bill e satterfield writes
Wayne... I've never tried running my 8.75s with less than 80# so don't
know if that would make a difference. As to the way it handles, it
seems as tho the front end has a tendency to dive, one side more than the
other, if I turn the wheel sharply while driving. Its possible it would
have done the same thing with the 9.50s but didn't check for it as I was
satisfied with the way it handled. The main difference I notice tho is on
a wide, fairly level stretch of road it seems to steer normaly until a
truck goes by and then seems to get pushed over by the air pressure
without the steering wheel moving. Same if I get over to the edge on a
narrow windy road. Seems like the tires have a mind of their own. It
is'nt really bad, but never noticed it before I changed tire sizes. I
have since installed Bilsteins,no noticable difference, and adjusted the
steering box. I think the adjustment bit might have have helped as I got
almost a full turn on the screw. I really havn't drove it enough or
pulled toad since adjustment to say for sure.
Wayne Nesbit writes
The wall of air from the trucks does push your front away from the truck. I
like this it gives me a warning when I am dozing and it keeps me away from
the front of the truck.
But the front end dive is usually a bad shock or attachment, esp. if on one
side. Check your new bilsteins they are notorious for breaking also check
the bolts and mounts. Mine doesn't do that with KYBs. I am not bragging
here.
My steering was terrible. I would slalom down the lane on the interstate. I
had Alex Sirum adjust the steering box, replace the steering shaft bearing
and rebush the steering relay arm. What a difference. What about your wheel
bearings. They can get alot of play in them too. Idler arm bushing is
another one. Often all these add a bit here and there. The coaches without
the stabilizer bars will wallow on the air bags a bit but the steering
should always respond directly.
If you can get someone like Sirum to check your front end. They can see
where the worst of the play is right away and have someone experienced drive
it. They will notice anything out of the ordinary that you may have gotten
used to.
I don't have any trouble controlling the coach if it runs off pavement. It
doesn't happen often but the odd time on interstate highway construction.
It seems to me something needs attention. The wander sounds like steering
relay arm. Did you say you had replaced that?
Wayne