Steering Play Issue
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2009
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From: North Texas
Steering Play Issue
I've searched and seen the multitude of fixes for the wandering, but I know exactly when this started happening and was wondering if anyone might know why in relation to my project.
I bought the X with about a 4" lift and P315 tires. I have lowered back down and switched the components back to "stock" specs. When I lowered it I noticed no difference in the handling. I then switched the P315s to P285s and started to notice a wandering or loose feeling. Having the front end realigned made no difference.
I've played with tire pressures and it feels a bit better, but the wife is still uncomfortable driving it.
Looks like I'm about to start replacing front end parts - what should I start with?
Thanks,
TX
I bought the X with about a 4" lift and P315 tires. I have lowered back down and switched the components back to "stock" specs. When I lowered it I noticed no difference in the handling. I then switched the P315s to P285s and started to notice a wandering or loose feeling. Having the front end realigned made no difference.
I've played with tire pressures and it feels a bit better, but the wife is still uncomfortable driving it.
Looks like I'm about to start replacing front end parts - what should I start with?
Thanks,
TX
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 146
Likes: 16
As Mike asks above, the load rating can be a factor. Also, as tires get more narrow they are more susceptible to "following" groves/patterns in the road. Finally, just the type/style of tread pattern of the tire can drastically impact wonder. (ie tires with sharp inner and outer edges on their tread tend to catch grooves a lot more then rounded edges)
I know this is not much help, just sharing my experiance with thing I have found that can cause what you discribed.
I know this is not much help, just sharing my experiance with thing I have found that can cause what you discribed.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa, OK
I'm going through this same internal debate with myself--the 2nd time around. I managed to "fix" my 2003, but I admittedly did some wholesale parts replacements before getting it under control. That means I don't know exactly what the fix was.
Rather than being totally logical, you might consider replacing the drag link, then tie rod ends, then tighten up the steering gear. These parts are easy to replace and for maybe <$300 you may get this under control. If they don't work, then the next logical replacements would be the ball joints and then the track bar.
Rather than being totally logical, you might consider replacing the drag link, then tie rod ends, then tighten up the steering gear. These parts are easy to replace and for maybe <$300 you may get this under control. If they don't work, then the next logical replacements would be the ball joints and then the track bar.
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From: North Texas
New tires are Kumho Venture AT LT285/75R-16 "D" load rating.
By "stock" I meant V/B code springs with Bilstein shocks.
Tire pressure is in the low 50's I started in the 60's and went down until I got a good contact patch on the ground. It did seem to make a small difference when the pressures went down (for the better).
I had good luck with Kumho tires on the last car, but am starting to second guess putting them on the X.
I appreciate the info.
TX
By "stock" I meant V/B code springs with Bilstein shocks.
Tire pressure is in the low 50's I started in the 60's and went down until I got a good contact patch on the ground. It did seem to make a small difference when the pressures went down (for the better).
I had good luck with Kumho tires on the last car, but am starting to second guess putting them on the X.
I appreciate the info.
TX
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 534
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From: Oregon
New tires are Kumho Venture AT LT285/75R-16 "D" load rating.
By "stock" I meant V/B code springs with Bilstein shocks.
Tire pressure is in the low 50's I started in the 60's and went down until I got a good contact patch on the ground. It did seem to make a small difference when the pressures went down (for the better).
I had good luck with Kumho tires on the last car, but am starting to second guess putting them on the X.
I appreciate the info.
TX
By "stock" I meant V/B code springs with Bilstein shocks.
Tire pressure is in the low 50's I started in the 60's and went down until I got a good contact patch on the ground. It did seem to make a small difference when the pressures went down (for the better).
I had good luck with Kumho tires on the last car, but am starting to second guess putting them on the X.
I appreciate the info.
TX
Running at or below what Ford reccomends is not the best. Ran my originals at 65psi and have 99k plus on them. They are E rated tires.
What may work well with a "car" may not be the best for our "land based aircraft carriers". JMO also.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Chino, California
You can go to Costco.com under auto and click on tires. Enter your year/make/etc. and it will give you the OEM tire size and load range.
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2009
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From: North Texas
Sorry, guess I should have worded it different.
What brand of tires were OEM?
I know the tire thing is subjective, but I'll go with what is known to work if they did from the factory.
TX
What brand of tires were OEM?
I know the tire thing is subjective, but I'll go with what is known to work if they did from the factory.
TX
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,198
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From: Tulsa, OK
On both my 2003 and my 2005, they were BF Goodrich Rugged Trail T/A Load Range E. Tire Rack also shows that the Pirelli Scorion STR A was used.
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