The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Show 40 post(s) from this thread on one page

The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/index.php)
-   The 1967 - 1972 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Message Board (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/forumdisplay.php?f=3)
-   -   FIXED HANDLING PROBLEM-Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider" (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=415712)

70cst 08-09-2010 12:13 AM
FIXED HANDLING PROBLEM-Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider"
 
I have done a lot of searching w/o finding answer an answer. The Circuit Rider has Goodyear 285/60r16 tires on all four corner. After driving about 200 miles the last few days the truck just doesnt seem to handle right. These tires were on the Torq Thrust II's when I bought them back in 2008 (they were used then) so the questions is...what might be the possible cause of this? It has a 2/4" drop with new shocks and fully rebuilt front end.
Would new tires improve this situation? All I know is when I get up to 55-60mph I am not comfortable with the handling of my truck. It almost feel like it wants to wonder left to right....not a lot but a little but enough that I do not feel comfortable at highway speeds. Ideas and thoughts???

When I take the truck in for a final tune up next month I want to have some ideas as to what to look for. Thanks in advance.

basemodel67 08-09-2010 12:32 AM
Re: Question on Tires and handling?
 
Front sway bar. Without it, you will get seasick even on a straight highway.

trz1000 08-09-2010 12:38 AM
Re: Question on Tires and handling?
 
If you're not comfortable going in a straight line at 55-60mph you have a pretty big suspension issue. Did you get an alignment when you rebuilt it the front end? If not you need one.

Are the tires in good shape? If they're worn, especially unevenly worn, then new tires will help.

I have a 71 1/2 ton 2.5"x4" drop with 27" od tires on 18's and it runs straight as an arrow. My 72 Jimmy, stock height is almost as straight but it has 32's on 15's so I don't expect to be as docile as my truck.

70cst 08-09-2010 12:43 AM
Re: Question on Tires and handling?
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by trz1000 (Post 4129718)
If you're not comfortable going in a straight line at 55-60mph you have a pretty big suspension issue. Did you get an alignment when you rebuilt it the front end? If not you need one.

Are the tires in good shape? If they're worn, especially unevenly worn, then new tires will help.

I have a 71 1/2 ton 2.5"x4" drop with 27" od tires on 18's and it runs straight as an arrow. My 72 Jimmy, stock height is almost as straight but it has 32's on 15's so I don't expect to be as docile as my truck.
It was aligned but I noticed it definitely pulls to the right so it does need a front end alignment.

70cst 08-09-2010 01:08 AM
Re: Question on Tires and handling?
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by basemodel67 (Post 4129712)
Front sway bar. Without it, you will get seasick even on a straight highway.

I'll go out tomorrow and see if my truck came with one. It is my understanding that some trucks came with front sway bars and some did not. Thanks

cdowns 08-09-2010 06:28 AM
Re: Question on Tires and handling?
 
did you use new balljoints tierod ends idler arm pitman arm trailing arm bushings trackbar bushingsetc// theres a big difference in the way an up to date suspension handles compared to a 40year old wornout one handles the road

70cst 08-09-2010 08:06 AM
Re: Question on Tires and handling?
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by basemodel67 (Post 4129712)
Front sway bar. Without it, you will get seasick even on a straight highway.
It has an ECE Front Sway Bar set up and the front end is all brand new as this has just come off a frame off. I am thinking alignment as it does pulll to the right and maybe new tires are in order. The tread looks good but there can only be so many reasons for handling issues.

70cst 08-09-2010 08:18 AM
Re: Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider"
 
I'm curious if anybody knows what the best setting for camber, caster, and toe setting for my truck (1970-- 2/4" drop) should be? Mostly country driving. Tire size: Goodyear 285/60r16"

trz1000 08-09-2010 09:44 AM
Re: Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider"
 
Forgot to mention, check the brakes and wheel bearings. Maybe you're getting some binding/drag on the right side.

gcburdic 08-09-2010 10:00 AM
Re: Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider"
 
check w/ 'cparman'.....I've seen him post some alignment stuff a while back.....Also, I called the local hot rod shops around me when i need to get an alignment....they sent me to an old school cat that worked his magic AND told some really good stories as I watched him!!!!

70cst 08-09-2010 10:37 AM
Re: Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider"
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by gcburdic (Post 4130009)
check w/ 'cparman'.....I've seen him post some alignment stuff a while back.....Also, I called the local hot rod shops around me when i need to get an alignment....they sent me to an old school cat that worked his magic AND told some really good stories as I watched him!!!!
Good idea about the alignment shop. I am guessing it has to do with the alignment since I can feel the truck pull to the right. My second guess would related be related to the tires. Thanks for the idea.:metal:

70cst 08-09-2010 12:28 PM
Re: Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider"
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by gcburdic (Post 4130009)
check w/ 'cparman'.....I've seen him post some alignment stuff a while back.....Also, I called the local hot rod shops around me when i need to get an alignment....they sent me to an old school cat that worked his magic AND told some really good stories as I watched him!!!!

