2010 Tacoma Tire Chains

I use my truck to go elk hunting here in Colorado and can't get chains on the front tires. If you've ever been in mud and snow and only have chains on the rear you're in for a tough time. Any suggestions?

 

Welcome to TW!

I've always heard that it's not recommended to have chains on the front tires.

Fink

 

The manual says to only put them on the rear, and in my 13 years in the military, I've never seen chains on the front, or would have needed them.

Frank

 

Yes the manual does say that. Here in Colorado tire chains on all 4 tires are a must in the high country when there is mud and snow. If you are only going to chain up 2 tires the front is where you want them. I had them on the rear last year and was on fairly level ground and had to get over to make room for another truck and slid into a slight ditch and needed them to pull me out.

 

In that case, is it simply a clearance issue when the chains are on (rubbing the front valence, rear fender liner, etc.)?

Fink

 

There is a suspension support that is about a 1/2" away from the tire and this prevents the use of chains. I love my truck but this is really a big deal when you're miles from pavement and a foot of snow or more hits. Trust me- you can have chains on the rear and really aggressive tires and have problems. I use to have a Nissan and with chains on all 4 tires it was nearly unstoppable.

 

How about wheel spacers to give you enough clearance for the use of chains on the front? Or aftermarket wheels with different backspacing?

 

Bingo.

I would just go with wheel spacers - go with the smallest spacer possible to get you the clearance you need.

Fink

 

You'll either have to run spacers in the front or get different wheels with a lower offset. Your other option is 35"+ tires and air them down to 2psi. You won't need chains unless it's ice you're driving through.

 

On my '94 with 31's there isn't clearance for chains in the front either. I've always just chained the rear since I didn't want to put spacers on just to use chains a few times a year. I haven't done it, but I've thought about finding some lower profile cable chains to put on the front. Not as good, but probably better than nothing.

 

I'll look into the spacers. Thanks guys.