I'm putting the SPC UCAs on this weekend. Will try to dial in about 3 degrees of caster. Once I get it aligned next week I'll let you know if it's any better.
17 vs 18 inch wheels - Handling Characteristics
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
- Thread starter
- #42
I appreciate it. Thanks
Well, I wouldn't bet my life on it.
I only have a bathroom scale to weigh them with. I know I need a hanging scale, but alas, I don't have one or access to one. The rims on the '16 are quite a bit different than the '13. Just lifting them you can tell they are a substantial chunk of metal.
Well, I wouldn't bet my life on it.
I only have a bathroom scale to weigh them with. I know I need a hanging scale, but alas, I don't have one or access to one. The rims on the '16 are quite a bit different than the '13. Just lifting them you can tell they are a substantial chunk of metal.
Just weighed it again. A different rim in a different spot in my house. Still 33 lbs.
Probably something to do with the 2016 change then. Mine were 2013.
I went down from stock Dunlop 285/65/R18 to BFG 275/70/R17, IMO, the narrower wheel (while not by much) makes the car feel much lighter on the steering, almost feels like it has better throttle response as well. Changing from a road tyre to all terrains has made the ride a touch bumpier but they feel pretty much the same on bends / turns (probably down to the stiffer side walls) not so much when it comes to braking in a straight line esp on the black stuff. I reckon a lot of it depends on the tyre choice and application.
Before 18"
Before 18"
And was it?
What are the offsets of the wheels, first and second set?
I'd attribute, perhaps a significant part, of the handling difference to be due to the offset change. The first set in particular looks like it has a very low offset which is really not ideal from a handling standpoint. Second set looks much better.
Yes. Sorry I believe I posted details in another thread and hadn't replied to this one.
Swapping the rear springs so the truck was level left-to-right made a big difference reducing torque steer.
My SPCs are set at +2 and the alignment tech dialed in about 3.5 degrees of total caster which makes a HUGE difference in straight line handling on the highway. Whereas with the stock suspension the truck used to drift out of the lane and require a noticeable steering wheel adjustment to bring it back the truck generally tracks very straight now and if I do need to make a correction it's subtle. Despite the truck being lifted I actually find it's less effort to drive now.
FWIW my alignment tech dialed in about 0.5 degree of cross-caster and cross-camber to account for road crown, which I find is really too much in the midwest. That may partially be a function of big, heavy, sticky AT tires as well, which might not require as much.
Thanks for the info! Yeah, the truck - all stock - is bit of a chore to drive at highway speeds in rain & wind. I'll refer to your findings once I lift it and go with AT tires.
