| Author | Message | ||
     Jim Macklow (Macklow) New Member Username: Macklow Post Number: 17 Registered: 03-2003 |
I have a set of cable tire chains (the kind for low-clearance applications). Anyhow, I have one set for a single axle. If I need these for legal reasons (mountain pass closed except to 4x4 with chains, for example), which axle should I throw them on? Front? Rear? | ||
| Al Oliveira (Offroaddisco) Senior Member Username: Offroaddisco Post Number: 1572 Registered: 04-2002 |
Front. You'll have a drive axle and steering. | ||
| Peter Matusov (Pmatusov) Senior Member Username: Pmatusov Post Number: 1101 Registered: 09-2002 |
Al, I believe it's a matter of preference. Clearance-wise, it is much easier to have the chains in the rear. Besides, about 60% of a Disco's weight rides on the rear axle - so while you may lose a bit in steering control (it depends on the chain geometry), you'll gain in traction (with CDL locked). | ||
| Jim Macklow (Macklow) New Member Username: Macklow Post Number: 18 Registered: 03-2003 |
These are the bad boys I have: http://www.scc-chain.com/NewFiles/Seasonal%20Pages/Traction%20Products/sz_produc ts.html I bought these because I was led to believe that the front tire-wheelwell clearance is pretty tight. Or was it the front tire-spring clearance?? The memory fades. | ||
| Al Oliveira (Offroaddisco) Senior Member Username: Offroaddisco Post Number: 1574 Registered: 04-2002 |
Jim, I haven't used those. I've seen them in action on a Lincoln Navigator and to be honest I wasn't impressed. But I don't know how much of that had to do with drive/vehicle. I've used Rud Chains and with my setup I just need to keep an eye on the radius arms in tight turns while on road. I also have two sets (front/rear). Off road you need to make sure you can still stuff your tires and not rub. | ||
| Christopher Boese (Christopher) Member Username: Christopher Post Number: 207 Registered: 10-2002 |
SCC also makes these "diamond pattern" chains. I've used them on cars (not my Rover) and they're much easier to install than others. See http://www.scc-chain.com/NewFiles/Seasonal%20Pages/Traction%20Products/wslt_prod ucts.html | ||
| Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) Dweb Lounge Member Username: V22guy Post Number: 2075 Registered: 02-2002 |
Jim, I am not sure if you drive a D1 or a D2; but the D2 owners manual states rear wheel application for tire chains. Be careful installing tire chains on the front wheels due to clearance issues while turining. Paul | ||
| Peter Matusov (Pmatusov) Senior Member Username: Pmatusov Post Number: 1102 Registered: 09-2002 |
in my experience, chains may all of a sudden catch up on something - a tree branch, a rock, or even edge of a pothole. when that happens on the rear axle, it'll live through it. The CV in the front may not. | ||
| Jim Macklow (Macklow) New Member Username: Macklow Post Number: 19 Registered: 03-2003 |
Luckily I have a '95 D1 so I don't need to worry about CV's getting trashed either! I'm only likely to be putting the chains on while driving on the highway when the highway patrol forces all vehicles to chain up. | ||
| thom mathie (Muskyman) Senior Member Username: Muskyman Post Number: 384 Registered: 11-2002 |
no CV's in your 95? sure your not driving a 2WD 95 ford exploder? | ||
| Jim Macklow (Macklow) New Member Username: Macklow Post Number: 20 Registered: 03-2003 |
If I'm driving in such a manner that a busted cable tire chain can chew through the swivel ball to get to the CV, I've got bigger problems than possibly driving a 2WD Ford Exploder. Hence, "no worry". | ||
| thom mathie (Muskyman) Senior Member Username: Muskyman Post Number: 386 Registered: 11-2002 |
the way that chains do damage it that they can stop tire spin in a very abrubt manor that can damage a CV. | ||
| Jim Macklow (Macklow) New Member Username: Macklow Post Number: 21 Registered: 03-2003 |
Again, no worries. I'm sure my diff will break first! (I have at least 30 degrees of play in the front). |
