My rover did exactly what you are describing. It "grabs" things on the road right? Mine was so bad it grabbed painted lines on the road... An alignment fixed the problem. Before replacing any expensive components, get the vehicle's wheels aligned. I think I paid $30 to have mine done.

 

Am I reading this correct that you have mismatched tires on your truck? Two different makes and models? Having a different tread pattern can have a major impact on the handling of the truck. Different tires are constructed differently and will have a different response to the conditions of the road. This would be especially evident at high speed.

 

I agree Scott. I always do an alignment when I replace my tires.

 

Thanks for the input. I have decided to get an alignment. Is this something that a regular shop can do or do I need to find a LR specific shop?

 

I have always done alignments for both my Jag and Rover at Sears. But I am sure some people would not agree with this.

 

You can get it done anywhere. Just make sure they have one of the new computerized laser setups. I usually negotiate that when I get my tires. Try to get a packaged deal. Make sure to get the print out of the specs for your records plus it will tell you how far off it was.

 

If you can find a $30 alignment then consider yourself lucky - LRScott I'm jealous.

Agree with the guys on this one for sure. Nothing special here for an alignment, but my experience is that the big box stores/national tire chains usually are not the best placed for this. I get annoyed when they try to up-sell me on things, and one tried to tell me I needed special tools for an X-type alignment (you don't) and charge more.

My dealer is actually very competitive price-wise for both items above, so that's usually where it goes.

Also, while you are there, a Road Force tire balancing wouldn't hurt.

Describe the condition of your two not-new tires.....I agree with Krazzz, particularily on an AWD vehicle, then tend to be more sensitive to changes in tire diameter - even though they may be stamped as the same size, they can differ from brand to brand.

 

Well I got the alignment. It was $130 not $30. The mechanic said it was a little bit out of alignment. He also said the front end components all looked good. He did say there was a little bit of play in the steering box. Is that something I can take out with the adjustment screw? I have adjusted other model's steering boxes but never a LR. I also had them remove the new Chinese-made tires and replace them with Michelin MTX. I noticed the Chinese tires were a little taller than the Toyo Open Countrys that are on the rear. The Michelins are the same height as the Open Countrys. The ride is much much smoother and quieter now and the control problem is gone. Thank you to all of you who responded to my posts. It really helped me out.

 

I'm sorry, it was $50 for the alignment. I went and checked my service records. Big O Tires did the alignment for those that are curious .

 

My $.02, it sounds like the ball joints. How did you check them? Lift the nose then use a LONG 2x4 to lift that tire then go to the other side and repeat?
Only reason I am poking around on this forum is I am looking at a 2001 SE. Thinking of selling my D1's