FIXED HANDLING PROBLEM-Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider" - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**70cst** · 08-09-2010, 12:13 AM

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

Front sway bar. Without it, you will get seasick even on a straight highway.

trz1000 · 08-09-2010, 12:38 AM

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by trz1000

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by basemodel67

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

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by basemodel67

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

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

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

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcburdic

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.

**70cst** · 08-09-2010, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcburdic

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.

C10-Driver · 08-09-2010, 01:31 PM

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by C10-Driver

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

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70cst

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.

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....

Usually works by cash only too

Mine was $60

Cole Trickle · 08-09-2010, 04:22 PM

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcburdic

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....

Usually works by cash only too

:Mine was $60

That's interesting

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.

gcburdic · 08-09-2010, 08:50 PM

Awesome!....Sounds just like the shop I went to....obviously, prices vary by region

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

.....he probably hadn't emptied them in like 10 years!!!!

**70cst** · 08-09-2010, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68Stepbed

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.

Thanks all for your input.

**70cst** · 08-09-2010, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcburdic

Awesome!....Sounds just like the shop I went to....obviously, prices vary by region

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

.....he probably hadn't emptied them in like 10 years!!!!

Looks like I may be in major trouble. Mark doesn't smoke or chew tobacco.

Hubscrub · 08-09-2010, 09:57 PM

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hubscrub

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.

Longhorn Man · 08-10-2010, 07:49 AM

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

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.

08-09-2010, 12:13 AM	#1
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,375	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. __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder! Last edited by 70cst; 08-13-2010 at 11:25 AM.

08-09-2010, 12:32 AM	#2
basemodel67 Factory Strippers Rule! Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Shingle Springs, CA Posts: 707	Re: Question on Tires and handling? Front sway bar. Without it, you will get seasick even on a straight highway. __________________ "Feast your eyes on a feast of smoke." 67 Chevy Short Fleet PLAN: LQ9, 4L60, D60 Looking for School Bus Gauges - Help me out!

08-09-2010, 12:38 AM	#3
trz1000 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 95	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.

08-09-2010, 06:28 AM	#6
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	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 __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-09-2010, 08:18 AM	#8
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,375	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" __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder! Last edited by 70cst; 08-09-2010 at 08:25 AM.

08-09-2010, 09:44 AM	#9
trz1000 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 95	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.

08-09-2010, 10:00 AM	#10
gcburdic Restoration Virgin! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Huntersville, NC Posts: 8,298	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!!!! __________________ Geoff with a G 1968 Chevy C10 SWB The Mistress 1972 Custom Deluxe C20 Suburban A Suburban Named Isabella 1966 Ford Mustang Mama's High School Graduation Present

08-09-2010, 01:31 PM	#13
C10-Driver Chevy Truck Addict Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Kelowna, BC Posts: 1,176	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. __________________ . 1970 Chev C/10 SWB, 355 SBC, 700R4, 3.73 Posi, Air Ride (Click to view Build Thread) (SOLD) 1978 Chevy C/10 SWB 1970 Pontiac Lemans .

08-09-2010, 04:22 PM	#17
Cole Trickle C-10 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Corona,CA Posts: 1,001	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. __________________ 1969 Short Fleet 350/SM465 4.5/6.5 ECE drop 20" Raceline Wheels 1998 2dr Tahoe 5/7 drop 20"/22" Coys-sold Build thread...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=401910

08-09-2010, 08:50 PM	#19
gcburdic Restoration Virgin! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Huntersville, NC Posts: 8,298	Re: Question on Tires and handling? "Circuit Rider" Awesome!....Sounds just like the shop I went to....obviously, prices vary by region 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.....he probably hadn't emptied them in like 10 years!!!! __________________ Geoff with a G 1968 Chevy C10 SWB The Mistress 1972 Custom Deluxe C20 Suburban A Suburban Named Isabella 1966 Ford Mustang Mama's High School Graduation Present

08-09-2010, 09:57 PM	#22
Hubscrub Cruzin Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: on the road Posts: 2,835	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 __________________ Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14

08-10-2010, 07:49 AM	#24
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	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.



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