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GQ SWB Tyres |
A_Deleted_User
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| Posted on 20-05-2008 15:48 |
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Hi all,
I am after advice on what tyres to run on the SWB GQ. We are currently running BFG All Terrain. Rig used mainly as a camping vehicle, so National Park runs etc. Prob 80% use on road, 20% off road and nothing really challenging.
We do a bit in Vic High Country so think very sharp rocks etc so something relatively rugged.
Reason for change is the serious shudder we get around 100km/h. Have been told it is prob tyres as quality springs, shocks and steering damper in use.
Any advice or comments greatfully recieved.
Cheers
Cal |
 
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RE: GQ SWB Tyres |
A_Deleted_User
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| Posted on 22-05-2008 18:05 |
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I recently had a serious shudder in my GU rectified and it was nothing to do with the tyres. Had some shims removed from the swivel hubs, panhard rod bushes replaced, wheels balanced, one radius arm was shot and the rear diff was sitting 30 mm to the left so that was fixed too. Suggest you get a second opinion from a good mechanic before you go replacing those tyres. Not sure whether this helps. Good luck |
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RE: GQ SWB tyres |
A_Deleted_User
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| Posted on 24-05-2008 08:32 |
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As Corey said, your shudder could be caused by many things, the list of things i've tried to eliminate shudder in my GQ is extensive to say the least. I would suggest trying a different set of wheels on your car (or even swapping your wheels from front to back) to confirm the tyre theory before you go fitting new tyres. There are plenty of club members running 2 sets of wheels who I'm sure would help you out lending you a set of wheels-depending on your location.
If your shudder only occurs on the highway, and is unaffected by steering inputs, or braking, then it probably is tyre related.
If it is affected by road irregularities then it could be tyres, suspension or steering.
In my GQ, my steering would shudder after going over sharp bumps at speeds over 60km/h. In an effort to fix it I...
Removed shims from the swivel hubs
Adjusted wheel bearings
Replaced panhard rod bushes (I have adjustable panhardrods)
Replaced springs and shocks
Fitted front panhard chassis bracket strengthening plate
Fitted different wheels and tyres
Replaced the shaft in the steering column
Replaced the flex joint in the steering column shaft
Fitted a GU steering box
Fitted heavy duty adjustable drag link
I recently replaced the rod ends on the drag link
Fitted 2003 GU tie rod, the one with the big rod ends
I tried several different steering dampeners
I even replaced the steering wheel
A complete GU front diff was fitted, but was fitted because they have stonger CV joints, not to fix shudder.
Diagnosis was by trial and error, and continues to this day, but is much better than it was.
Hope this helps
Tony |
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RE: GQ SWB Tyres |
Ghost
Posts: 221
Joined: 30.11.07
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| Posted on 24-05-2008 18:49 |
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I would check a few things but definatly beg borrow steal a set of non BFG tyres as sometimes thats what it is.
Like Tony i did
Springs Shocks
steering damper
Adjustable Panhard rod
Control arm bushes
wheel bearings
New rims
every bush under the front i could find got replaced
body mounts
and the list goes on, each thing made it better but as soon as i turfed the BFG tyres the last of my shudders went away. Mine started at 80 klms and mainly on a right hand corner. Its a very common problem on Gq's with BFG A/T tyres. |
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RE: GQ SWB Tyres |
glenmurrie
Posts: 10
Joined: 24.05.08
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| Posted on 26-05-2008 11:44 |
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Corey
I'm running BFG's and they are as smooth as ever. However when you get you tyres ballanced make sure that the guy doing the ballancing takes it to the point where no out of balance is registering on the machine.
I have known some operaters to let them go at around 10 claiming that 4 X 4 don't need to be rearly balanced.
I have experienced vibration at 90k when i first listened to the shoddy operators.
regards Glen |
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RE: GQ SWB tyres |
A_Deleted_User
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| Posted on 26-05-2008 19:00 |
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As a mechanic who has done tyre fitting and balancing, I can tell you that balancing 4wd tyres can be a pain in the bum, especially when the tyres are a bit worn. You can spend a long time adding weights, moving weights, and removing weights trying to get them spot on zero. In some cases near enough is good enough, mainly for tyres going on the rear of the vehicle. I always balanced to zero, though it was EXTREMELY frustrating at times.
A lot of newer wheel balance machines have a "match mount" function, which gets the operator to turn the tyre on the rim to minimise the amount of weights required to balance the tyre/wheel. However, the match mount proceedure is time consuming (and your paying for their time), as it requires each tyre to be deflated, turned on the rim, and reinflated at least twice per wheel. To balance a set wheels this way can take well over an hour, where normal balancing would take less than 15 minutes, but can reduce the amount of weights needed dramatically, and gives a better balance. But it will cost you more.
