I was just at the mechanic trying to get rid of an annoying squeak coming from the left front when turning the steering wheel. I have 18 inch wheels w/ 285/60 tires. The mechanic told me that larger diameter rims, especially 20", tend to put more strain on the suspension and steering. How is this so? Can someone explain this to me? Thanks.

 

The tires are actually part of your suspension. If you have a 70 series, the shoulder of the tire will act as a shock absorber when you drive over a bumpy road. When you change your rims to a larger diameter, the shoulder of the tires becomes smaller, say 45 or 35 series, and that's when the ride tends to be a bit harsh. This is when the suspension of your truck has to do all the work.

But now I see that you have 285/60 tires. It'd be interesting to hear the mechanic's explanation to his theory...

Alf

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2000 Silver XLT 4.6 Extended Cab

Stuff I Got:
- ARE Z-series color matched cap (for my Rotties...)
- Flowmaster 40 series with Edelbrock oval tips
- Airaid intake system
- 500 watt sound system (Sony CD player, Lanzar EQ, Profile amps, Polk speakers, Kenwood subwoofer)
- carbon-look emblems
- dropped 3/5
- clear corner lenses
- color matched Street Scene mirrors
- Superchip

Stuff To Get:
- 20s with low profile rubber
- SVT bumber cover
- Cervini's or cowl hood
- supercharger (twin screw type)

 

I think the offset has more to do with stress on the suspension than diameter.Most newer vehicles come with positive offset wheels this puts less stress on the suspension than the older deep dish style rims.

 

A lot depends on the rims you used. Changing the offset/inset will affect the suspension. Even if you end up with factory spec overall diameter, the steering axis ratio could change which also affects the suspension.
As for the squeak, search the suspension section of this board. Others have complained about the same thing and I believe it was caused by a dry steering knuckle, tie rod end, pitman or idler arm. I forget which.

 

It's the Pitman arm! I did a search and it seems the culprit is the pitman arm. Some have inserted grease by putting a small hole in the sealed boot and squirting grease in it. You can try this or replace it. They're not that expensive.
Good luck!

 

I don't remember the actual part that was squeaking on my truck, but Pitman arm rings a bell. The mechanic put some grease in there..i do believe...now the only thing that squeaks are my metallic breaks...MEEK

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1997 Black 4x4 F-150 XLT 4.6L 285/75/16 Bridgestone Dueler A/T's Eagle Alloy Wheels, K&N Airfilter, Flowmaster Exhaust, Dual tips off of one pipe. Nerf Bars, Brush guard, 2 Ralley Lights, Sony X-plod head unit, Jensen 500 watt amp, Sony X-Plod 10" Sub

sooner or later: a lift and bigger mud terrain tires
meek47@f150driver.com

 

Howdy!

Meek47,

Why Sony X-Plod head and subs but not amp? Curious since I'm still for a manufacturer of my future system. (Probably Sony but who knows)

Thanks.

Have an X-Ploding day.

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My ride:

Basics:
- '99 XLT F-150

Under hood and back:
- Ram air (Don't ask me how )
- AiRaid intake
- Flowmaster DF 50 Series
- 24x3.5" Stainless steel slashed tips (Yes! Solid polished SS, no cheesy chrome-plated)
...

Outside:
- Precision polished billet grille and plate holders
- American Racing 17x8s polished Pythons (Flushed front AND back)
- Goodyear.. something tires (Expensive is all I know. LOL. No Firestone firecrackers for me either)
- Rhino liner
- Ford nerf bars
- Ford bed rails
...

Inside:
- My girlfriend!
...

Fun stuff:
- Dual sirens Black Widow alarm system/keyless entry (Enough decibels to go deaf in a garage )
- Custom driving lights (Just a cool blue)
- 2 High-Watt lights behind grille (For people who cut me off )
- Dual horns (For people who, again, cut me off)
- Dual wheel locks (So I won't be driving home on bricks!)
- Spare wheel lock (So I won't have to use a brick as a spare )
...

Best of all:
- Texas A&M University aTm front plate! Gig'em Aggies!!

Stephlan