bias vs radial
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New User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11
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bias vs radial
I just received a rebuilt steering box and it included a list of reasons for Drift or Wander, and one of the reasons listed was " Radial tires on vehicle designed to use biased ply tires" (1972-earlier) The box is for a 69 -250 2x4 and I'm running 235 85 16 radials load range E. Is there any truth to this ?
I am curious also.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
bias vs radial
Absolutely, 100% truth to that.
The front end for camber, caster, turning, and the rear end were set up for bias tires. One of the first things Ford/Michelin did when putting radials on the 60s Mustang was redesign the steering geometry to convince execs that investing in radials made sense and to eliminate the looseness found when putting radials on older style vehicles. When they first put radials on the Mustang, it literally was all over the road.
That being said, on a 60s/70s truck I doubt you will notice any or much difference, especially on a well used 4x4 with a solid axle, because there is a certain vagueness anyway. It is not exactly a rack and pinion feel even when they were brand new from the factory with bias ply tires.
The front end for camber, caster, turning, and the rear end were set up for bias tires. One of the first things Ford/Michelin did when putting radials on the 60s Mustang was redesign the steering geometry to convince execs that investing in radials made sense and to eliminate the looseness found when putting radials on older style vehicles. When they first put radials on the Mustang, it literally was all over the road.
That being said, on a 60s/70s truck I doubt you will notice any or much difference, especially on a well used 4x4 with a solid axle, because there is a certain vagueness anyway. It is not exactly a rack and pinion feel even when they were brand new from the factory with bias ply tires.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
bias vs radial
I just swapped the bias ply load rated 16.5" wheels and tires for radial tires on 16" wheels on my 67 F250. The radials wander less than the bias tires, and no other problems have been observed.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 188
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From: Wesley Chapel, FLA
bias vs radial
I put radials on my 68 swb for the first time years ago. I had already had the truck for years before that. At the time I remember never having felt such an improvement because of new tires, especially that first few days after the switch till it became "normal" to me. I've never had any problems with tracking or steering, and I always get real long tire life. It's true we're not talking race cars here, but I still remember how happy I was with radials, not the other way around.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 884
Likes: 13
From: Bassett Virginia
bias vs radial
I have a 1969 428SCJ Mach 1 that I put Bias Polyglas tires on when I show the car. You talk about something that dont handle good at all !! Radials is a big improvement...........
