96 S'brban Ker-thunks Shifting D to R. Plus Rumbles at 50mph +

[stb100]

Hey -- it's an old, K1500 with 180,000. Tires are old 40K, but tons of tread. Two Problems (at least)

1.) When I shift from P to R or D, it makes a nice clank somewhere beneath and back. Runs smooth though except above 50

2.) Make a pretty good rumble at 45, 50 +. Feel it in the seat, etc. Not the steering wheel. My mechanic say tires are cupped and no good. Had free spinbalance put on 'em at TiresPlus, but no better. Tires look good, but are old

THANKS in advance for any help.

Steve

[777stickman]

U-Joints??

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by stb100

Hey -- it's an old, K1500 with 180,000. Tires are old 40K, but tons of tread. Two Problems (at least)

1.) When I shift from P to R or D, it makes a nice clank somewhere beneath and back. Runs smooth though except above 50

2.) Make a pretty good rumble at 45, 50 +. Feel it in the seat, etc. Not the steering wheel. My mechanic say tires are cupped and no good. Had free spinbalance put on 'em at TiresPlus, but no better. Tires look good, but are old

THANKS in advance for any help.

Steve

your tires are worn in a condition caused by poor suspension...you need shocks at the least...

clunking and vibs are normally U joints/cv joints or diff bushings etc...could be drive shaft/axle bent or possible wheel bearings..

a person who is skilled can determine these issues fast when inspected on a lift ..

[stb100]

Thanks.

Would like to avoid putting new tires worth 300 to 500 dollars on this old beater. Any other solutions? Could leave as is, but pretty annoying

Can tires be rotated to opposite sides to wear 'em down "evenly" or is that a bad idea.

Can higher air pressure reduce it? Rated at 80psi (like rock). Run at 36 - 40 to smooth out ride a bit.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by stb100

Thanks.

Would like to avoid putting new tires worth 300 to 500 dollars on this old beater. Any other solutions? Could leave as is, but pretty annoying

Can tires be rotated to opposite sides to wear 'em down "evenly" or is that a bad idea.

Can higher air pressure reduce it? Rated at 80psi (like rock). Run at 36 - 40 to smooth out ride a bit.

I rotate tires every 10-13k mi....no tire issues...LT 245-15 R16..load C rated..last set 92,ooomi...1/3 tread left...

rotation and good shocks will keep the tires smooth and evenly worn something important with a 4WD vehicle/ or just a 2wd truck..

[jdmccright]

I'll second the u-joints, plus I'll throw in a worn out driveshaft center support bearing as the source of the rumbling noise. Hope this helps!