Abnormal Rear Tire Wear

[RockyMountain_TJ]

This winter I axle swapped to ditch the dana 35 rear (lunchbox lockers front and rear) and with that added 35" KM3's, adjustable links and adjustable trackbars. After 4 day trips this season to Rainbow Falls, Longwater/Hackett, and more recently Yankee Hill I have noticed the tire wear on the rear is insane compared to the front. The tread just looks VERY chewed up compared to the front. On those trails I struggled to grab traction on 2 obstacles of those 4 trips but eventually made it up. Wasn't squealing tires trying to get up them, just slightly chirped them then readjusted to get a different approach.


These tires have about 500 miles on them, if that. This is just a weekend trail toy. 30psi highway 15psi off-road.

Could this be due to the rear lunchbox locker not working correctly on-road? Maybe it's not unlocking properly through turns?

First things first, I will be taking it for a professional alignment here shortly and then seeing if they have any ideas as to what is happening. Just thought I would ask here first to see what people have encountered. I find it so strange that it's just the rear and not front, where I think would wear faster.

I will add some photos shortly.

 

[RockyMountain_TJ]

Front:

 

[RockyMountain_TJ]

Rear:

 

[RockyMountain_TJ]

You can see the jagged edge of the outer tread blocks on the second photo but they are also that way on the inner and center tread blocks.

 

[tnjeepguy]

Front looks like lots of wear for 500 miles ??

 

[RockyMountain_TJ]

Front looks like lots of wear for 500 miles ??

View attachment 539390

Okay I am not losing my mind then.

Yeah 500 miles and that is probably over estimating a bit. 4 day trips and 1 camping trip and it looks like only the rear tires have the jagged edge.

I want to make sure it's not edge wear so I want to get it to an alignment shop if anyone has recommendations in the Denver area. I like to do work myself, but I want a solid baseline to start with.

 

[tnjeepguy]

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-to-align-your-jeep-wrangler-tj.85/

Can do yourself. Easy.

 

[RockyMountain_TJ]

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-to-align-your-jeep-wrangler-tj.85/

Can do yourself. Easy.

Yeah I've done this. Just wondering how it could be wearing my rear tires. Unless it's some sort of deeper issue.

 

[DaveC]

How are your shocks? Blown shocks will cause abnormal/excessive tire wear.

 

[RockyMountain_TJ]

How are your shocks? Blown shocks will cause abnormal/excessive tire wear.

The whole suspension was installed about a little over a year ago. OME springs and shocks. Shocks seemed to be in working order when the axle swap was completed this winter.

Is there any good way to check to see if they're blown? I know the 'bounce back' test. Stand on the corner of the bumper then hop off it and see if it rebounds/rocks.

 

[DaveC]

The whole suspension was installed about a little over a year ago. OME springs and shocks. Shocks seemed to be in working order when the axle swap was completed this winter.

Is there any good way to check to see if they're blown? I know the 'bounce back' test. Stand on the corner of the bumper then hop off it and see if it rebounds/rocks.

Aside from removing to test, I'm not sure of another method, but don't rule out a good visual inspection. I recently noticed some odd wear on the rear tires on my DD and thought the rear shocks looked like they may have been leaking. Used some degreaser to clean the shocks and everything else in the area and within a day, it was clear the shocks where leaking fluid and needed to be replaced. Seems unlikely given how new yours are but you never know.

 

[macleanflood]

How heavy is your Jeep? What tire pressure are you running on road?

-Mac

 

[RockyMountain_TJ]

How heavy is your Jeep? What tire pressure are you running on road?

-Mac

Not weighed down that much. Misc trail tools, Badlands Jack, small Yeti and some steel bumpers front and rear but no winch. No hard top.
4.0L 5 Speed

15lbs offroad 30lbs on road

One thing I did screw up with early on is I bought the HD springs from OME and I hadn't realized until I installed them and noticed them riding rough. So I am living with that consequence for now.

 

[RockyMountain_TJ]

Aside from removing to test, I'm not sure of another method, but don't rule out a good visual inspection. I recently noticed some odd wear on the rear tires on my DD and thought the rear shocks looked like they may have been leaking. Used some degreaser to clean the shocks and everything else in the area and within a day, it was clear the shocks where leaking fluid and needed to be replaced. Seems unlikely given how new yours are but you never know.

Yeah I get under my jeep before every trail run to ensure my links are tight and any bolts are also. The only leak I have right now is a drinker rear axle seal leak. But that should just be a quick job when I get my hands on a press. Along with a slight Dana 30 pinion seal leak that I will be doing this month.

Nothing on the shocks but I will check later today and report back! (I accidentally sprayed brakkleen on them and the yellow color rubbed off a bit) going to wipe them down and see what I can see.

 

[LONGJP2]

The whole suspension was installed about a little over a year ago.

Are the axles square to the frame?
Don't assume the control arms should be equal lengths.