Truck Feels A Bit Squirrelly Sometimes

In February I had 6112's and 5100's put on my truck lifting it close to two inches. I went from 265-65-17 tires to 265-70-17's...both tires were Toyo Open Country AT. Also removed the front air dam thing.

It feels squirrelly sometimes on the expressway. It has been windy as hell 20 to 30mph gusts. It's not all the time either. Truck doesn't pull left or right if I let go of the wheel, and it doesn't pull when braking.

Could it be due to more air getting under it? I've slowed down to driving between 75 to 80 most of the time. I figure if something was loose from the work it would feel funky all the time. I've been checking my gas mileage since the changes, and the best was 21.1 and the worst 16 MPG, with the average being around 18.5.

I've heard people on here say their trucks drive like shit over 70 MPH.

Normal or should I have the front end rechecked for loose bolts and alignment?


ALignment after the work.

 

Sure, check for loose bolts if you think that is a concern, it's a good starting point.

Here's an alignment I had at a lifted truck center, best ride/alignment I ever got. I had 100% satisfaction, on surface streets and on highway, I normally run 70-72 mph on these 65-70mph highways. Truck tracked like nothing ever before. Take this to your alignment shop and ask why they can't hit these numbers.

This was with the OME 2.5" lift front and back, medium springs, back in 2022. Nitto Grapplers, 265-70-17's.

Get more caster, like @Vlady said.

 

Get more caster

 

You raised the center of gravity with lift and tires. Your tires have more sidewall. You removed the air dam, allowing more air under the truck. Why is it surprising that wind is affecting the handling more? You're not driving a Porsche, you're driving a billboard. If you're gonna play, you gotta pay...that payment is changes to handling. Learn how to drive your 'new' truck. And, as said, get more caster...caster is what helps the wheels self-center.

 

If you are not happy with the effects of the lift and tires put it back stock.

 

I've read great multitudes of posts saying the air dam was useless.

I'll take my alignment sheet to the shop that put my tires on and see what they can do.

Thanks y'all.

 

More caster from aftermarket UCA (multiple vendors) or LCA (BTF Fabrication) will help.

The type of tire affects handling as well.

What pressures are you running? Should be close to stock ~30psi even if the tire has a heavier load range.

Airdam is not part of the OR and Pro trims design, so that on its own isn't the culprit.

 

Another one for caster..

The alignment looks great, but I would kick the caster out a little more for better stability...

 

I have stock UCA, and LCA's.

Tire shop put 40psi in the tires, their rated at 44 max. I lowered them down to 35 by my gauge, but the truck reads 33.

 

Check your tire pressure using the chalk test to make sure whatever pressure you settle on creates an even contact patch. If overinflated in comparison to the load placed on the tire, you'll just be running on the center crown of the tire, which can accentuate that squirrely feeling.

 

NO!!!! The chalk test produces zero information of any use other than your kids wondering where their chalk went. Don't waste time with it.

The OP needs more caster. Nothing more.

 

Slow down Mario

 

^OP is Florida, where the average commute speed is higher than on the autobahn.

 

96

 

No, proper inflation is part of the equation. I've never done the chalk test, but I understand how it could help with tires other than stock.

 

When ever I am on the interstate, I easily hit 80-85 and you can't tell, i think around 96 has been my top speed, heck the truck will hit 85 in 4th gear pretty easy...

And yes you can/will get passed going 80-85 around my area at times...
Mine is all stock suspension and tires...

 

That was before I had anything done to it. It handled great.

 

I'm just shocked that is normal