new tires worn down to belts

[cullyboy98]

I had a new set of bfg at,s put on my truck,and only about 4500 miles later the inside of both front tires are showing belts. Is this an alignment problem or a chamber problem as I don't want to have to buy new tires the fast. Is the camber even adjustable on rangers?my steering wheel is not centered, its at about the10 oclock position when driving straight. I'm thinking new tie rods and balls joints. And an alignment. Even so so, it seems to me that a lot of rangers have a lot of negative chamber when sitting still you can see the wheels tucked in. I need opinions fast as this is my daily driver and don't have a lot of money for uneccesary parts.thanks guy.

 

[Chris_1]

It sounds like you need a professional alignment. They will check your ball joints and tie rods before they do it. Alignment is way cheaper than new tires every 6 months

 

[cullyboy98]

Yep, guess that's what it boils down to.now just have to find the right place to do it.

 

[Andy D]

You could always check the stuff yourself. Lift the front end and put it on stands . Then check the ball joints for play. Chances are you will find play that affects the toe in and causing your tires to wear out. Regardless of who does the work. the front end will have to be aligned afterward.

 

[cullyboy98]

I did that today and there's some play at the rack and pinion tie rods. But I cant see them for the boots covers.upper and lower ball joints seems fine.is the alignment adjusted by cam bolts or shims or just the tie rods?

 

[90longbed]

sounds like your toe-in is way off.....of all alignment angles. incorrect toe will wear the tires the most....its also why the steering wheel is off center....have the front end checked for worn parts.... get a good alignment....I have seen too many lazy techs just set the toe and ship it.... then it comes back in with a pull or drift and a seasoned tech takes the time to fix it right.... was a mechanic for 12 years.... steering/ suspension and brakes were my best repairs

 

[adsm08]

I am confused by something here.

You paid out for BFGs, which are usually $150 or more a piece, but you didn't shuck out the $70 for an alignment when your steering wheel is already off a 1/4 of a turn?


Why?

 

[Chris_1]

Excellent point - gotta agree with that one all the way !

 

[black_demon69]

I did that today and there's some play at the rack and pinion tie rods. But I cant see them for the boots covers.upper and lower ball joints seems fine.is the alignment adjusted by cam bolts or shims or just the tie rods?

toe is adjusted on the tie rods. if you have movement on the inner tie rods then they will have to be replaced before a proper alignment can be done. also camber can effect toe and is usually caused by bad ball joints..

just rebuild the entire front end on mine and it cost me about $1400 for 2 tires and all bushings shocks springs ball joints inner and outer tie rods. she rides like a new truck all that was done because i dont want to tear it all apart again anytime soon...

 

[Road Angels]

With the truck on flat ground and wheels straight stand back and look at the tires I bet they look canted in at the top and out at the bottom, the R&P steering on these later trucks not only wear the outer tie rod ends but the inner ball ends on the rack its self, also if you have crap worn shocks this allows the suspension to be beat to death, as in ball joints, have the ball joints replaced with greaseable cause the factory ones belong on a feista not a truck

 

[Rangurr]

You, sir, seem to have some alignment issues. I guess you'll need to get rid of it (I'll take it off of your hands) and go buy another one....

 

[doorgunner]

(First.....jack the front end up so the wheels will spin freely and then rebuild the suspension.....

Then spin one wheel by hand................it is important keep it spinning during the next step of repair.........................

now------spray the worn down spot with rubber-ized undercoating until the low spot is built up even with the rest of the tire...........

take a nail and scratchh some tread grooves in the undercoating to match the good tread.......

Keep spinning the tire for a couple housr until the stuff dries real good-----

or use your girlfriends hair-dryer to dry it faster........

Do the same exact thang to the other wheel....................


Then.....Go get a good alignment!


(This post was for entertainment purposes only. Do not try this at home---or where your friends can see you doing it!)

 

[cullyboy98]

Thanks for all the input.going tomorrow and getting new ball joints as I bought new tie rods today,also gonna pick up new upper and lower a arm bushings and while I'm at it new wheels bearings too, then off to the alignment shop.

 

[Spott]

(First.....jack the front end up so the wheels will spin freely and then rebuild the suspension.....

Then spin one wheel by hand................it is important keep it spinning during the next step of repair.........................

now------spray the worn down spot with rubber-ized undercoating until the low spot is built up even with the rest of the tire...........

take a nail and scratchh some tread grooves in the undercoating to match the good tread.......

Keep spinning the tire for a couple housr until the stuff dries real good-----

or use your girlfriends hair-dryer to dry it faster........

Do the same exact thang to the other wheel....................


Then.....Go get a good alignment!


(This post was for entertainment purposes only. Do not try this at home---or where your friends can see you doing it!)

On a side note, it's great to see you in good spirits, DG. Keep your head up!

Spott