I'm also running BFG A/T's that are as good as worn out, so it will be interesting to see what effect it has when I replace them...can't say I've had a problem with them so far.
Tony
Edited by on 26-05-2008 19:01 |
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RE: GQ SWB Tyres |
A_Deleted_User
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| Posted on 27-05-2008 11:50 |
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Thanks for the info guys.
We have repalced springs and shocks, steering damper, control arms and bushes, body mounts and had the bearings attended to reqularly.
As you have all seemed to find, these help, but generally only minimally. Biggest difference is when we do the bearings.
Reason for suspecting tyres are major culprit is that the shudder is dramatically improved after balance and alignment, however first excursion over the bumps invariably throws a few weights, shudder immediately back. Cornering and road dont seem to make any difference, just speed and way we accelerate to that speed.
I dont have a lot of spare mulah, so cant really afford to trial and error much more, but a second set of tyres does sound like the best option, just what to put on. Seems everyone is running BFG A/T?? I must admit, the older style BFG A/T seemed to be a lot better than the current set. They wore better and much less of a shudder, with the old set we had a minor shudder between 70 and 75, then smooth as a babies...
For those who run different tyres, what do you find suitable for a rig set up for touring rather than the muddy or rock crawling stuff? |
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RE: Different tyres |
A_Deleted_User
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| Posted on 30-05-2008 12:56 |
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Cal
I run Mickey Thompson MTX allterrian tyres for on road, touring and light 4WD'ing.
I'm on my 3rd set and are happy with them so far.
They are quite on the road and seem to last quite well.
I've had them on our Cape York trip, and also went well on our Kimberley Trip.
The only trouble I had was a few punctures.
(I'm also thinking of doing the Victorian high country trip next)
Here's a few photos lately
Plugging a puncture
Changing a shockie
More food for thought?!
Cheers,
Col
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RE: GQ SWB Tyres |
kanofski
Posts: 355
Joined: 26.11.07
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| Posted on 30-05-2008 16:18 |
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I've just bought a set of Toyo Open Country M/T's which are very quite on the road, but they are also very expensive. A friend of mine runs Toyo Open Country A/T's which he thinks are wonderful and have given him good mileage. The Toyo's seem to have a very strong side wall which is extremely puncture resistant. I'm not sure of the price of the A/T's but I would hope they are a bit more reasonable than the M/Ts |
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RE: GQ SWB Tyres |
A_Deleted_User
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| Posted on 31-05-2008 12:04 |
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ON THE MICKEY THOMPSON TYRES I HAVE A GU AND THINKING OF PUTTING ON A SET OF M/T MTZ 35X12.5 AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANYONE HAS HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THEM AND IF THEY HAVE HAD ANY AFTER EFFECTS FROM "JUST THROWING THEM ON"ANY FEED BACK WOULD BE APPRECIATED |
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RE: M T's |
A_Deleted_User
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| Posted on 03-06-2008 12:20 |
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I've heard the MTZ's are not the best.
A good mud terrain in the MT's are the Claws
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Edited by on 03-06-2008 12:24 |
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RE: GQ SWB Tyres |
A_Deleted_User
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| Posted on 06-07-2008 11:42 |
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I have an GQ patrol and running 33inch ST coopers and getting the same problems still trying to sort it out. had a few tyre balance ( which seams to fix it for a short time) and alignments rotation of the tyres as well. Plus i have checked the springs and shockies as well, all seam to be still in good condtion. Now i am pulling my hair out to find out what is next to do. Can you please let me know what other things can be done as the dollars are abit tight and plus i know my way around the vechile mostly lol.
Thanks
Eric |
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| Author |
RE: GQ SWB Tyres |
A_Deleted_User
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| Posted on 14-07-2008 12:51 |
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Hi cal i recently had BF ATs on my shorty maverick with no problems or shudders but its the first time i,ve used them sure beats the old Desert duelers |
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| Author |
RE: GQ SWB Tyres |
A_Deleted_User
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| Posted on 17-07-2008 13:13 |
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Coming from a sales point of view, I would suggest trying a different set of tyres before spending money on new ones. It the problem does happen to be the tyres you have a few good choices in tyres depending on the size. A general 4WD tyre size is 265/75R16LT which most companies will make. Depending on what work you do with the vehicle, something like a Cooper Discoverer ATR or ST would do the trick. If you are running on mud and harsh terrain I would strongly recommend the Maxxis Bighorn because of their 10ply side wall with a 3ply wire wrap, which makes them virtualy puncture proof.
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