I know that this could be one of about 600 things, but here's what's going on. Just put new wheels and tires on my '04 XLT 4x4. (33/12.5/17) Now any time I go anywhere, there is a pretty strong warm (or melting? ) rubber smell after I get out of the truck. It seems to be really strong in the rear wheel wheels and non-existent towards the front of the truck. It's completely gone 1-2 minutes after turning off the truck.

My gears are stock - 3.55 w/o the LS. The tires are bigger and heavier than the stock ones but I'm not overworking my rear diff and/or tranny am I?

Perhaps it's just normal...

 

I know this might sound dumb but, i had the same problem on my maserati, only it smelled exactly like a hot glue gun, i was freaked out thinking i had burned something up, same symptoms it was real strong with the car on but went away quickly after shut off - it was a plastic bag melted into the undercarriage - a dumb idea but, sometimes it's what's going on, probably no help but, just an idea

 

i actully have a similar smell from my truck. I never really thought anything of it though. Doubt it anything to worry over..

 

I'm thinking someone got their greasy or rubber residue coated hands all over your exhaust and you are smelling that residue burning off.


RV'rs run into it all the time. It's called 'toad stink'. When you tow a car/truck behind a motorhome it may develop a burning rubber smell when driven. It is from water splashed into the engine/exhaust area from the motorhome's wheels. Then when you start the toad up and it gets warm you think the belts are burning or your dragging a tire. Toad stink is caused by rubber from tires on the road mixed with water, then splashed on metal parts that will get hot. It's nasty and scares you a lot but is harmless.
Chris

 

Who Farted ??

 

Same thing with my truck.... No idea.

 

Are you sure it isn't the emergency brake rubbing. Even though I never used mine, for some reason they would rub. Had the dealer back off on th adjustment a bit. That seems to have stopped the problem. Adjustment is just like any rear rum, though these are not self adjusting.
I mention this specifically because you stated it was from the rear only.