2003 dodge 3/4 with cummins wearing tires funny - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

t walgamuth · #1 08-14-2007, 02:19 PM

My dodge rwd truck is wearing the tires in a skippin pattern in front. I have posted here about it before and the consensus was something loose like ball joints. It rattles over bumps and has done so for a good while. The tires have 74k on them and this has been becoming an issue for maybe 10k. I took it to Sears automotive and had them check what was loose. They said nothng was loose and it was because I have not been rotating them.

I say BS.

Any more informed folks have an opinion?

Tom W

TheDon · #2 08-14-2007, 02:29 PM

skipping? where exactly? the sidewall?

like this?

http://www.kaltire.com/commercial/medium_truck_tires/lug_wear.php

lug wear?

or spotty wear?

http://www.kaltire.com/commercial/medium_truck_tires/spotty.php

t walgamuth · #3 08-14-2007, 05:28 PM

The tread does look somewhat like that but less drastic. The tires really don't shake or vibrate except just a little (I am pretty sensitive to that). They make a slapping noise on the pavement at lower speeds which sounds almost metallic. At 75 mph it is pretty unnoticable.

Tom W

Wodnek · #4 08-15-2007, 11:05 PM

I had that on a ford truck with twin I beam kingpin suspension, worn kingpins.

In this case the tires were in at the top like "/ \" not that extreme though.

t walgamuth · #5 08-15-2007, 11:42 PM

The tires seem to be pretty straight up and down.

It looks as if they may be worn a slight bit more on the inside.

Tom W

Ara T. · #6 08-16-2007, 01:11 AM

Dumb question here, you said you had them checked for loose parts but did you actually check the alignment? If so post the alignment specs on here.

t walgamuth · #7 08-17-2007, 12:18 AM

No they did not.

I was told here that that wear pattern indicaced worn shocks (not likely) or loose parts in the suspension.

I am planning to take it to my indie and have him check it.

Tom W

t walgamuth · #8 08-17-2007, 08:28 AM

Ok I took it out to my indie today. He found just the sway bar link ball joint to be worn. That would account for the chuckling over bumps. Seems unlikely that would cause the goofy tire wear.

But we rotated the tires and I will order the links.

Tom W

t walgamuth · #9 10-25-2016, 10:32 PM

I cured it with new shocks.

And a week or so ago I put on new Rancho 9 way adjsutable again as the Bilsteins are not stout enough.

For good measure we're installing a new clutch on warranty and I had the big rear view mirrors put on it and new headlights....the original ones are getting cloudy.

clacker · #10 11-02-2016, 12:32 PM

Let me know what you think of those Rancho's. I just ordered a set for my truck (same, 2005 2500 Cummins RWD). I am not sure which setting to set them at before throwing them on...

t walgamuth · #11 11-27-2016, 10:54 AM

I like them a lot. I put the rears on 9 and fronts on 6 IIRC.

Desert Panther · #12 12-02-2016, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I cured it with new shocks.

And a week or so ago I put on new Rancho 9 way adjsutable again as the Bilsteins are not stout enough.

For good measure we're installing a new clutch on warranty and I had the big rear view mirrors put on it and new headlights....the original ones are getting cloudy.

What was wrong with your clutch? I've seen stock clutches on these trucks last over 100 thousand miles, and that is with pulling heavy trailers and moving loads too, not just trips to church on Sundays.

Also curious to hear about your experiences with the Bilsteins. Is your truck at stock ride height or is it lifted? Stock sized tires or over-sized? What all do you pull/haul with it?