Road Rascal said:
".....took a lot more than 40psi to seat beads in car tires (technology must've changed) and well over 80 for light truck tires...."
Back the truck up!! This is exactly what I am talking about!!!
NO passenger or light truck tire should take more than 40 psi to seat the beads (OK there are a few exceptions). If it does, then you need to look at the lube, the placement of the lube, the condition of the rim, etc.
No, this is not new technology!!
Pontius Pilot said:
"...my g/f's tires say to inflate to like 50 psi.... mine are 35psi..."
The bead seating pressure is not the usage pressure. Even if the tire says 35 psi max on the sidewall, it's OK to use up to 40 psi to seat the beads, but a tire with 80 psi on the sidewall should also seat before 40 psi is reached.
Hope this helps.