I know this tire question has been asked, I tried search but being computer challenged I need to ask again! Forgive me please!
I bought a 03 1500 conversion with 69k on the clock, the previous owner changed tires, and went to LT 245 75 R16 E rated tire, the truck pulls bad to the right? Since I'm going to drive to Florida in a few weeks, I brought in to an alignment center and was told everything looked good, they set the toe, and checked the camber.
They said because of the tires I'd need a steering stabilizer to compensate for the pull?
Has anyone encountered this problem with E rated tires?
I read here tire pressure has a lot to do with suspension and steering, so I followed the recommended pressure on the door, but it still pulls right.

Help!

 

If it's pulling it's an alignment issue. If they only set the toe and checked the camber then they didn't do a proper alignment. It's the caster adjustment that if off will cause pulling to one side or the other.

As for the steering stabilizer...it's not needed and they're just trying to get some work out of you. From the sounds of it, I'd find another alignment shop.

 

These guys said the did the caster adjustment? I brought my Bronci to them last year they really did a sweet job..... the only reason I went back.
I agree with you on the caster..... some of my research suggested that heavy truck tires with the E rating don't get along with the conversion style van?

I'm thinking of putting on the tires that the door plate suggests and seeing if that makes a difference?

 

Are your rims the 15-inch or 16-inch? If the 16-inch, the tire size is LT25575R16 Load "E" with the inflation near 80psi.

Those wider tires dig you for MPG too.

The Ram Van rims for the 16-inch are all steel, thus you can use the load "E" tires and inflate to 80psi. Chrysler even has TSB talking about load "E" tires and fuel savings.

 

The van is a 1500 series, 5 lug pattern. I found the TSB, but it only mentions, 2500 and 3500 models?
I'm bringing it to another shop today....

 

The 5-lug rims are the 15-inch tires. The best you can do is to find the highest XL rated tire. The Chrysler TSB is for 16-inch rims with the 8-lugs.
I have seen three B1500 made after 1998 that actually have 8-lug rims and the HD suspension. Those would pass for the LT225/75R16 Load "E" tires.

P tires = passenger car
SL tires = standard load
XL tires = extra load for SUVs and the SWB full size vans ...

Load Index: 108 or higher in number is what you are looking for.

The Yokohama tires are so-so. They do not live up to the 50K mileage and winter driving with them are a joke in the lightest of snow even.

If you have the money ... Michelin LTX M/S2 108T OWL All Season
http://www.sears.com/michelin-ltx-ms...p-09576920000P

BF Goodrich Rugged Terrain T/A Competition 235/75R15 108T XL gives great traction and is more silent that regular LT tires.

If you are price limited, then the General Grabber AT2 would be alright, but the load rating would not be there.

 

STEV, now I'm really confused. The door sticker calls for P245 75 R16 tires?

Is it possible to have 16s mounted on 15inch rims? I ask this because the current tires load range E clearly states MUST BE MOUNTED ON 16 inch
rims??m

 

I can't imagine 16" tires would ever fit 15" wheels.

Seems the lug count doesn't necessarily mean you have 15" wheels. Sticker says 16, the current tires are for 16...you could measure the diameter yourself to confirm but I think its safe to say you got 16" wheels.

 

I would recommend going and getting a second opinion from someone else regarding the alignment!

 

Tire issues aside.

They confirmed the alignment is within spec, right?

A stabilizer may resolve your pulling but they're generally reserved for folks with oversized tires trying to resolve shimmying or 'death wobble'. Some folks use them on their vehicles to tame floaty steering or vibrations.

However, I'd be concerned a steering stabilizer is masking the underlying cause such as worn tie rods, control arm bushings, or other suspension/steering issues.