gary@rochester.UUCP (Gary Cottrell) (10/12/83)
From: Gary Cottrell <gary> I have a 66 dodge dart with radials on it. Someone told me they thought that the suspension was not designed for radials, and that the handling would be affected. I notice that it seems a lot smoother than my 65 Valiant with bias- ply, but it does seem a little mushy in the corners. Does anyone who is *knowledgeable* about these things know if I should worry? Please mail me, and I will summarize to the net. While we're on the subject, what the hell does "radial-tuned" shocks mean? gary cottrell (allegra or seismo)!rochester!gary or gary@rochester
wookie@alice.UUCP (10/15/83)
The best info I have seen concerning the radials on an old car (pre 71 for most US) is that they are harder on the suspension components than bias ply tires. The radial transmits bumps around the cross section of the tire and so there is much less area to absorb the shock which is immediately transmitted to the bottom of the wheel. In a bias ply tire the bumps are transmitted around the circumference of the tire and so more of the road shock is absorbed by the tire and not transmitted to the wheel. I have not had any knowledgeable source indicate any handling troubles.....only faster wear on ball joints and suspension bushings. I hope we can get a tire engineer or suspension engineer in on this because I too would like to know!! Keith Bauer White Tiger Racing
dswankii@uok.UUCP (10/28/83)
#R:rocheste:-336700:uok:500003:000:740 uok!dswankii Oct 26 16:27:00 1983 You are very close to the answer. Radial tires DO send more of the impact to the car and for the reason mentioned. However I have not noticed any increase in wear on my older cars with radial tires and if I did, I would accept it as part of the price for the extra safety of radials (ever drive on pavement that is of two heights?). Radial Tuned Suspention systems are designed to absorb the extra impact instead of transmitting it to the car where YOU feel it. A washboard road will show this. RTS shocks are designed to provide more shock absorption close to center position for the same reason. On large bumps (potholes so deep you have to downshift to get out) they work like regular shocks. David Swank II !duke!uok!dswankii