Just put some new wheels on my 95 4Runner. They sit much wider than the stock wheels. Should I get an alignment? It seems like the steering is a little looser than it was. But it could be my imagination, as I tend to be overly critical about things like this. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

I would say if you were not showing any other weird wear or vibration problems before you put these new tires on I say you maybe okay but it never hurts to have it checked if your not sure. As for the looser feel, you may just be noticing the larger tires takes a little more to move around or there re-bounding more due to the larger size. Might check teh air pressure on the tires, may even want to lower them a little depending on what they are now.

 

Even though it might not be necessary, an alignment is probably a good idea if you have gone to a lot wider wheel. Also, you should probably consider replacing the steering dampener because that is the most likely reason your steering wheel feels "looser". The wider wheels cause more "bump steer" and the steering dampener's job is to control that stuff. The stock piece is designed to control the stock tire/wheel combination. Once you stray from that with larger wheels/tires, it isn't able to control the bump steer tendencies as well.

OME and Pro Comp both make direct bolt-on replacement upgrades for the stock steering dampener.

Do a search and you'll find some recent posts on this subject.

Hope this helps.
G

 

Would wear on the outside of my tires warrant an alignment? I don't make turns all that fast but the front tires seem to be wearing more on the outside than the inside.

Thanks

 

that is a definate sign that you need an alignment

 

Can a vehicle being out of alignment cause a vibration?

Thanks

 

Yes ,also wheels that are out of balance will do this.

 

Sounds like your new wheels have less backspacing than the old ones. This will affect your steering because of a change in your scrub radius. Also, your new tires and wheel are probably heavier than the stockers, so if your shocks and/or steering stabilizer are worn that will make a difference.

Click here for more info on alignments. Scrub radius is described about 3/4 of the way towards the bottom of the page.

*EDIT* I just realized this is an old thread somebody dug up. I guess Tahoe666 has his rig all figured out by now.