Unusual Rear Tire Wear

[HotWheelsBurban]

The sensors don't sense impact, they only measure deceleration. If you didn't slam to a stop, the airbags wouldn't go off. If you have an offset crash the deceleration may be a bit sideways and the older systems are less likely to go off.

Since the axle was difficult to remove and reinstall, the rearend is the problem, not the frame. Your axle tube is likely bent. I'd replace the rearend as an assembly without even bothering to figure out what's bent - but that's also because I have a Pull-A-Part nearby with a dozen rearends cheap.

Your frame might still be bent. Take cross measurements, and if they're off, I'd ask the shop that did the original work what kind of deal they'll make you since they didn't fix it correctly the first time.

Can you get into the pull a parts in your area or are they not allowing customers in? I just learned today that at least one in Houston (the one 3 miles from me of course, that I've been really wanting to get in! ) isn't allowing anyone to go in. Apparently you have to tell them what you want and they send their people in to get it for you. And I guess if they break it you're SOL....Thanks Corona!

 

[97C1500TJ]

Can you get into the pull a parts in your area or are they not allowing customers in? I just learned today that at least one in Houston (the one 3 miles from me of course, that I've been really wanting to get in! ) isn't allowing anyone to go in. Apparently you have to tell them what you want and they send their people in to get it for you. And I guess if they break it you're SOL....Thanks Corona!

I’ve actually only got one decent junkyard here and they don’t seemed too concerned with Corona here. I don’t want anyone but myself pulling my parts if I can help it.

 

[97C1500TJ]

The nearest Pull A Part is 100 miles away and that’s probably a good thing. I’d probably have a second truck pieced together over our rainy winters.

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

I’ve actually only got one decent junkyard here and they don’t seemed too concerned with Corona here. I don’t want anyone but myself pulling my parts if I can help it.

Yep me too, and I like to practice on the junk in the yard on something I haven't done on my truck before. Not that I try to break things, mind you. But sometimes it happens.
Thanks, glad you got your truck figured out.

 

[97C1500TJ]

Yep me too, and I like to practice on the junk in the yard on something I haven't done on my truck before. Not that I try to break things, mind you. But sometimes it happens.
Thanks, glad you got your truck figured out.

Thanks for the help. Now part of it is at least figured out. Now there’s too many choices. Keep 3.42? Go to 3.73? 12 bolt? 10 bolt? That is if I can find all of those.

 

[454cid]

I don't think you want a 12-bolt. I'm pretty sure those ended during the Sqaurebody era. You'll find the 10, 14bsf, and 14bff, and a few Dana axles in the GMT-400.

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

Thanks for the help. Now part of it is at least figured out. Now there’s too many choices. Keep 3.42? Go to 3.73? 12 bolt? 10 bolt? That is if I can find all of those.

I have 3.42 in my Burb, good performance off the line and the engine is in its happy place on the highway when it's in overdrive. I tow small trailers a few times a year and it does well, it's a stock 5.7 vortec.

 

[97C1500TJ]

I don’t tow often and when I do it’s some light equipment on an 8 ft trailer. Basically I’m looking for the best fuel economy but also some towing capabilities when I need it. I haven’t pulled anything but an 8 ft trailer so I don’t really have a good idea of what’s the best fit for me.

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

I don’t tow often and when I do it’s some light equipment on an 8 ft trailer. Basically I’m looking for the best fuel economy but also some towing capabilities when I need it. I haven’t pulled anything but an 8 ft trailer so I don’t really have a good idea of what’s the best fit for me.

3.42 would probably be better than 3.73 for mileage. It's a good all around ratio, that's why so many trucks have it. 3.73 will give you a little more off the line but will cut mileage some. It's easier with overdrive, gives you a bit more flexibility in choosing ratio. Back in the day, 3.73 or 4.10 was great for performance, but you'd run out of top end quicker. My 90 R2500 Burb had a 4.10 and turbo 400,no overdrive,with a TBI 350. Would slap you back in the seat off the line, but top speed on the highway was like 60. Had a loose front end till dad and I fixed it and that didn't help!

 

[97C1500TJ]

3.42 would probably be better than 3.73 for mileage. It's a good all around ratio, that's why so many trucks have it. 3.73 will give you a little more off the line but will cut mileage some. It's easier with overdrive, gives you a bit more flexibility in choosing ratio. Back in the day, 3.73 or 4.10 was great for performance, but you'd run out of top end quicker. My 90 R2500 Burb had a 4.10 and turbo 400,no overdrive,with a TBI 350. Would slap you back in the seat off the line, but top speed on the highway was like 60. Had a loose front end till dad and I fixed it and that didn't help!

Thanks for the advice. I think I’m leaning 3.42 but if I 3.73 pops up instead I guess I’ll snag it. If it’s straight I’ll take it.