Rear end feels like a flat rear tire - Will Traction bars help? - Page 2

SirStrider · 01-12-2007, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monsterdood

Okay, after some back to back driving in the Landcruiser and the Titan, I've decided that the front end and the steering on the Titan is 10 times better than the Landcruiser and that difference is really what gives me the feeling.

In the landcruiser, there is a lot more play in the steering wheel so minor left right inputs don't do much of anything. Larger inputs have to be exagerated to really do a little weave on the freeway and with an input large enough to steer the front like the Titan, the rear of the Landcruiser feels about the same with a time lag before the rear wheels want to follow the fronts.

So in conclusion, the tight steering, the IFS, and likely the difference in weight over the front and rear between the two give that feeling I initially was worried about in the Titan. I'm sure a rear sway bar would help the feeling, but would cause poor front to rear traction balance when unloaded so I think I'll just get used to the Titan a while longer.

But I do need to do something about one wheel spinning when leaving a driveway and needing to accelerate.... True-trac on the wish list.....

That's interesting. I have noticed that the Titan steering is the hottest I've ever driven - so that could be it.

I couldn't get a sway bar or anything from Hellwig before I leave VA, so I did add a Timbren SES, like rubber helpers. It replaces the bump stop on the axel stop - no connection for light loads, only comes into play as you load her up. Will see if this helps on way back. Doesn't interfere with future sway and/or traction bars. Can even return them if they don't help.

Checked all I could - have no cracked shakles or loose nuts - except the one in the cab...

JeridJohnson · 01-12-2007, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monsterdood

Okay, after some back to back driving in the Landcruiser and the Titan, I've decided that the front end and the steering on the Titan is 10 times better than the Landcruiser and that difference is really what gives me the feeling.

In the landcruiser, there is a lot more play in the steering wheel so minor left right inputs don't do much of anything. Larger inputs have to be exagerated to really do a little weave on the freeway and with an input large enough to steer the front like the Titan, the rear of the Landcruiser feels about the same with a time lag before the rear wheels want to follow the fronts.

So in conclusion, the tight steering, the IFS, and likely the difference in weight over the front and rear between the two give that feeling I initially was worried about in the Titan. I'm sure a rear sway bar would help the feeling, but would cause poor front to rear traction balance when unloaded so I think I'll just get used to the Titan a while longer.

But I do need to do something about one wheel spinning when leaving a driveway and needing to accelerate.... True-trac on the wish list.....

I've owned my titan for a week... prior truck was a 2000 Silverado.. I left the dealer in the titan and got on the freeway.. I noticed I was all over the road.. the slightest movement in the steering wheel and the truck was on the move.. I've already adjusted to it and love the night tight feeling of the steering... steers like a car.

SirStrider · 01-12-2007, 08:05 PM

Unfortunately, the Titan is tighter than these old bones. But, I'm sure I will get used to it. Especially now that I know what it is. Hard to believe a big truck handles so precisely...

Manny · 02-20-2007, 09:42 PM

I too am having this issue with the titan. Mine is brand new (600 miles) and its my first truck. Came from a 9-5 saab aero.

Im finding that when I turn and accelerate at a reasonable clip the rear wheels seem to be moving in a different direction than the fronts. Almost like the fronts are oversteering and the rears staying straight. Kind of freakin me out - not in a dangerous way more like mind games.

At speeds I have had no issues, lane changes etc. More issues at low speeds for example changing lanes to the right and having to correct to the left once in the new lane.

Who KNows. Im assuming its normal....

MuskyHunter · 02-20-2007, 09:52 PM

Again, you can tune some of the oversteer/understeer characteristics with some tire pressure changes. I have found 37 front/ 36 rear to be working out well lately. You could try 37 front/ 35 rear (38/36, 38/35) to start and adjust from there. You probably don't want more than a 3-4 psi difference between the front and rear and you definately shouldn't make the back tires higher in pressure than the front, as that will induce even more understeer.

Manny · 02-21-2007, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MuskyHunter

Again, you can tune some of the oversteer/understeer characteristics with some tire pressure changes. I have found 37 front/ 36 rear to be working out well lately. You could try 37 front/ 35 rear (38/36, 38/35) to start and adjust from there. You probably don't want more than a 3-4 psi difference between the front and rear and you definately shouldn't make the back tires higher in pressure than the front, as that will induce even more understeer.

So what you are saying is that what I'm feeling is normal?

MuskyHunter · 02-21-2007, 08:13 PM

I wouldn't call it "normal" but could be an effect. You may have something else going on. Due to things like weight bias, suspension, tires, etc, you can effectively make some pressure changes that may indeed offset what you are experiencing. I would also suggest experimenting by putting 250/300 lbs of softener salt in the back and evaluate how the truck handles. I bet the feeling you are describing will be more mannerly.

SirStrider · 02-21-2007, 08:27 PM

Well, I had the 2" radflows and rear DR's put on yesterday - NIGHT AND DAY!!! Traction bars go on tomorrow or Friday. But, just the shocks make so so much difference. sucks up the bumps, no hopping.

Call greg - he can listen to what your problem is, diagnose it, and get you the exact solution, on- or off-road. I wanted street performance, and this setup seams perfect.

Titan450 · 02-21-2007, 08:41 PM

Maybe just maybe it could be something with the VDC if your truck is equipped with it. If it is maybe try turning it of on the freeway or something it might help a little

Titan450 · 02-21-2007, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manny

I too am having this issue with the titan. Mine is brand new (600 miles) and its my first truck. Came from a 9-5 saab aero.

Im finding that when I turn and accelerate at a reasonable clip the rear wheels seem to be moving in a different direction than the fronts. Almost like the fronts are oversteering and the rears staying straight. Kind of freakin me out - not in a dangerous way more like mind games.

At speeds I have had no issues, lane changes etc. More issues at low speeds for example changing lanes to the right and having to correct to the left once in the new lane.

Who KNows. Im assuming its normal....

do you have VDC in your truck?

SirStrider · 02-21-2007, 08:48 PM

I don't have the VDC, so can't help you there.

Titan450 · 02-21-2007, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirStrider

I don't have the VDC, so can't help you there.

What about rear differential lock? maybe

SirStrider · 02-21-2007, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titan450

What about rear differential lock? maybe

I plan on getting a TrueTrac - as soon as the 3.73 gears are out, I'll do them at the same time.

**chunko** · 02-21-2007, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BKW

Adding a sway bar and tractions bars will help considerably. See my second post (#7) in this thread for other possible issues.

I'm no fan of lifted trucks. Changing the geometry may look great, but what it does to the suspension and driveline, can cause all sorts of problems.

At one time, modifying the suspension voided the factory warranty. Now y'all have the Magnusson-Moss Act to fall back on.

GeeWhiz...don't you know how to ruin all our fun!

Manny · 02-22-2007, 07:41 AM

Little Update. My truck has VDC, maybe I will try to trun it off and see if anything changes.

I went for a test ride with the tech at nissan. He drove about 10 minutes and felt nothing. Said all seemed in order. Got back and put the truck on the lift. Quick exam of the axle, wheels, leaf springs etc. He said all looked good.
He said he didnt feel any alignment issue so we left it at that.

I may have a 4 wheel alignment check just to satisfy my curiosity.

Once I put another 1000 miles or so Ill start thinking about any modifications to improve the street handling if I feel it needs to be done.

Thanks for the suggestions.