New Tires...New Noise??

[rumblecloud]

I have a 2014 F-150 XLT 4x4, EcoBoost with 20" wheels. Just put on a new set of 305/55R20s and a 2-inch Rough Country front leveling kit. I had the front aligned per instructions/recommendations. I'm getting a nice hum from the tires which at first I thought was just a different tread pattern. However, the hum disappears when I shift to 4-wheel high.

I don't know much about what could cause this and would love some insight. Just under 80,000 miles mostly highway. 2-lane blacktop.
No off-roading.

Thanks in advance
R

Freshly washed

 

[Uncle Gump]

I wonder if this has anything to do with the IWE's?

 

[rumblecloud]

Not knowing what IWE stood for -- and knowing your sense of humor -- I was sure it meant something like "Idiot With Errors" or something to that effect.
I looked it up and found this interesting article IWE from Stage3 Motorsports .

It describes the noise as GRINDING. I wouldn't describe it as that -- more like extreme mud tires or aggressive tread on pavement. I'm worried it might be something worse like a CV joint or something.

That said. I will roll underneath and check the vacuum lines to the "IWE" actuators.

Thanks Unc!

 

[Uncle Gump]

The first time it was mentioned... I had to look it up too.

I think Jim Oaks had some noise or something going on with his F150.

I thought it might be worth a look anyway. Is the new tread more aggressive then what was on it?

 

[tw205]

I wonder if this has anything to do with the IWE's?

At the risk of showing my ignorance I wasn’t about to ask what IWE’s was. So glad rumblecloud piped in to edumakete me.

 

[rumblecloud]

.... Is the new tread more aggressive then what was on it?

Yes, very much. Sorry I don't have an image of the old ones. They were were just 275/55R20 111S - probably all season or something like that.
Here are the new ones: 305/55R20 AT

 

[tw205]

My fear was it stood for “idiots with education”. Like rumblecloud said, that sense of humor.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I'm sure part of what you're hearing is the new tread... I'm sure they make more noise then you're use to.

 

[rubydist]

Agreed, and when you put it in 4x4 on the dry road, it will cause just a bit of binding in the drivetrain so those loose, tall tread blocks are under load and that makes the noise change.

 

[rumblecloud]

I appreciate all the feedback. I've not experienced this kind of thing before. As I mentioned I figured it was mostly the new aggressive tread, but wasn't sure. I'll just keep my ears on it and listen for anything that sounds like trouble.

 

[rumblecloud]

Going back through this thread as I am still experiencing the hum and found a great vid on the tube that shows a complete R&R and explanation of the IWE

 

[Curious Hound]

I hope you did not put the truck in 4wd on dry pavement. You should never do that. It puts bad stresses on the drivetrain.

 

[rumblecloud]

Nossir. Only to test to see if the noise went away in 4by -- and it does. Plus every now and then to keep it loose. I forget about it otherwise.
Thanks for looking out for me.