Steering Issue...New tires or Caster?

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I recently added OME coils (884/895E) and just installed P285/70/17 Cooper AT3's. The tires are standard load rating. After adding the lift, my caster was dialed into 2.0 and 2.4 degrees, slightly out of spec. I didn't notice any steering issues with the stock tires, but after adding the new tires, the steering seems "loose" or "floaty" at highway speeds (65-70). The tires seem much wider than the same size BFG AT's that I had on my Rubicon. Would the width of the tires attribute to the steering isse? Thinking about going back to 265's.
 
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As you lift the T4R caster setting becomes more critical. My guess is the loose steering feel is due to caster setting. I have the same lift and had to install adjustable upper control arms to get the needed caster (as close to 4 degrees as you can get) without adversely affecting the camber setting. As you dial in more caster the camber goes too far negative (leaning in at the top of the wheel). That's not a bad thing as far as handling goes, but you'll see those new tires wear much faster. The stock camber setting is 0 degrees. With adjustable UCA's you can get 4 degrees of caster and keep the camber settings where they need to be.
 
BigredTEX said:
As you lift the T4R caster setting becomes more critical. My guess is the loose steering feel is due to caster setting. I have the same lift and had to install adjustable upper control arms to get the needed caster (as close to 4 degrees as you can get) without adversely affecting the camber setting. As you dial in more caster the camber goes too far negative (leaning in at the top of the wheel). That's not a bad thing as far as handling goes, but you'll see those new tires wear much faster. The stock camber setting is 0 degrees. With adjustable UCA's you can get 4 degrees of caster and keep the camber settings where they need to be.
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Thanks for the great information!
 
Yup new upper arms with as much positive caster as possible will make your truck handle much better.The LightRacing UCA's will allow +5 or more caster. The high caster setting will also alleviate some of your rub issues at the rear of the wheel well.

Mine for comparison
 
I decided to take the cheap and easy way out....I exchanged the 285's for 265's today and steering is perfect. I lost a little in ground clearance, but the 265's seem just fine for my lift and plans for the truck. Thanks to everyone who provided feedback.
 
I think he means he brought back his new 285's and swapped them. :boink:

I assume he had it aligned again also? :shrug:
 
Correct....returned the 285's and switched to 265's. Since I only have about 300 miles on my OME springs, I'm going to wait about a month to make sure they are done settling before I have it aligned again.
 
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