72 K10 driving issues

[71chevswb]

Just finished putting together a 72 k10 to where I am able to drive it down the road. The brand new 33x12.50x15 BFG howl more than I've ever experienced. I put a 4" tuff country lift on it and it drives decent other than the annoying howl. Would an alignment help this tire noise?

Took it to the alignment/brake/suspension shop and was told 3 out of 4 of my ball joints are bad. This isn't too surprising as the axle probably has never been touched other than some paint.

What would you guys do? I would like to drive and enjoy the truck as much as I can this summer during my break from school but don't want to spend a ton. They want over $1000 to fix ball joints.

I plan to do a very extensive resto down the road so just trying to enjoy it on a budget for now and want to do it right once, not twice.



Thanks in advance for the input, much appreciated.

[72cs20]

Looks like you'll have to do them yourself. What kind of BFG's? All Terrains? Mud terrains? The muds tend to make more noise, especially if your front end is worn out.

[71chevswb]

Originally Posted by 72cs20

Looks like you'll have to do them yourself. What kind of BFG's? All Terrains? Mud terrains? The muds tend to make more noise, especially if your front end is worn out.

They are just All terrians (KO2)..... so the worn out ball joints are most likely causing the tire noise?

[72cs20]

It certainly could be a contributing factor. I have a new set of All Terrains on one of my F-250 and they are quiet. Before blaming the tire, make sure all of the components of the front axle are in good condition. Also make sure the axle housing isn't bent.

[71chevswb]

Originally Posted by 72cs20

It certainly could be a contributing factor. I have a new set of All Terrains on one of my F-250 and they are quiet. Before blaming the tire, make sure all of the components of the front axle are in good condition. Also make sure the axle housing isn't bent.

I've ran similar tires before on other rigs with no excessive road noise like this. Was hoping it was just an alignment issue not ball joints or bent axle housing. Beyond those two factors, what else should I look at?

[72cs20]

Originally Posted by 71chevswb

I've ran similar tires before on other rigs with no excessive road noise like this. Was hoping it was just an alignment issue not ball joints or bent axle housing. Beyond those two factors, what else should I look at?

Any damaged or worn parts will cause an alignment issue. Is the frame square? Is the rear axle tracking the front axle properly? All these things should be checked. These trucks are old now and some have had serious abuse inflicted upon them.

[suburban99]

I have 35" K02'S on my 72 and they are very quiet. Mine are C load range and I run about 28 PSI in them...very happy with them especially in the snow..