Steering loose after aftermarket wheels??

I think you might be surprised.

 

Just to put it out there...
The increase in PSI is due to the fact you changed the load rating of the tire.
Our trucks recommend whatever PSI it takes to attain a load capacity of 2,149 lbs from P and euro metric tires; or 1,954 lbs from an LT. PSI is just a means to that end.
An LT265/75/16 has a load capacity of 1,986 lbs at 37 PSI. At 31 PSI, you had 1,720 lbs of load capacity.

 

LT265/75/16 should be 37 psi on the Tacoma regardless if it's on a 16x7 or 16x8? Just making sure I understood....or does the wheel change that?

 

37 PSI applies to the measured rim width.
Your tire has a measured rim width of 7.5".
Close enough in either case.

 

I had a shop that's commonly recommended here add positive toe. It was slightly negative before. While I can definitely tell it's changed how the truck turns I'm not entirely sure it's improved straightline stability or the loose steering feel I had at some speeds. Prior to taking it in, either I was starting to get used to it or the "problem" is changing and maybe starting to go away. I need more time to drive at highways speeds which will happen soon. It's very inconsistent: sometimes at one speed but then not at higher speeds or the same speed a few seconds later, some times on acceleration, sometimes on deceleration... very inconsistent

I'm starting to wonder if it's the tires wearing in differently on the wider wheel in comparison to the more narrow stock wheel. On the 8" now they appear to be able to run with much more even wear across the tread

After I get some longer highway trips soon I'll see if I better understand when the loose steering feel seems to occur. I'm not too concerned anymore but will wait and see how things go.

 

Ok. So i have the same issue on the truck i just got. Steering wondering on road when driving. No loose play in steering parts. I have 285 tires almost new with aftermarket rims. It walks every low or high spot in road i haven’t got alignment done yet and the recall for new leaf springs has been done. What is main thing to look at? 10 ply lt tires. And the air pressure was at 30. I bumped them up to 43.5. Even tho tires say 80 Lol

 

Im assuming you have a lift to fit those size tires, you should prob get a alignment first and make sure they crank your caster to at least 3 or greater and toe close to 0. Then see how it feels and come back..

 

Is this just some random occurrence with his truck? I’m about to toss on 265/75/16 on F5’s,+0. I’ve never heard of anyone having issues?

 

Yea. Specifically to him (honestabe) He made some changes that can alter the geometry of the wheel to make it feel loose and drive funky. I had same problem and got it all worked out.

But for you.. its pretty basic nothing major 265/75r16.. those are stock. Shouldnt have a problem.

 

That’s what I figured, thanks! I was thinking, odd that’s pretty much standard..

 

OP here. I'm thinking my issues are a combination of offset wider than stock and tires/tire pressure. After a long road trip I thought the issue was gone but now it's back again. At 60-65 mph the steering feels very loose in the center. Again I'm running 265/75/16 Duratracs at 36-37 psi cold. Only thing that may have changed is tire pressure. It was much colder out this morning and it was less noticeable so I'm thinking the pressure is a little too high. I'm just taking my time to dial it in and cross off other variables.

Not sure why others don't have similar issues. Suspect it's this tire/wheel combination and many other don't notice enough or don't care to voice problems.

 

+0 offset wheels are a full 25mm wider per side (Stick OUT 25mm more per side vs. OEM)
-TRD-OR wheels are +25mm offset OEM
-265/75/16 are not OEM size tires btw..
-you have increased your track width by a total 50mm, you are now ~50mm wider than before (to the edge of the rim)

Your SCRUB RADIUS is now positive 20mm, which is a large value change relative to where OEM is. (usually ZERO scrub). Any positive change at all is notable. Further, widening the track via wheel-offset will "soften" the suspension feel.
-Additionally, if you are on E-rated tires, it is probably further junking up the feel/drive ability of the truck.

 

Thanks. I think someone else may have noted this above...or maybe I read it somewhere else in the interim. I know larger tires can help with the scrub, but I still have to wonder how anyone can stand driving with the -25mm wheels out there.... I've thought about going back to stock wheels but the F5 0mm offset looks too good so far. Down the road I may go back so I've kept the stock OR wheels for now.

 

Update did alignment and caster /chamber was already maxed out. So no hope there. Toe was off a little and has helped some but not where it should be

 

What are your alignment numbers?

 

I’m not sure but they guy i take all my stuff too said because of the lift that they were maxed out.

 

Well, that doesnt help. Lol. They usually give a print out. Do you have aftermarket UCAs?

 

I do. Not.

 

Ok man thanks! Are they expensive?