Snow/ tire chain clearance?

For my entire life I have owned trucks or SUV’s that could be chained up on all four wheels to eat through mud and snow while playing in the Kings forest… whoops, sarcasm already?

Anyway, I was really excited to own a brand new truck ('13 4x4 four door Limited) afterseveral years replacing pieces and parts on my ’03 Ford F-150 which I lovinglyput 140,000 miles on before she saw Craigslist for two days and a happy newowner after that…

However, I’m embarrassed to say that I did not do my homework on tire chain compatibility… I actually thought four sets of tirechains were a natural combination on ANY 4x4… Boy was I wrong. Did I make a mistake buying the Taco?

So, Saturday, six days after purchasing the new truck, I decided to re-fit my tire chains from the Ford. I’m not really all that concerned about how great they fit because I am planning on replacing the low profile factory tires and 18” wheels with something more fitting of a four wheel drive pickup. So, dropping a couple of links off of the chains seemedlike it was going to be enough for temporary service until I got to the installation on the front of the truck.

Needless to say several “golf words” were spilled (hope theneighbors windows were closed) while trying to decide what the heck the engineers were thinking when the decided to design the front suspension withoutenough clearance for light duty tire chains let alone a heavy duty set.

So, here is my question, what are others doing to modify this dumb ass design flaw? New wheels with a different offset? Change the spindle for clearance? What? Inquiring minds want an answer…

 

Subbed. I would like to know if anyone has successfully put chains on the front wheels without ripping off the ABS sensors.

 

I run skinny 235/85r16s on stock steelies, and have pretty much given up on the idea of chains up front. Even with the skinny rubber there isn't enough room to the spindle for the inboard side chain. I suppose a wheel spacer would give the clearance to the spindle, but I would be rubbing the mudflap/cabmount/fender, and I will not run wheel spacers, ever.

The good news, with heavy duty twist link chains on the rear, and duratracs, its pretty hard to stop. This is what it took yesterday, thats 20" of accumulated snow, and the pic really doesn't do the steepness justice.

 

I had custom cable chains fitted for the front of my rig 235/85 also. I have yet to use them but they don't rub at all

 

I considered cables for the front, but decided against it considering the damage that happens when one breaks. No different from chain I suppose, just easier to break, and less effective in deep stuff. For ice they would be of great benefit.

 

Yeah, that is true. But if I ever have to use them I know they are there

 

Even cables won't clear. Not by enough for me not to worry about it. I just tried a set on the steer tires. Hopefully my chains in the back will be enough (if I ever need them).

 

And yes, very stupid!

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-builds/249585-chrome-krawler.html

 

I should say they don't have much clearance on the stock tires and wheels. What's the offset on your steer tires, Oowen?

 

So, how did you get the chains to clear?
Oh, and stay out of 75! Thats my area. I grew up there! Many many miles on those roads with my Dad!

 

That's not me

 

They're jut the stock offroad wheels

 

I would say those aftermarket wheels have deeper offset than stock toyota wheels. Or he's running spacers. Or both. I didn't see any exact specs on his wheels in the build thread, or any mention of spacers.

 

Strange, because there is no way at all that chains will clear on mine...

 

Why would spacers be an issue? Loosing length on the lugs?

 

They are hard on wheel bearings since they change the geometry such that the weight of the truck places axial load on the bearings, as opposed to radial load. Yes, tapered roller bearings handle axial load pretty well, but front wheel bearings seem to be a weak point on these trucks as it is, so you'd be asking for trouble. It would be adaquate grounds to deny warranty on a failed wheel bearing as well. Offset aftermarket wheels are no different in this regard. Also, I am referring to hub centric spacers that have their own studs and recessed nuts, NEVER under any circumstances use the thin plate spacers unless you like loosing wheels. Both are not street legal in most places, but that doesn't seem to stop many people.