So few weeks ago I realized I had some odd wearing on the rear right tire. It only wore on the outside of the tire and only on a fifth of the tires circumference. I know if it wears all the way around the tire it is a inflation issue. And I have not come to any skidding stops recently that would cause a bald spot. What do you guys think this could be?

I did some googling and came up with that it is called cupping, and that cupping is caused from steering not being aligned or a bad suspension component. Which taking that the tire is in the back, it rules out steering. Does this mean I have a bad shock in the rear?

I have Yokohama H/T-S tires(255/55R18), they are nearing the end of their life, which I have General Grabbers AT2 (255/65R16, I have a set of 16s waiting) ordered and coming in November after General catchs up on their production.

 

Have your alignment checked.
Yes bad suspension can cause uneven tire wear.

 

Since the rear can't be aligned, it might be safe to say that that wear was caused while the tire was on the front end, took some wear and was then rotated to the rear.
Sounds like it is time to head to a good 4wheel drive shop that does alignments, not the dealer.

 

Check the shocks.

 

Shocks won't cause that sort of alignment wear.

 

Tire cupping can be caused by several different areas. High speed damper valve in shock is bad,out of balance wheel, Improper alignment, bent pull rod,or brake problem.

Take Mike's suggestion and have a aligment shop check it.

 

Why do you suggest not going to the dealer for the alignment? I need to get my LR3 aligned. the dealer quoted me over $200. My local shop i use to take my jeep to quoted me $120.

 

You just answered your own question....$200 Dealer-$120 Local Shop = $80 left over for more parts....or beer