Tire Chains on Front, Back or Both? (1 Viewer)

[Glenn-BJ74]

If you have chains only on the front and are driving on ice and and you hit the brakes, even in a slight turn you will be sideways before you know it! Front chains only on ice is not recommended.

Less of an issue in deep snow. The channel you are ploughing will keep the truck from going sidways, when braking in a turn. Chains on the front in deep snow allow you turn better than chains only on the back.

my $ .02 worth

 

[Gold Boy]

if your chains come off when on the front they can do a lot more damage to your cruiser than chains on the rear wheels.

 

[Iron Chef]

Just spring for the second set. If you're worried enough about the weather that your big tires and 4wd won't cut it, put on 4 chains.

 

[BC_FJC]

My front tires rubs now so I guess my only option would be to put them on the rear...

 

[FirstToy]

that's a very good point BC_FJC!
check not only for clearance w/ the uca but also how close you are at full lock both ways. You might tear out some plastic or worse-

 

[Go4aRyd]

One more tidbit... there is a section in Issue 01, Spring 2006 FJ Cruiser brochure/magazine. In part it states "...Chains can greatly enhance the traction of your FJ Cruiser on snow-covered trails. If you've only got one set, and you're going to be in 4WD on a trail, put them on the front axle, where they'll do the most to help you steer, brake and gain traction...( p27).

So I guess Toyota endorses the use of chains on the front, just not if you actually buy one...or is it just not the the damage that may occur if we are stupid or a chain breaks?

Come on, Toyota, you can't have it both ways! Either sell a 4x4 or don't. I, for one, am getting real tired of the double FJ standard!!!


BTW - can't imagine only using one set. If I really need my chains, I'm going to need them on all four wheels.

 

[aaronsca]

Thanks to everyone for their input and advice. If / when the situation comes up that I actually have to put my chains on, I'll be sure to let you know how it worked out.

Thanks!

 

[SteveH]

My '98 4Runner cannot take front chains (according to the manual) and I wondered if cable chains might fit, or Class S chains. Real chains on the rear and cable chains on the front may be the best you can do. The picture of the front suspension on the FJ Cruiser shows more room than my 4Runner, though the suspensions are similar.

A rear diff lock is cool, but not if you have no traction. So far, domestic pickups can still accept chains on 4 wheels - why has Toyota forgotten about this? I guess Toyota's Brie-cheese eater design team doesn't go elk hunting in mud and snow and need chains on all 4. Chains on two isn't enough.

Steve

 

[OakieEd]

I have a 2001 lx470. Anyone compare the RUD-compact GRIP V that spressomon says he likes above..with the RUD Centrax? Looks like the Centrax may completely avoid the upper control arm interference issue?