Tread wear question
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Tread wear question
I have an 02 F-350 crewcab shortbed. Tires are 305/70-16 BFG Mud Terrains. You can see a picture of them here http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=Mud-Terrain+T%2FA+KM
So, on the front tires the treads are wearing strangely and I don't know what you call it. Every 3rd or 4th lug is worn lower than the others, on the inside. The truck shakes pretty good, I'm not sure if its because of the tire wear or something else, which causes that type of wear. I bought the truck used with 88k miles and have only put maybe 2k miles on it. It's been this way since I bought it.
So what do you call that type of wear? Is it caused by lack of rotation? Bad shocks? Something far more sinister?
My plan is to replace the tires, put on new shocks, and rotate religiously. Any other suggestions or things to look at?
So, on the front tires the treads are wearing strangely and I don't know what you call it. Every 3rd or 4th lug is worn lower than the others, on the inside. The truck shakes pretty good, I'm not sure if its because of the tire wear or something else, which causes that type of wear. I bought the truck used with 88k miles and have only put maybe 2k miles on it. It's been this way since I bought it.
So what do you call that type of wear? Is it caused by lack of rotation? Bad shocks? Something far more sinister?
My plan is to replace the tires, put on new shocks, and rotate religiously. Any other suggestions or things to look at?
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Tire "cupping" comes from the shocks inability to control the tire. If the damper allows the up, and down motion of the tire, it will hop, the hop means that the tire looses contact with the ground for a very short period of time, and the tire is now allowed to skip instead of roll. The skip causes the cup. Usually from bad, or poor performing shocks. Given the mileage of the truck, you may look at this first. If they are stock, then you will need to replaace them. Since they are also wearing on the insides, this would indicate a "toe" problem, or even a camber problem. Ball joints could be worn causing the insides of the tires to wear, as could the tires be pointed out scrubbing the insides of the tires, wearing out the inside.
With a condition like this the tires are out of balance by now, but installing them in the back should cure the cupping problem, and start wearing them evenly. Find the problem, or you will wear out tires again. If it is the shocks,make sure you consider replacing the rears also since they will have exactly the same miles as the front, and have hit just as many bumps as the front.
With a condition like this the tires are out of balance by now, but installing them in the back should cure the cupping problem, and start wearing them evenly. Find the problem, or you will wear out tires again. If it is the shocks,make sure you consider replacing the rears also since they will have exactly the same miles as the front, and have hit just as many bumps as the front.
Post Fiend
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A bad steering component will cause a steering problem, and not necessarilly tire wear.
trepan;
The shocks could have been gone long before the tires started going bad. As the tires started to wear, the problem just got worse.
Normal bumps in the road will cause the tire to bounce. If the shock can't control it, it will skip, and eventually "cup".
trepan;
The shocks could have been gone long before the tires started going bad. As the tires started to wear, the problem just got worse.
Normal bumps in the road will cause the tire to bounce. If the shock can't control it, it will skip, and eventually "cup".
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Thanks for the help. I'm going to slap on a new pair of shocks today, as well as four new BFG All-Terrain 305/70-16's. I can't wait until my truck no longer feels like a washer on spin cycle!
One more question: As far as shocks go, how do I tell what length I need? I think this truck may have the front leveling kit, so I believe I need a longer shock right? How do I make certain it does or does not have the front leveling kit?
One more question: As far as shocks go, how do I tell what length I need? I think this truck may have the front leveling kit, so I believe I need a longer shock right? How do I make certain it does or does not have the front leveling kit?
Post Fiend
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Remove one shock, and take a measurement while it is fully compressed, and one when it is fully extended, and match the demensions with a replacement.
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From: Olathe, KS
trepan
sounds like the advice of 75f350 will get you there. If that does not clear it up the idler is the next step.
75f350
I have seen quite a few that drive decently but caused tire issues. Due to the "inability to control the tire" the tire will cup. The larger tires will cause the idler to fail sooner. It can appear as a bad shock. I am just suggesting that since he is in working on the problem, it would be prudent to check this out as well.
sounds like the advice of 75f350 will get you there. If that does not clear it up the idler is the next step.
75f350
I have seen quite a few that drive decently but caused tire issues. Due to the "inability to control the tire" the tire will cup. The larger tires will cause the idler to fail sooner. It can appear as a bad shock. I am just suggesting that since he is in working on the problem, it would be prudent to check this out as well.
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It is indeed a 4x4. I replaced the shocks with Napa Reflex's, they seem decent enough. It sure rides smooth now. While I was under there I greased everything that had a grease fitting, and checked things for play. Seems tight, but who knows.
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I'm no expert on testing old shocks. However they weren't as resistant to movement as the new ones, and they appeared to be leaking some fluid. I think this is a good start, I'll keep a carefull eye on things. Thanks 75F350 you've been a tremendous help!