Steering Play after Tire Replacement - Michelin MS/2 LTX > Cooper Discovery ATX

2014 Double Cab OR, Stock. Recently replaced my tires, Michelin MS/2 LTXs replaced with Cooper Discovery ATXs. Now I have much more play in the steering. On the highway, I'm constantly trying to keep it balanced in the center of the lane. I had the tire shop do an alignment and recheck and they said it all looked fine.

Is this normal with a switch from LTX to ATX? Considering bailing on these Coopers and going back to Michelin if that will solve this.

 

They probably did a poor job on balancing them or you have some worn suspension components. Likely the first.

 

Its also possible that its the mold release compound on the new tires. It'll take a few hundred miles for that to wear off. Also consider you have much more tread depth now, instead of shallower worn old tires