Brush Bumper Changes Handling ?

Just added a brush bumper that weighs 66 pounds. Which is less then the
weight of an average passenger. But the truck handles differently. Sluggish
in slow speed turns. Steering feels like it is "hunting" - drifting a little side to side
at speeds less than 40. I understand that the weight moves the Center of Gravity
forward some but I'm surprised that I can feel a difference. Does that
extra weight in the front effect tire wear and / or alignment? Anyone have a similar
feeling, or is it just something I'll get used to? Don't find this discussed anywhere on TW.

 

OK, well, obviously not a problem . . . .

 

Adding 66 pounds out on the front of the vehicle is more then your average passenger who would be sitting behind the front suspension. This added weight and sag could have effected your allignment. Perhaps that's the reason it feels weird to you.

 

Take the bumper off and see what happens to the handling then. If no change then something else is wrong.

 

OK. Thanks for the thoughts. Can't image what else would be wrong if all I did was bolt on the bumper, but I'll give it a shot . . . perhaps need a realignment after installing extra weight?
But there is nothing mentioned about that in any posting on bumper mods. Hmmmm . . .
watch this space.

 

Well, that was fun. Let's get the torque wrench out again . . .
I suspect the "hunting" was from road issues, not the truck.
The steering is definitely heavier with the added weight in font.
Both the CG is different and the metacentric height changed. I'll get used to it,
or carry 100 pounds of sand by the tail gate .
In a year I'll swap out the shocks for something better.
Thanks for the suggestions folks.