Centramatic Tire Balancers

[Andy H1]

Anybody have any comments on these things? I was thinking about pulling the trigger and ordering a set for $350 from bluehummer.com. Do they really smooth out the ride any? Would I be looking at trouble trying to slap these things on myself? Also, what is the sweet spot to torque the wheels to? I am just running the regular 1 piece 17'' wheels with MTRs and the ride is pretty dern wobbly even after being freshly balanced.

[ssgharkness020147]

I have them on my truck. They help a bit, but are not a cure all. If you do choose them do not by the shot filled balancers. Mercury is the way to go. MTR's (and all good years tend to cup over time), which is going to make them hard to balance. Sometimes popping them off the bead and rotating the tire around can make all the difference in the world. I believe the wheels torque down to 150 ft/lbs, I just zap it with an impact and call it good.

[ssgharkness020147]

The biggest trouble in installing them yourself is lifting the 150+ pound tires on and off. Other than that they just slip over the lugs.

[ROX]

That's a good tip. I was just looking at these on Trailduty.com the other day.

[NoMoGMPG]

Originally Posted by ROX

That's a good tip. I was just looking at these on Trailduty.com the other day.

You don't need them, they are for the steel wheels. The aluminum wheels don't have an issue with balancing.

[ROX]

Originally Posted by NoMoGMPG

You don't need them, they are for the steel wheels. The aluminum wheels don't have an issue with balancing.

Then how come it shakes goin down the hiway?

Lordy! I got lots to learn about which stuff goes with an Alpha and which stuff doesn't.

[NoMoGMPG]

Originally Posted by ROX

Then how come it shakes goin down the hiway?

Lordy! I got lots to learn about which stuff goes with an Alpha and which stuff doesn't.

You just went wheelin', my guess is you lost a couple wheel weights (its happened to me). Have your tires balanced.

The Alpha has everything that owners of earlier models wish they had. Powerful quiet diesel engine, 5 speed Allison 1000 trans with braking capabilty, front and rear e-lockers, a lower crawl ratio, a 2" lift kit...FACTORY!, 12K brakes and axles, 2 piece aluminum 17" beadlock wheels, better steering system, and A/C that actually works well. Honestly, the only thing you can do to improve the offroad capabilty is a 40" tire and maybe some rim guards.

'nuff said.