Snow Chains and 4wd

[jiimi]

I Have a 92 X with 4wd, Currently my 4wd isn't workin, It has something to do with the t-case or shift motor, Im hoppin, assumin it needs cleaning and what not to get workin again. Unfourtunalty, im a college student who lives in a heavy snow area. So right now i don't have the money to pay someone to fix it, nor do i have access to a lift and the tools neccesary to perform the cleaning myself. I have decent A/T tires on my truck and am satisfied with them. I only really need help with getting in and out of my driveway, and parking spaces. They keep the roads plenty plowed and salted, its the getting plowed in or back roads that i need help on. Anyways to my point. I was thinking about getting tire chains until i can get my 4wd workin again, afew questions.

1. Since its mostly for gettin in and out of places, should i just get a pair and put them on the rear tires?

2. Ive never used chains before, are they somethin that can easily be put on and off without, jackin up the truck and removing the tire? can i simply drive over them and hook them around the tire?

3. WHat are the oppions on if it would be worth the money for me to do this. I was thinkin they would come in handy even after i get my 4wd fixed.

4. Are there any limitations to what i can do with them? Drive under certain speeds? only use on snow or ice? or can they be driven short distances on pavement without causein damage, to either my vehicle or the road.

Thnx
Dustin

 

[jetmaker]

jiimi,

Chains are really only useful on packed snow. If you are looking at loose snow conditions in which your tires on their own will dig into, chais are not going to help. On icy conditions, tire studs are more suitable, unless you are running on hatched pattern chains (these require you to remove the tire or drive over to install).

As for limitations, the only ones that I am aware of are state limitations that restrict their use during certain times of the year. Like your 4x4 Hi setting, driving for limited distances on hard roads will cause little additional wear and tear on your system. The place you buy the chains will likely be able to tell you about speed limitations.

Regards,
jetmaker

 

[jiimi]

THnx for the response, can anyone else help?

 

[jobunn]

Being in Southern California my whole life I have limited experience in driving with chains. But I have driven with them in the snow as well as driven with cables.

Cables are generally not as effective as chains in snow but are an excellent choice for those who drive in snow with intermittent pavement as you will feel far less vibration. They are more expensive but effective and easy to put on.

 

[JDraper]

1. Yes you can put a pair just on the rear. I have a set for my X and that's how I use them.

2. You can drive over them to install them. That's the common method.

3. They can come in extremely handy. You can get a good set of chains for $60-$80.

4. You ususally can't do over 30 mph or so (and that's pushing it) with chains on. I have seen people use them in the mud as well as on snow and ice. They can be driven short distances on pavement, but they will mark the pavement no matter what. The most damage they will do to the truck is if they get loose and start banging into the body.

As jetmaker said, there are state laws regarding chain use. Look them up before you purchase chains.

I will disagree with jetmaker on using them in loose snow. I have used them in 2' of powder, and they made a significant difference.

 

[jetmaker]

JDraper,

What type of tires did you have on your truck when you noticed the difference? I had S+M tires when I used mine.

Thanks

jetmaker

 

[XGRUNT]

Living close to Tahoe, I see alot of snow. Everybody around here puts tires on the back only but to tell you the truth with the 4 wheel drive and BFG A/Ts I've not had to use mine all year. Your 4 wheel problem could be something easily (and cheaply) repaired. I'd have it looked at IMO. Also with cables there is usually a loose end that will flip around when the wheel spins. It will tear you new fender arches if you don't trim the cable or ensure it is clipped down properly...

 

[Blee1099]

Dustin, where do you go to school? If your in Maryland it can be cleaned quite easily. Just pull the shift motor off the xfer case to clean it. Also how are your hubs? Since you have 1st generation, you probably either have the original auto hubs or a set of manuals. The manuals hubs are a definate favorite among most guys. We've heard stories about autohubs failing at the worst times.

 

[jiimi]

I go to school In Frostburg.
I know i still unfortunatly still have the old hubs, But this summer before i left for school i checked everything to make sure its workin well. Replaced the Shift control box in the rear cargo pannel. And cleaned and inspected the old hubs, Via, the instructions i got from one of the guys on this web site. I know its a fairly simple job, its just a pain, up at school with very limited tools, and very limited money. I was hopin chains would get me through this winter until summer when im back home.

 

[JDraper]

Originally posted by jetmaker
JDraper,

What type of tires did you have on your truck when you noticed the difference? I had S+M tires when I used mine.

Thanks

jetmaker

I had a set of the Dunlop Radial Rover AT's, which are M+S rated tires. The chains were full chains with the traction lugs welded on.

 

[FDNYEMT]

they are illegal to drive with on most, if not all, public roads. at least in NJ it is.

 

[dogfriend]

In CA, you are required to carry chains whenever chain controls are in effect even if you have 4wd. Ironically, if you have 4wd, you will never use them because CalTrans (state hiway dept) will close the road completely (at least in recent years) if the conditions get so bad that they believe that you need 4wd and chains. I have a set because the guy that I bought the truck from gave them to me, but I have never tried to use them on the Explorer. BTW, for my 97, the owners manual says to install chains on the rear wheels only, not on the front.

I have used chains many times on 2wd pickups - I'm really glad to have a 4wd

Remember that a shovel may be more useful than anything else in deep snow conditions.