Not sure if this thread belongs here or under tires, but anyway, I've got a '01 ZR2. When I bought the truck a little over a year ago, there was still some decent tread on the tires. About a year later, I found the inside tread on both rear tires were wearing quickly, and were soon completely bald. As winter approached, I decided to replace the rear tires with the ones on the front (still some tread) and put some BFG 31x10.50R15, All-Terrain T/A KOs on the front.

Of course, the rear tires are again wearing unevenly, on the inside tread. I asked a trusted mechanic about it and he said it sounded like a bent axle or frame. I should also mention that the vehicle was in an accident, repaired, and came with a salvaged title when I bought it.

Sounds like a serious issue. Is this something that can or should be repaired? Or should I just expect to have to replace the rear tires every X number of months?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

 

I think it would drive me nuts wondering if the frame was bent. If you take it to a good shop that has the proper equipment, they can check all the measurements on the frame and possibly do any necessary straightening. I had to do this for my son's Dakota and it only cost about $150.00 (to include a bit of straightening). I helped the guy out that was doing the work (basically by "help" I mean I handed him tools and fetched his coffee ). He had a lift meant for the purpose and equipment with lasers and such. With all the proper specs in hand he was able to check each point called for by the manufacturer. If you spend money to do that, at least you will know the frame is good.

 

Thanks for the reply! It does drive me nuts. I also noticed some pretty big gaps between the hood/door/fender panels. I assume this happened when it was rebuild and not correctly aligned? I would gladly spend that much to have the frame adjusted. I'm sure an issue with the axle would cost much more though. I will definitely ask a shop about it.

 

Gaps can very well indicate frame problems. A good indicator of frame damage is when gaps are not uniform. If when they put the new panels on they adjusted the panels to make them uniform to the widest spot, it's possible the frame was damaged and no repair to it was done. Or, maybe the frame is fine and they just did a bad job putting the panels back on (doubtful). The amount of repair to a frame will dictate the cost. It could go well over $1,000 or more. On my sons, it was a very minor straighten.

 

A bent frame shouldn't make the rear tires scrub off on the inside as you describe. A bent axle housing certainly would mind you. An alignment shop should be able to tell you if it is.

 

That's sort of what I was thinking.. I'll probably ask about the frame anyway, but if it is a bent axle housing, any idea if that would be worth repairing? Sounds expensive.

 

Myself, I'd just get a complete axle assy from the junk yard, or try and find one on craigslist. They are cheap, and plentiful, but just make sure it's from a '98+ ZR2.