Larger tires

[John Hofstetter <hofs@domain.elided>]

>Date: Tue, 13 Jan 1998 09:33:51 -0600 (CST)
>From: "Dean L. Kellogg, Jr" <kelloggd@domain.elided>
>Subject: Problems with Larger Tires?
>
>Hi Learned Listees,

Hi Doc,
Learned Hell, I don't have an MD or a PhD, and being a listee reminds me of
the old western song, "Deportee".
>
>I am considering putting larger tires (larger than stock) on my 1980 Scout
>II and would like to get any "warnings" and "experiences" before I do so.

Depends a lot on what tires you put on. I've decided after trying some 33's
for a short time, and some 32X12.50's until I wore them out that the
31X10.50's that I have on now are the best compromise for me.
>
>1) What problems could develop with steering?
Not only did the 33's and 32's cause strange front end noises, I didn't
like the feel of the steering with either of these big tires, but remember
that they were not only taller but wider.
>
>2) What front end problems could this cause?
I don't think that there is any question that tires in the 12.50 widths
accelerate wear, and the Dunlops that I have now may also to a lesser
extent but I run my front tires, when they are on the highway at 45 - 50
lbs. The rears I run at 30 to improve the ride. I believe that this higher
inflation in front reduces wear as well as improving handling.
>
>3) Does a front end alignment need to be done with the larger tires?
Toe in is the only adjustment readily made to the front end and that
shouldn't change.
>
>4) Would acceleration be adversely effected?
Yep, and the speedometer will read lower and you will be tempted to want to
go faster to get the speedometer up where it used it run. In my own
experience, the tires which are a kind of overdrive in effect, got me no
more gas mileage. With ihc vehicles in general the wind resistance is much
more of a factor than gearing. I won't repeat my story of getting better
mileage pulling my trailer than I did when I wasn't pulling it.
>
>5) Has anyone broken an axle due to the larger mass of large tires?

Not that I know of. Scout components are massive by comparison with most
other "light" trucks.
>
>Other thoughts and advise would be appreciated.

You didn't mention whether or not your vehicle is lifted. There are some
limitations on tire size if you have no lift. The 31X10.50's should not
need any lift, but they need to go on 8" rims or bigger. I thought at one
time that all Scout II's had at least 8" rims, but apparently this is not
true. Is it true, guys??????
>
>Thanks.

You're welcome for what it is worth.
John


ON QUITE ANOTHER SUBJECT
Eldon, Guru,Howard, John L., Tark, and that ilk
I'm constantly amazed by the stuff you guys know or bother to find out, and
then bother to share with us. Those dissertations on bearings and on
governors in this digest, and the stuff that people come up with in general
amazes me. I've noticed that for some reason, questions involving vehicles
and/or Fish carburetors prior to 1920 get referred to me. Why do you
suppose that is? I'm on several digests, but this is the one I like the
most, by a heck of a lot.  Thanks everybody and Richard too for maintaining
the digest, although it's a well know fact that he is getting rich from it.
John

John Hofstetter  "Ol'Saline's Web Site" www.goldrush.com/~hofs
Life Member, National Rifle Association     California Rifle and Pistol Asc.
Member, Sierra Macintosh Users Group  Member, MacTwain Macintosh Users Group
Charter Member, FRIENDS OF DEATH VALLEY   Member, Blue Ribbon Coalition
Life Member, Association of California School Administrators
Owner of 79 Scout Terra "It's a legend"