I have a 2005 GX 470 with 142K running Michelin LTX M/S tires. In 2015, the ride quality was getting bad and decided to replace all four shocks and sensors with Lexus stock parts. The ride has improved but not to where it use to be so now I'm thinking the tires may be the problem. Believe it or not, I currently have over 65K on the tires and there is half the tread left. The previous tires, Michelin Cross Terrain got about 35K on them before needing to be replaced. Could it be I'm into the hard rubber compound of the tires and that is giving the rough ride? The tires are over 6 years old and showing some signs of dry rot hairline cracking. Ride on the highway is good biggest issue is hitting a seam in the paving crossing the road when you know the ride is rough. On the fence about what to do, wheels are in need of power coating and along with cost of tires, not sure if it is worth placing that money into it. Any help/comments would be appreciated. Thanks, Dave

 

Do you want to keep the truck and drive it until it die ? If yes, put money on the new wheels and tires. If not, if I were you i would leave it and trade the truck for a new one. I just got my truck the new wheels 18x9 0 offset from FNwheel and 275/60r18 Michelin Defender LTX M/S. I cost me over $2k but I love this combo, it is so quiet, grips on dry condition and 9.5 out of 10 on wet condition. And it's weird that OEM tires Michelin Cross Terrain last to 105k miles on my truck. I love Michelin tires. Just my idea.

 

Yeah, time to think about some new tires. I got some LTXs at Costco - every few weeks they'll run a $70 off special, which essentially pays the sales tax for you. Plus free rotations and puncture repairs.

Chip H.

 

Tire pressure makes a much bigger difference in ride quality than most people realize. Make sure they're not overinflated. The placard inside the driver's door jamb will tell you the correct pressure.

Your 2nd sentence has a part that makes no sense. You claim you replaced shocks and sensors, but there are no sensors associated with the shocks. Maybe you mean the rear air bag sensors.

 

Can't go wrong with the BFG AT KO2. They are not cheap, but you get what you pay for. I paid around $1100 for my 285/70/17s which I had mounted on some Tundra wheels, that I had powdered coated for $250. I think it turned out quite nice.

 

Pennswoods, great work on the wheels/tire combo...looks outstanding!

Questions:
1. Do you notice any change in any additional road noise or change in ride quality compared to the traditional soccer mom tires?

2. I see you went up slightly on the stock tire size (my 04 is 265/65/17). Do you have any rubbing? Can you turn lock to lock without issues? Any noticeable change in MPG?

Thank you.

 

1. I don't notice any change in road noise, the BFG ATs are very quiet.

2. I did have some rubbing, so I removed my running boards and trimmed the inner fenders, now I don't rub at all. You should not have to remove the running boards either, that was just a personal choice for me. My dad has a GX as well, same tire size, he quite he running boards.

 

Old post but I love the look

 

Might want to check your control arms and bushings.

 

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