Awful ride with 20's, great ride with 17's

[Isaiah W]

Hey all,
So I have a 2002 Tahoe and I purchased it lowered, so I'm unsure what exactly was done to it to lower it. I believe it's a 2/3 drop. It was on 16's with 265/55r16's, and then I got a nice set of GMC Denali 20's with 275/55r20's, and it never rode right. Hitting bumps, the steering would wobble, cornering felt like it was about to slide out or fall over, and I felt every bump in my back. Switching back to 17's for the winter, it rides normal again. Is it normal for 20's to ride like crap or is my suspension messed up? Thanks!

 

[swathdiver]

Hey all,
So I have a 2002 Tahoe and I purchased it lowered, so I'm unsure what exactly was done to it to lower it. I believe it's a 2/3 drop. It was on 16's with 265/55r16's, and then I got a nice set of GMC Denali 20's with 275/55r20's, and it never rode right. Hitting bumps, the steering would wobble, cornering felt like it was about to slide out or fall over, and I felt every bump in my back. Switching back to 17's for the winter, it rides normal again. Is it normal for 20's to ride like crap or is my suspension messed up? Thanks!

Well, generally the tire with a taller sidewall will ride better/softer. It could be that the 17s are covering up something wrong underneath. Or it could be that the tires on those Denali wheels are junk.

 

[Isaiah W]

Well, generally the tire with a taller sidewall will ride better/softer. It could be that the 17s are covering up something wrong underneath. Or it could be that the tires on those Denali wheels are junk.

That's what I'm wondering. I'm willing to bet the suspension needs redone as it has at least 100k miles on it, and is rusted/paint peeling on the shocks and springs. The tires on the denali wheels I bought used from a guy for $80, but they're Michelin's and seemed nice.

 

[adventurenali92]

If you have Michelin’s on 20s and the ride is bad there’s definitely something a miss in your suspension, though the heavier 20 inch wheels will exaggerate the problem. New tires on the 20s in the spring wouldn’t hurt though.
But I would start with suspension. Shocks, bushings, sway bar end links.

 

[ThwopKing]

How old are those 20in tires? Michelins are known for dryrotting and getting hard when old...

 

[Big Mama]

Agreed the 17’s are quieting a problem.

 

[OR VietVet]

Taller sidewalls can hide THINGS!

 

[blurred]

based on the miles on the suspension and what you are describing, I'd look into replacing the shocks as well as take a hard look at the pitman/idler arms. Check on the sway bar boots/end links while you're down there.

The extra weight of the 20s leads me to these ideas. The suspension is already under a lot of stress, adding that little bit more could just pronounce the issues that are there.

someone can correct me, but bad tires could explain the rough ride or the lack of grip but wouldn't create a wobble in the steering when hitting bumps. Wobbles would be there consistently on bad tires.