Rain driving is uncomfortable at best

[TejasRunner01]

Hey guys, I've noticed whenever I drive in the rain I feel that I don't have much control in the steering. I feel a constant pull to the right and left. I'm at 99 tall spring ride height with 15" stock rims and tires. It is bad enough that during pretty decent rain I don't feel comfortable going past 50 mph due to quick pulling of the wheel mainly to the right. Most of the time I have to pull over and wait. On dry roads the truck is flawless. Any advice or input is appreciated! Thank you in advance.

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[gamefreakgc]

Better/New tires. That's the only thing that's changed when the roads go from dry to wet.

 

[Mark_BC]

Rain? What's that? Haven't seen it in months. Agreed, it must be the tires.

 

[Bumbo]

Lets see some tire shots OP!

 

[19963.4lsr5]

Wheel alignment. When the toe is out it will seem fine on dry roads.


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[octanejunkie]

+1 for tires and alignment

 

[JayRolla]

Loose steering components with really make the steering shift around when driving in snow and rain.

 

[whyzee125]

These are old trucks and most have a lot of miles. Very likely a worn steering rack/bushings, tie rods, etc. Any of these can cause bad tire wear which just eccentuates the problem.

 

[Tinigunner11]

Tires are the absolute biggest factor in this. Invest in some good tires with good sipage.

 

[Tyler James Inc]

In for tire pictures.

 

[fblainen11]

I have Firestone Destination LE2s. For on road wet driving I don't think there's a better tire save for maybe the Michelins. And you gotta be willing to shell out some $$$& for that.

 

[alumarine]

Is it all roads or just certain roads?

In the city or only on the hiqhway?

Do any of the roads have well worn ruts that collect water?

 

[TejasRunner01]

Here is a picture of tires. They are probably 5 years old (update, they were 10 years old) but have a ton of tread left. They still have a good bit of oil left in them, no dry rot or cracking. Now the alignment is possibly off, I have never had an alignment done since I've had it for the past year. There is not really any pulling/drifting in any direction on dry roads when I let my hands off. I will add that I have new sway bar bushings since redoing shocks and struts.

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[TejasRunner01]

By tire pictures I imagine you would like tread pictures. If so I'll get it tomorrow

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[TejasRunner01]

Is it all roads or just certain roads?

In the city or only on the hiqhway?

Do any of the roads have well worn ruts that collect water?

Only on highway in rain unless I hit a big puddle in town.

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[4BUMR]

It's your alignment, almost guarantee it.
A month ago I had no issues whatsoever in rain. Since then I've done Inner/outer tie rods and know I didn't align things properly. No big deal when things are dry, but my truck tries to kill me every time I go 40+ in rain.


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[gamefreakgc]

Here is a picture of tires. They are probably 5 years old but have a ton of tread left. They still have a good bit of oil left in them, no dry rot or cracking. Now the alignment is possibly off, I have never had an alignment done since I've had it for the past year. There is not really any pulling/drifting in any direction on dry roads when I let my hands off. I will add that I have new sway bar bushings since redoing shocks and struts.

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I correct my first post, Michelins are some of the best road tires out there.

Looks like either the alignment has gone out of whack or you have play in the tie rods, causing sloppy steering.

 

[TejasRunner01]

Thanks guys, I'll have it checked out!

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[TejasRunner01]

After installing Discount Tire's Trailfinder A/T 265/75r16s and getting an alignment my truck feels very solid in most rain situations.

Thanks for all of your help everyone!

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[TheDurk]

I will certify--I have those exact tires (in 16 inch) and they are fantastic in the rain. Bad were the factory Goodyears; I hated those damn things and junked them at 40k for Michelins (first set). Night and day difference.