Mixing Bias and radial.

[SandDiesel]

Probably opening a can of worms but... Considering the bias rears are much larger than a small radial front who has actually driven a car with both and noticed an issue. I've heard lots of people say not to do it but not from a person who actually has driving experience with them. I do know a couple people locally that have done it on their cars for many years now. If front and back were the same size I can see where sidewall flex will be very different but a 275/60 bias rear and a 205/70 radial front not so much. If you've tried it let me know your thoughts/opinions. Thanks.

 

[Redpolara]

I did it years ago and the best way to describe it on that particular car is.....It handled like a terrified cat on polished slate tiles.

 

[Revhendo]

It was actually a bigger issue "back in the day". I still wouldn't recommend it. Considering the variety of radial tires available, it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[YY1]

My Super Bee ran 205 or 215 or 225 14 radial front and L60 bias rear.

I never had any problems and actually liked having the rear let you know it was going to come around. It would start to drift and squeal, which would get pregressively worse, rather than just snap and swing around like radials do.

Of course basic traction with bias sucks. I'm sure you can get about twice as much launch traction from radials, ie less tire in the available space in the wheel well.

With the radials on the front, it wouldn't follow pavement lines like bias plys do.
I can NOT handle bias on the front, no matter what.

 

[SandDiesel]

Thanks guys. Probably ordering them tomorrow, fronts are toast.

 

[Cranky]

I'm with YY1.....except for the traction issue. I've had plenty of bias or regular belted tires that had great traction and have had plenty of radials that sucked for traction. I also liked the way the car acted with radials on the front....and hate not having radials on the front too and have never understood why it's not recommended. The recommendation is to run the radials on the back if you're going to mix them but screw that. Did it for many years and had no problems what so ever.

 

[Revhendo]

I'm with YY1.....except for the traction issue. I've had plenty of bias or regular belted tires that had great traction and have had plenty of radials that sucked for traction. I also liked the way the car acted with radials on the front....and hate not having radials on the front too and have never understood why it's not recommended. The recommendation is to run the radials on the back if you're going to mix them but screw that. Did it for many years and had no problems what so ever.

You sure on that? I had always heard radials on the front.
As far as the bias tires talking to you before they give way in a corner is true to a point. True racing tires aside, they are talking and giving away a lot sooner than a comparable radial.

 

[YY1]

I think all three of us are right, there's a lot of physics involved that could get lengthy to hash out.

My short version:

In theory, radials hold better for longer, but release faster.

Bias should also "come back" if you let off, or are a good enough driver to turn into the spin correctly. Radials...good luck.

Radial traction is dependant on design, and some that you think should be great, aren't.

I personally hate Goodyear Eagles.

I think there's even a traction " rating" for radials. The trick is to balance that and treadwear and cost, even then some do the job that you ned them to do better or more efficiently than others.

All this is based on handling and not launch like in drag racing, although some applies.

Never owned drag slicks but I undrstand up until recently most were bias.

I have heard the same reccomendation to run bias in front if you have to mix.

Always thought that was a sure way to a handling nightmare.

 

[Cranky]

Yup, have always read that radials should be on the rear if they are going to be mixed with belted bias ply but I've also read that a car handles like crap with them mixed but I've never experienced that and I've done it a lot....radials on the front tho. I've also read where a car not designed for radials needs to have the suspension 'tuned' for them. Does that mean aligned differently? I align my cars way different than what the book calls for so I don't know lol. They work fine with them on there....all of my cars do new and old.

 

[cj's mopar]

I like radials in front for handleing , and sticky mickeys in the rear for traction , ran my last car for 12 years this way never a problem .

 

[TIGwelder]

I ran radials up front and bias ply rears.

Only thing that I really noticed was a section of highway that had a long diagonal section of slightly overlapping pavement that went across the road ( lanes were moved). The front left would go over it and the rear wanted to follow the edge of the pavement. I very spooky situation at 60 mph when the car wants to go 2 different directions. I mean turning the wheel and waiting for the left rear to decide to go straight.

Other than that never noticed anything and I felt I got better traction with the bias plys.

 

[MRHWS]

Used to run the narrow import radials on the front and MT sportmans on rear back in the late 60s. Great going in a straight line, but hairy in a turn.