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Well, I went from 16" 255/50's to 17" 255/45's & 275/40's.
I noticed it rode pretty harsh with the new tires...smoother at speed, but I think I could tell the date on a dime if I ran over one.
I lowered my tire pressure from 42 PSI down to 36 PSI. Man what a difference.
It seems SOOOOOOOOO much smoother riding. Handling seems fine, it doesn't spin the tires as much now, and corners seem a little quieter.
Do you think I'm running too low a pressure? :chevy
I run 36psi front and 34psi rear. I believe the recommend pressure is 32psi for both or 35psi for high speed driving or racing. I run mine for best tire wear. Ride isn't to bad. I think 42psi may be within the tires specs, but is way to much for a decent ride/wear.
If I recall, the factory recommendations are 32 psi front and back for normal driving and 35 psi front and back for extended high speed driving. I generally split the difference and keep mine around 34 front and rear.
IMHO, 42 psi is way too high and will cause premature tire wear and a harsh ride.
I run my Firehawk SZ50's at 35 PSI, the pressure recommended by Chevy for high speed driving. (I rarely get above 106 MPH on the street)
The Firehawks are labled with a maximum inflation pressure of 44 PSI.
I found my tires gained at least 4-6 PSI after heating up on long drives.
Therefore, I did not want to inflate them to anything above 38 PSI, or they would heat up and the pressure would exceed the 44 PSI maximum inflation pressure. :)