Hi Everyone:
Got a problem, I think, with my '64 Champ 3/4 Ton pick up. Have owned the thing since 1976, it's probably got at least 300,000 miles on it, and has not been pampered. Well maintained, but has hauled many, many overweight loads. It's getting into snow season here, so yesterday I bought new studded snow tires for the rear and installed same. They're LT 225/75/R16, same size as the Michelin all season radials that are on the front. But the new snows I bought are load range "E", 2680 lbs. max. load @ 80 psi, as opposed to the load range "D" (2335 max. load @ 65 lbs.)that's on the front. I've inflated the rears to 70 lbs, and the fronts to 60 lbs. I replaced front shocks one year ago. Leaf springs are original, as I recall, but I had the shackles re-bushed maybe 15 years ago.
Now for the problem. Test drove it yesterday and today and it feels kinda "squirrelly." When I turn the steering wheel maybe 15 to 20 degrees either way or back and forth at 35 mph or more it feels like I'm gonna put it into a roadside ditch. Front end feels soft, like I've got pillows, instead of tires on the front. Kinda wants to "dive."
All this makes me wonder if putting tires with different ply ratings and load ranges on rear vs. front is known to cause this type of reaction outta my beloved Champ. Does anyone have any experience or expertise on this matter? I'd sure like your thoughts.
Thanks, Larry
Got a problem, I think, with my '64 Champ 3/4 Ton pick up. Have owned the thing since 1976, it's probably got at least 300,000 miles on it, and has not been pampered. Well maintained, but has hauled many, many overweight loads. It's getting into snow season here, so yesterday I bought new studded snow tires for the rear and installed same. They're LT 225/75/R16, same size as the Michelin all season radials that are on the front. But the new snows I bought are load range "E", 2680 lbs. max. load @ 80 psi, as opposed to the load range "D" (2335 max. load @ 65 lbs.)that's on the front. I've inflated the rears to 70 lbs, and the fronts to 60 lbs. I replaced front shocks one year ago. Leaf springs are original, as I recall, but I had the shackles re-bushed maybe 15 years ago.
Now for the problem. Test drove it yesterday and today and it feels kinda "squirrelly." When I turn the steering wheel maybe 15 to 20 degrees either way or back and forth at 35 mph or more it feels like I'm gonna put it into a roadside ditch. Front end feels soft, like I've got pillows, instead of tires on the front. Kinda wants to "dive."
All this makes me wonder if putting tires with different ply ratings and load ranges on rear vs. front is known to cause this type of reaction outta my beloved Champ. Does anyone have any experience or expertise on this matter? I'd sure like your thoughts.
Thanks, Larry
). If the "mushiness" just came on with the new tires, that would suggest to me they are underinflated... then of course I am unsure what rating (pressure wise) your rims may be.[:0]
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