Rotated my tires. They were probably overdue. The fronts had significantly more wear.

I also noticed the shoulders on the front tires were "chunky" and not smooth. Has anybody else experienced this or know why it happens?

 

Check control arm bushings for sag. Check tire pressures.

 

Pressure is fine.
You mean play in the control arms? That would be unusual at my low km's.

 

Rubber bushings where the steering knuckle connects. Upper and lower, may have shrunk from exposure already.

 

I think you mean upper and lower ball joints? That's not a bushing. That's just a rubber boot that holds grease in the joint. Balljoints are fine. Again that would be unusual for low km's.

Tie rod play is a possibility.

 

I worded that poorly, should have said "where control arm meets cross member. These bushings here.

This upper is sagging, needs replacement.

The lowers are sagging as well.
A quick peek with a lamp should be all is needed to tell.

 

It's worth a peek, but I wouldn't expect mine to be worn out yet.

 

By the way, these are Goodyear Wrangler A/T LT245/70R17, currently with 17,000 km, if anybody cares to know.

 

17's? Must be a pretty penny for those. Not my vehicle, did a driveway starter swap today for a co-worker though.

 

They were on the vehicle when I bought it. $228 US per tire according to 1010tires.com