I stopped in the local body shop who is heavy into street rods...he suggested a guy who has been in the Alignment business for over 35 years and does all the local stret rods. So tat will be my next step. Again thanks gcburdic ... good recommendation. :metal:

C10-Driver 08-09-2010 01:31 PM
Re: Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider"
 
One thing you may want to consider is the width of the front tires. A 285 is pretty wide and one of the problems with wide tires is that they grab the grooves in the road. A narrower tire will tend to handle a lot better. Keep the wide tires on the back and run a 245 or something close to in on the front.

70cst 08-09-2010 03:07 PM
Re: Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider"
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by C10-Driver (Post 4130312)
One thing you may want to consider is the width of the front tires. A 285 is pretty wide and one of the problems with wide tires is that they grab the grooves in the road. A narrower tire will tend to handle a lot better. Keep the wide tires on the back and run a 245 or something close to in on the front.
Thanks...that is good info to know.

68Stepbed 08-09-2010 03:18 PM
Re: Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider"
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by 70cst
Goodyear 285/60r16
There's your main problem. I DO NOT like Goodyear tires. Get you a set of BFGoodrich, Cooper or Michelin tires. Also as C10-Driver said, go with a slightly smaller tire in front.

gcburdic 08-09-2010 04:06 PM
Re: Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider"
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by 70cst (Post 4130224)

I stopped in the local body shop who is heavy into street rods...he suggested a guy who has been in the Alignment business for over 35 years and does all the local stret rods. So tat will be my next step. Again thanks gcburdic ... good recommendation. :metal:
Glad to help....make sure to stick your head in there while he's working....usually no computers involved....just plain ol' alignment tools they used way back when, and of course a good story or two....:metal:
Usually works by cash only too:D Mine was $60

Cole Trickle 08-09-2010 04:22 PM
Re: Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider"
 
Probably not the case but I have seen people mount directional tires the wrong way. Adds for weird handling, noise and some very hot tires.

70cst 08-09-2010 07:53 PM
Re: Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider"
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by gcburdic (Post 4130572)
Glad to help....make sure to stick your head in there while he's working....usually no computers involved....just plain ol' alignment tools they used way back when, and of course a good story or two....:metal:
Usually works by cash only too:D:Mine was $60
That's interesting :ito: in what you just said. I met with Mark and he has aligned cars & trucks for over 36 years. He has no computer equipment but he does have a good amount of tools that he uses. Full alignment is ... $45. Mark said the toe in setting could also be off. Oh yes... no credit cards. Cash or check. Mark said it should only take an hour so I should stay and watch and we can swap stories. His shop is only about five miles from my house. Life is good.:metal:

gcburdic 08-09-2010 08:50 PM
Re: Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider"
 
Awesome!....Sounds just like the shop I went to....obviously, prices vary by region:D

OH....I forgot....the guy that did mine chewed tobacco....he had 3 different spit buckets....which he used every time he passed by one:lol:.....he probably hadn't emptied them in like 10 years!!!!:haha:

70cst 08-09-2010 08:51 PM
Re: Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider"
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by 68Stepbed (Post 4130497)
There's your main problem. I DO NOT like Goodyear tires. Get you a set of BFGoodrich, Cooper or Michelin tires. Also as C10-Driver said, go with a slightly smaller tire in front.

My top tires of choice are Goodrich and Michelin...the Goodyears were on the TT II's that I bought used. It has been recommended that on the front I switch from 16x8 to a 16x7 size rim. Then I could re-install the 2" drop springs w/o rubbbing/hitting issues.

I am now going through the fine tuning stage of the restoration. :banghead:

Thanks all for your input. :metal:

70cst 08-09-2010 09:29 PM
Re: Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider"
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by gcburdic (Post 4131040)
Awesome!....Sounds just like the shop I went to....obviously, prices vary by region:D

OH....I forgot....the guy that did mine chewed tobacco....he had 3 different spit buckets....which he used every time he passed by one:lol:.....he probably hadn't emptied them in like 10 years!!!!:haha:
Looks like I may be in major trouble. Mark doesn't smoke or chew tobacco. :dohh: :lol:

Hubscrub 08-09-2010 09:57 PM
Re: Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider"
 
is your center link on backwards? that was my problem after we rebuilt the front end it wanderd left to right

70cst 08-09-2010 10:08 PM
Re: Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider"
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hubscrub (Post 4131200)
is your center link on backwards? that was my problem after we rebuilt the front end it wanderd left to right
I am on the road so I can check it out when I get home...Thanks for the idea. :metal:

Longhorn Man 08-10-2010 07:49 AM
Re: Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider"
 
try filling the tires to max PSI.
Too many ppl go by the old 32PSI rule, then they get new tires that are designed to hold 45 or more PSI.

70cst 08-10-2010 07:56 AM
Re: Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider"
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Longhorn Man (Post 4131803)
try filling the tires to max PSI.
Too many ppl go by the old 32PSI rule, then they get new tires that are designed to hold 45 or more PSI.

Another good point. I am making a check list to follow up on. When I get home I'll check this out. Thanks.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:39 AM.
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Show 40 post(s) from this thread on one page

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2025 67-72chevytrucks.com