Steer vs. Drive Tires
I'm still reading all about tires with the thought of upgrading to a 19.5 rim and a higher load rating than the "E"'s I currently run. I've read a lot about steer (rib patterned) vs. drive (lug patte...
Forum Discussion
My '06 Ford F350 SC was 4x4. I ran Hankook DH-01 245/70R 19.5s for over 7 years until I traded it. I never considered not getting drive for all 4 wheels. I'm sure they are probably harder to steer than "steer" tires. However, I didn't have a problem steering.
When I bought the F450, it had steer tires on front and drive tires on rear. Again, it's a 4x4. I immediately switched to Hankook DH-01 225/R70 19.5 drive tires all around. Like the F350, I had no issues steering with drive tires up front. Note: there is some wandering and tracking with 19.5s, but I think it has more to do with air pressure than tread pattern.
If I had two wheel drive or was sure to never have a use for 4x4, I'd consider steer tires. Otherwise, there is an advantage of having exactly the same tires front and rear for rotating and also traction.
When I bought the F450, it had steer tires on front and drive tires on rear. Again, it's a 4x4. I immediately switched to Hankook DH-01 225/R70 19.5 drive tires all around. Like the F350, I had no issues steering with drive tires up front. Note: there is some wandering and tracking with 19.5s, but I think it has more to do with air pressure than tread pattern.
If I had two wheel drive or was sure to never have a use for 4x4, I'd consider steer tires. Otherwise, there is an advantage of having exactly the same tires front and rear for rotating and also traction.
