Fat 50's affecting my driving?

silverriff · 03-17-2008, 10:43 AM

I have a 1972 Cutlass with a transplanted 455, and a 350 tran. From what I can tell it still has the stock rearend/gears....2.56's I think? The steering on this thing since I got it has been really loose. I have to keep adjusting it like crazy going down the road. All the suspension looks stock, probably hasent had an alignment in forever, all that will be looked at. My question is the car has some big 50's in the back, and being this is the first time I have ever driven a car with tires this big, how much do they affect steering? If I am going to be making this my daily driver (including daily highway driving) would it be smart to switch them out for "normal" tires, and leave the fatties for special occasions?

Oldsguy · 03-17-2008, 11:05 AM

I don't think it is the rear tire width, look at the front steering components. I bet they are going to be the culprits.

daverbmxer · 03-17-2008, 12:01 PM

X2. Rear tires will have nothing to do with it. Like was said, check steering components and then get it aligned. Make sure to keep on top of maintenance, greasing fittings on the steering after you replace what you need.

joe_padavano · 03-17-2008, 01:36 PM

I'll third that diagnosis.

03-17-2008, 10:43 AM	#1 (permalink)
silverriff Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 30	Fat 50's affecting my driving? I have a 1972 Cutlass with a transplanted 455, and a 350 tran. From what I can tell it still has the stock rearend/gears....2.56's I think? The steering on this thing since I got it has been really loose. I have to keep adjusting it like crazy going down the road. All the suspension looks stock, probably hasent had an alignment in forever, all that will be looked at. My question is the car has some big 50's in the back, and being this is the first time I have ever driven a car with tires this big, how much do they affect steering? If I am going to be making this my daily driver (including daily highway driving) would it be smart to switch them out for "normal" tires, and leave the fatties for special occasions?

03-17-2008, 11:05 AM	#2 (permalink)
Oldsguy Administrator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lees Summit MO Posts: 2,553	I don't think it is the rear tire width, look at the front steering components. I bet they are going to be the culprits. __________________ Dan '46 2 door

03-17-2008, 12:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
daverbmxer Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: North Dakota Posts: 47	X2. Rear tires will have nothing to do with it. Like was said, check steering components and then get it aligned. Make sure to keep on top of maintenance, greasing fittings on the steering after you replace what you need. __________________ 1977 Cutlass S 350/350. Runs & drives great but she ain't so pretty.

03-17-2008, 01:36 PM	#4 (permalink)
joe_padavano Moderator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 1,158	I'll third that diagnosis. __________________ Joe Padavano 64 Jetstar 88 Conv 66 442 L-69 Conv 68 W-30 69 H/O 69 442 70 W-30 72 442 86 Caprice wagon (w/307 Olds)

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