the trailer down to South Padre Island which is about 600 miles so it was easy to notice the difference from the beginning of the trip and the end of the trip.
After they were worn in, I still had some wandering going on and I found the steering damper was leaking. Replaced that and everything was fine. Got a Monroe steering damper at O'Reilly with a lifetime guarantee. I have replaced it once under the guarantee. I also put new shocks on when I get new tires. Good luck.
After they were worn in, I still had some wandering going on and I found the steering damper was leaking. Replaced that and everything was fine. Got a Monroe steering damper at O'Reilly with a lifetime guarantee. I have replaced it once under the guarantee. I also put new shocks on when I get new tires. Good luck.
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