4WD Auto TC & Tire size

[Melon]

2004 Eddie Bauer 4.6, 4WD Auto - not full time AWD.

Is this transfer case picky like the AWD one when it comes to tire sizes and tread depth? Starting to shop for tires and wife is concerned on budget. Can 2 get replaced and replace the other 2 at a later date and not throw off the transfer case? I don't want to add new transfer case to the list of things to replace

Thanks

 

[fordysenior]

My 2002 4WD has proven to be fussy when it comes to tires. Replace all four, don't even think about doing differently. FWIW, I bought four Toyo's, and had to replace 3 of them. Finally I got rid of all four of them, now running Coopers with mud and snow tread, and I feel a little vibration as I drive down the road. But I am happy with their performance in the mud and snow.

 

[Mbrooks420]

I would only use 4 matching tires.

 

[IPcamper]

Get four matched tires.

You can get away with different tires only if the outside diameter of the tires is the same! if you are replacing 2, then the two you don't replace will be worn and you probably won't match them close enough. Mismatched tires will cause excess wear on the clutch in the transfer case. You might save a little money now, but may end up paying to have your transfer case serviced later.

 

[imp]

"Mismatched tires will cause excess wear on the clutch in the transfer case."

This is true only if the clutch is being turned on and off due to tire diameter differences. I found Ford has built-in a certain amount of tolerance in the programming of when to engage the clutch due to differing wheel speeds.

I replaced one tire after losing one to a tread separation. The three remaining had about 1/16-inch less tread groove than the new one. Clutch has never engaged during normal driving, except when one wheel "spins-out". Been about 20K now, no problems.

BUT, the advice to replace all 4 is SOUND! I'm just tellin' of my experience with it.