Interesting point. In fact I have thought of another possibility or two
since I posted last (2 hours ago?). There may be a correlation
between production run (mine was one of the very first 97 V8s in
northern California - the reason I know is an interesting story).
Anyway, I wonder if there is a correlation between between:
1) production date; 2) 2WD vs 4WD; 3) Handling package; 4) V8
engine or no.
Okay, so I will do the research. Not to bypass the trouble report form
idea, which I think is good (and will respond as soon as I copy the VIN),
but this would be taking the effort one step farther, at least for this
problem. Now, so I can do the research, I am asking everyone who has
a 97 or 98 Dakota or Durango any version send to me your vehicles
specifics and whether you do or DO NOT have this problem. And yes,
information on those Dakotas that do not have the problem is useful and
potentially revealing.
Suggestion:
1. Look for production date on the decal inside the driver's door (on 97
at least).
2. 2WD or 4WD
3. Handling package?
4. V8?
5. Are you having the problem?
6. How many miles?
7. Tire data (e.g., Goodyear Invicta GL, 215/75s)
Thanks for your help. Those of us with this problem desperately want a
permanent fix, and this problem potentially is life threatening (much
higher
risk of tire blowout, I think). If you are not sure about whether the tire
wear on yours is normal or not, consider asking someone who should know,
like a mechanic or maybe your local Firestone store. I've said it before,
but I think more people have this problem than realize, especially those
almost new trucks or with low miles.
----------
From: Jim Azeltine <jazeltine@westaff.com>
To: 'dakota-truck@buffnet.net'
Subject: RE: DML: Front tire wear on 98 4x2
Date: Friday, March 13, 1998 11:13 AM
I am beginning to wonder if early '97 DAK's have a problem that was cured
in later production. I got my '97 V8 CC 4X4 in July, and I now have 12,000
miles on it. I have not experienced the uneven tire wear on the front. I
rotated the tires at 8,000 miles because the back tires were showing more
wear (I have a heavy go foot!). I have the 235 Wranglers on it.
----------
From: Tony Mastres
Sent: Friday, March 13, 1998 2:18 AM
To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
Subject: Re: DML: Front tire wear on 98 4x2
>
>Those of you who have experienced the tire wear/alignment problem:
>when did you start noticing the problem and how severe was your
>situation? If I took it in to the dealer now, they will probably blow me
>off without doing anything. I would sure hate to see these Goodyear
>Eagle LS tires get trashed in 10K miles. Call me paranoid...
I began to notice the wear after only a few thousand miles. I rotate the
tires (front to back) every 5k miles and thats helped to manage the wear
but in reality I'm not expecting more than 35k from these tires. (PS I've
got the 235 Wranglers on my 4x4 but I've seen the same wear in a 2wd Dak
with Invictas)
Tony J. Mastres
Photographer
Photographic Services __
1120 Kerr HAll UCSB []_.-' (Q,___\
Mastres@id.ucsb.edu *******`(o) >>>}__(o)s>
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