Chains on front tires

[zonianbrat]

Just wondering if I can fit chains on the front tires of my 98 XLT 4X4. I have some really aggressive chains for the back.Here are the ones I have never used still in packaging http://tirechain.com/VBAR.htm Problem is the ones I have now are for my old Pathfinder that i totalled and they are for 31" tires. I currently have small 235/75/15" tires now on my X.I plan on putting 31"s on my X once my craptastic goodyears wear out Anyway I could not put chains on the front tires of the Pathfinder cause they wouldnt clear the strut. I felt back behind the front tires and it feels like there may be enough room I was just wondering if anybody has done it before.I probably wont need chains on all 4 tires but i work in the oil field and have to travel on some really nasty deep (really fun!!) rig roads.

 

[CCr]

I may do some winter wheeling so I'd like to know too. unfortunately I work in the oilfield in nd and this ####er is flat for the most part. what's your position? I'm a mudlogger/geologist.

 

[wyochimneysweep]

what year pathfinder? had a 92 and would put chains all the way around and go through things that you wouldnt believe

then agian with 31's i dont know. where they 10.5? if you keep them narrow 31's then probably but if 10.5 idk

 

[zonianbrat]

I may do some winter wheeling so I'd like to know too. unfortunately I work in the oilfield in nd and this ####er is flat for the most part. what's your position? I'm a mudlogger/geologist.

I am also a mudlogger/Geo cunsultant. I work for Selman & Associates. We are based out of Midland TX but we do alot of work out here in colorado and some of the locations are a real ***** to get too sometimes.

 

[zonianbrat]

what year pathfinder? had a 92 and would put chains all the way around and go through things that you wouldnt believe

then agian with 31's i dont know. where they 10.5? if you keep them narrow 31's then probably but if 10.5 idk

My pathfinder was a 97 and it was 10.5 inch wide tires so there was no way the chains would clear the strut. I think cable chains might have barely cleared. I miss that truck cause it would go through stuff that lightly modified Jeeps would have trouble with sometimes. It was great to see the look on their face after they struggle with mud bogs or small obstacles then I go through with no problems at all.

 

[joecrna]

I run that type of chain front and rear. Only difference is mine are 3/8" hardend steal with double rows of cross chains. Got to be careful putting them on. Keep them nice and tight and they clear. If they're loose, you got problems. At full lock my 31s already rub the anti-roll bar slightly, so no extremely tight turns with the chains on. Mine have worked fine in the High Sierras for 2 seasons. V bars rule!

 

[zonianbrat]

Awesome thanks that's exactly what I needed to know since you and I have the same truck almost. (besides the fact that you have mods). Can you post up any pics of your truck so I can see what mine will look like once I get my 31" BFG's and a bit of lift? Joecrna!

 

[joecrna]

At work, no access to pics and a firewall to deal with. So not for a day or two. If you search my thread on the winch mount you may find a side view of the horse. The winch was one of the last mods.

 

[CCr]

I am also a mudlogger/Geo cunsultant. I work for Selman & Associates. We are based out of Midland TX but we do alot of work out here in colorado and some of the locations are a real ***** to get too sometimes.

no degree here, just a logger but they are supposedly going to set me up with my own rig at some point in the near future. I work for neset consulting

 

[zonianbrat]

No degree here either but with the experience we get the title of Geological "Consultant". I've got my own rig now and it is one effed up SOB.

 

[gijoecam]

Page 181 of the '98 Owner's Manual:

The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in rain and snow. However, in some climates, using snow tires and traction devices may be necessary. Ford offers tire cables as Ford-approved accessories and recommends use of these or their equivalents. See your dealer or qualified service technician for more information on tire cables for your vehicle.

Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices:
-Do not use tire chains on aluminum wheels. Chains may chip the wheels.
-Install cables securely, verifying that the cables do not touch any wiring, brake lines, or fuel lines.
-Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against te vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove the cables to prevent vehicle damage.
-Avoid overloading your vehicle.
-Remove tire cables when they are no longer needed.
-The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle damage. Do not remove these components from teh vehicle when using traction control devices.
-Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph) with tire cables on your vehicle.

So, it appears that Ford does not recommend using chains at all... With that in mind, and thinking about the front wheel wells, I suspect the chains would grind away the sway bars, as the clearance is tight there for starters. Also, the clearance on the wheel wells is tight just with going to 31s... look how little clearance there is between the back of the passenger side tire and the back edge of the wheel well with the steering about 1 turn to the left... it's tight. Most people have to trim the plastic back just to clear 31s. Also, the front outside corner of the tire gets awful close to the bumper, and even closer with 31s... I don't think I'd chance it myself...

-Joe

 

[alohamonte]

ive used chains in deep snow covered roads and parking lots when I go skiiing.

i put them only on the rear. i found that using chains in the front gave too much harsh feedback through the steering wheel and made steering much worse.

also, id have snow covered roads/lots linked by plowed lanes. driving with front chains on little snow/no snow, even at minimal speeds was very hard on the suspension (and my neck).

 

[zonianbrat]

Very good points. I doubt I will put the chains on the front. If I was at work and the situation were to come up where I needed chains on all 4 wheels then I think I will just wait for the front loader to plow it. I worked a job in Labarge Wyoming last year that I thought for sure I would have to use the chains but my pathfinder with the 31" BFG all terrains "plowed" right through it. It was deep enough where I had first dig the truck out and enough in front to get a running start. I was at work and the front loader had chains on his tires so I figured I would atleast try to go without chains at first if I got stuck I could get pulled out easily and then put on my chains. I did have to stop to get all the snow out of the radiator and grill that got packed in there. I'm going to buy a set of V-bar chains like what I have in the link above but for my smaller tires. The job I am on now is in Northwestern Colorado and last year the rig hands said they had to have chains for the winter and they used them.

 

[Lizard]

Isn't it a little too early to be asking about this?

I'd rather hear something like; "what can I do to get all of this effing sand out of my carpets?" :