Tires

[volcano buster]

Balancing question:

Are the rims always true?

Seems like the combination of an out of balance rim and poorly placed out of balance tire could require a ton of lead to get into spec. So, do they ever pop the bead and rotate the tire 180° and remount to check whether that minimizes the need of lead?

 

[meathooker]

TIRE BALANCE= About 90% of the issues you guys are having is because they are not balanced properly. I run BFG All terrain KO. I have had several sets with no issues. The last set I put on my 2003 Dodge 2500 diesel handled terrible. I complained about it and they advised it was "tread squirm". One of the veteran shop guys drove my truck one day and brought it straight into the shop. He then "tag" balanced my tires. It was night and day difference. I could tell the difference in less than a mile. Tag balancing takes much longer and most shops hate doing it or don't know how. It is also not required for the majority of the vehicles out there.

The new balancing machines will tag each tire with a number. That number is then wrote on the tire. The computer keeps track of each tire and where it was balanced. At the end of balancing the 4 tires it will then tell you where to place them on the vehicle. When you start dealing with bigger tires with a lot more rubber you typically have to add more weight if they are out of balance. (If they are not out of balance there is never really an issue and typically no handling issues either). If you have two tires on your truck that required "more" than normal weight to balance and the weight was required on the outside of the tire and they are both put on the same side it will definitely affect how it handles.

what are your thoughts on dynamic balancing beads? ive been using them and have had great results on all but one vehicle.

 

[Powderboy]

Slightly off topic. What is the largest size tire I can fit on a stock 1996 F250? I read up on some Ford truck forums and the most popular answer has been 285/75/16

 

[summ8rmk]

Balancing question:

Are the rims always true?

Seems like the combination of an out of balance rim and poorly placed out of balance tire could require a ton of lead to get into spec. So, do they ever pop the bead and rotate the tire 180° and remount to check whether that minimizes the need of lead?

Yes that is common practice.

 

[summ8rmk]

Slightly off topic. What is the largest size tire I can fit on a stock 1996 F250? I read up on some Ford truck forums and the most popular answer has been 285/75/16

Correct!. If u have aftermarket wheels( and u should with that size tire, 8in wide) u will need to put spacers(washers) between the front bumper and frame. I took the plasma torch to the bottom corners of the bumper so that i could use less spacers.
To space the bumper far enough out to prevent tire rubbing when turning u will need to buy longer carriage bolts for the bumper and then it starts to look funny.
Also Hankook rf10 or atm (same tire ) is an awesome tire that i have had on a 96 and now superduty. Inexpensive and a very soft ride for a 10ply.

I swapped a dana 60 and f350 springs into my 96 f250 and it did not change the ride. But it made me feel better getting rid of the TTB.

If u want a good looking tire that is absolutely awesome in the snow look at the IROK. Don't expect a lot of miles though.

I have ran a LOT of tires comparing them side x side with near identical rigs so i speak from experience not because' i have it so its better'

 

[meathooker]

Got the pizza cutter installed on the 450. Can't wait to try it out this weekend

 

[volcano buster]

Yes that is common practice.

So is ramming the lug nuts on to the torque of the air wrench then checking to make sure they screwed you good by "checking" it with the torque wrench...

 

[Powderboy]

Correct!. If u have aftermarket wheels( and u should with that size tire, 8in wide) u will need to put spacers(washers) between the front bumper and frame. I took the plasma torch to the bottom corners of the bumper so that i could use less spacers.
To space the bumper far enough out to prevent tire rubbing when turning u will need to buy longer carriage bolts for the bumper and then it starts to look funny.
Also Hankook rf10 or atm (same tire ) is an awesome tire that i have had on a 96 and now superduty. Inexpensive and a very soft ride for a 10ply.

I swapped a dana 60 and f350 springs into my 96 f250 and it did not change the ride. But it made me feel better getting rid of the TTB.

If u want a good looking tire that is absolutely awesome in the snow look at the IROK. Don't expect a lot of miles though.

I have ran a LOT of tires comparing them side x side with near identical rigs so i speak from experience not because' i have it so its better'

I always get lost on these tire size questions. I think If I'm reading this correctly the answer to my question should be "No" ?? As in you can't fit 285/75/16 tires on a stock 96 F250. Modifying, lifting etc I do not want to do.

 

[summ8rmk]

I always get lost on these tire size questions. I think If I'm reading this correctly the answer to my question should be "No" ?? As in you can't fit 285/75/16 tires on a stock 96 F250. Modifying, lifting etc I do not want to do.

The 285/75 on an 8in wheel WILL rub on the bottom corner of the front bumper when the tire is turned to a certain position.
Other than the bumper needing finessing no other mods are needed.

The 285/75 looks good on the f250.
The 265/75 looks a little small but works just fine.

 

[AndrettiDog]

Got the pizza cutter installed on the 450. Can't wait to try it out this weekend

Looks idea for sledding. You want to cut down through the snow to the ground. So many people want the big floaty tires that would work better in the sand dunes. I have 16's on my truck and they are great in some deep snow.