Chain vs Cable

I've used both cables and chains on my cars. Who has had experience with cables off road?

 

Are you reffereing to using them in the snow?

 

heck yeah..we're planning a run on the infamous John Bull trail up in Big Bear

Denny swears by these..Security Chain Company Super Z8


but i would think just by judging the pattern of the chain these would be better on the trail..Diamond Tire Chain

 

Wait....you have a TRD Offroad & an ARB locker in the front and you wanna know about chains/cables for offroad?

What the heck are you getting yourself stuck into that you need that stuff?

 

He is a crazy dude.

Check out some of his videos he has posted.

 

WARNING. There is a "feature" to our 2nd gen Tacos that you should be aware of. The clearance between the back of the tire and the control arm is less then an inch. Any standard chains will hit and damage that arm and cause some expensive and vehicle debilitating damage.

I run chains.. they rock over cables. Much better performance. They turn my truck into a snowmobile!

You have to get the low clearance type. Just ask for them. Also, you'll have to check tightness of your chains more religiously then others.. loose chains, even the low clearance ones will still potentially case serious damage.

Also I recommend Diamond brand alloy chains.. they don't rust and are stringer and lighter then the basic steel ones truckers use. Of course they cost more

Chains are unstoppable. Cables are smoother riding and better for on-road applications, like icy roads. Also cables are easier to put on and take off your tires.

However, you aren't likely going to need them anyway so ease of putting them on/off is irrelevant. I am comforted on each and every winter excursion knowing they are behind my seat ready to save my butt.

 

haha..we're thinking about running the infamous John Bull trail in the snow

here's some recent pics of the trail..




the rest of the pics can be seen here..
http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=139259

 

i'll have to take a look to see what the clearance would be in between my leaf pack and the shocks

 

The clearance issue only applies to the IFS on the 2nd gens. And only affects the front wheels. The back end is fine.

I chain up all 4 wheels. There is still some debate as to the sanity of this approach. So if you only chain up the rear then no worries. Of course if you'll only be chaining 2 wheels I'd choose the front since that is where you'll get your steering control.

Plus all 4 chained up really is like having a snow mobile.

 

Nice!!! But wouldn't the chains/cables take all the fun & challenge out of it?

How's the chains/cable grab the rocks when you get underneath the snow? That's gotta be one hell of a bouncy ride.

I personally hate snow wheelin. Too much gas, too much bouncing around...too much abuse to the body & mechanicals. Just waiting for something to snap and its too damn cold to lay in the snow when something does snap!!

We want picts!!!

 

i aint crazy hahahaha

 

ive heard the clearance issue isnt an issue with aftermarket ucas. Unless you have huge wheels and tires.

also when you say no issues in the rear you probably arent considering the fact they are running 35s

 

ill be hoping to join you guys when i can pull some loot together (after holidays) and beef up my little reg cab. Been talking to Jason Demello about 4.88 lockers and 35s on my reg cab. Sliders, and skids. Tax return is already spent... 35s and lockers on my little wheel base should do well...

 

we were up there on saturday..my buddy in his FJ with front/rear lockers on 35's made it maybe 15 feet up from the trail head..approx 5 feet further from another group who was up there before us..judging by the tracks they left behind. just way too slippery haha...so, we're gonna see if chains will help

John Bull Trail at the "Gate Keeper"


breaking trail on 3n12..


here's some more pics of our snow run...http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/southern-california/65233-big-bear-snow-run-12-12-09-a.html

 

sounds good and look forward to you joining our group...consider this tho, 35's will take some work to fit..can be done but it's some work. do some research so you'll know what you're getting yourself into. i had very little issues since i have the All Pro LT kit

 

Thats crazy! See! I was right!

 

yeah i know... thinking about the AP LT kit but the tax return wont cover it lol. Im also thinking of 35x9.5 tire, some company makes them. Skinny tires would kick serious ass in the snow. And the truck is light enough itd probably do fine in mud. 33s would probably be better and would keep the CG lower. 255/85-16s are nice and skinny. I did a ton of offroading in my K5 in NY and skinny tires are the way to go. 235/85-16severe snow rated tires did better than my 315/75/16s chained in snow. 315/75-16s GY Wrangler MT/Rs (old style) where killer in the mud. Still doing research. Research is the best way to save money and reduce regrets

 

If you're into wheelin, you gotta experience snow wheelin. It's a totally different ballgame.

I remember going up a long hill (1/4 mile maybe). You wouldn't think anything of it..... I was inside 10" deep ruts, can't be that bad - someone else made it up there. Yeah....that paticular day, the ruts were solid ice. About 1/2 way up, I was loosing speed. About 3/4 of the way up, I stopped..... and started sliding backwards the whole way down the hill.
Oh my gawd...the most helpless feeling. Brakes don't work, spinning tires don't work. Just HOLD ON and pray till it stops.

 

We're thinkin the same... I love cables and love their clearance. I've ordered 4 of these:

May need to run some spacers!

Nice design - we'll see how the clearance is. May have to go to the cables!