ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum

ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: 144man on May 08, 2011, 02:36:26 PM

Title: Tires, Noob eureka moment
Post by: 144man on May 08, 2011, 02:36:26 PM
I've only had my stock '87 Sammy since last Thanksgiving.  It needed two tires when I got it, so I stuck with the 215-70-15 that was on it.  The tire guys filled them to 32 psi, of course.  I finally read the manual, which said 20 psi front and 20 psi rear (26 loaded.)  That seemed a little low for road use, so I aired them down to 22 front and 24 rear.  WHAT a difference!  I no longer feel like I'm going to lose fillings driving it on the road.  I had no idea that fully half the suspension job is done by the tires.  When in doubt, RTFM!  (Read the f***ing manual.)
Title: Re: Tires, Noob eureka moment
Post by: mike5721947 on May 08, 2011, 05:50:44 PM
yep, i had 205's on my sidekick when i bought it and swapped out to some 235's and the guys at the tire shop put them at 35 psi, drove like a rock. checked the door sticker and it was suppose to be down at 23 psi. aired them down and man, rode like silk.

got a family member with a BONE stock kick with 205's on it, they were noticing the ruff ride and i swapped my 235's on to there truck, they said it was night and day, way smoother.
Title: Re: Tires, Noob eureka moment
Post by: Jonny Rash on May 09, 2011, 08:54:04 AM
Yep, tire pressure has a dramatic effect on the ride quality.  The tires are an integral part of the suspension.  Almost like a forklift where the tires are the suspension. 

One summer I loaned a Samurai to my brother and I decided to take it for a spin around the block to see how it was running.  The thing rode like a SWB dump truck.  Turns out he had the tires inflated to 35 PSI.