Cyclone:
Thanks for the really good information. Question: What is the maximum inflation pressure indicated on the sidewall of your tires and what was the inflation pressure of the tires when slippage occured?
When I swapped the Dunlops out for a set of Bridgestone tires,
I worked with the tire tech in mounting and balancing all the tires. I noticed that there was a heavy coat of paint on the rims in the bead area. It could be that all you have to do is hit those surfaces with a wire brush and remove the paint. That's what we did.
The Bridgestone tires have a max inflation pressure of 44 psi.
I run them at 35 psi front and rear which is 80% of max. The ride is good and the contact patch area is adequate. The Bridgestone tires have turned out to be infinitely better than the Dunlops in every way.
The tire dealer, who has years of experience reshoeing both domestic and import pickups, suggested I run the tires at max pressure to ensure they don't slip on the rims or suffer edge wear. It seems that Toyota wheels are notorious for tire slippage.
After 2,000 miles and one panic stop that locked up all 4 wheels, I see no evidence of slippage or a change in balance. Everything is just as it was -- smooth as silk.
I approach the purchase of a new car or truck with equal reluctance. From my perspective, it isn't much different than being led in chains up the steps of a gallows.
Cyclone, I long for the days of bubble-balanced, Firestone 500 bias-ply tires that didn't vibrate. I can't help but wonder why a $10,000 wheel balancer is required to get us back to where we used to be. There's something fundamentally wrong with this picture. Driving used to be fun. Now it amounts to a protracted diagnostic testing session.
I want to mention that it took me a while to find a tire dealer who would be give me anything at all for 4 new Dunlop tires. They were all willing to take them off my hands provided I paid the disposal fee. I must say -- this was not very comforting. I finally found a small independent tire/repair shop who offered me $60 a tire on a trade for the new Bridgestones. That was an offer I couldn't refuse. So, if you've a mind to ditch what you have, talk trade with a number of different independent dealers who deal in new and used tires and don't give up. There is somebody out there who will give you a good deal on a new set of tires.
Herb
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