[missslucrew]

Yes.... the dreaded snow chain/ cable question. Ive tried to search for the answer but every website has a different answer!!!

I have a 2004 Limited (best car ever btw)... should I put snow cables on all 4 tires or just the rear... or front????

I know I should know this! My guess is all 4 to get the most traction.... but then I read somewhere that your could damage the front brake line?

Any input is greatly appreciated!

[BlackCloud]

I always thought rear only.

[cb1111]

This is not very ambiguous.

[Sky]

Originally Posted by cb1111

This is not very ambiguous.

Except it doesn't answer the question of front or rear on AWD/4WD.....they state all 4 tires on AWD/4WD should have chains.
But most people likely don't have 2 pairs of chains.....

[lakerman]

Says somewhere not to put on the front, lines or something are going to get damaged, it's here somewhere on the forum, just don't do it!, more experienced people need to chime in. Never needed a set in my life, a shovel yes, guess I'm not pushing the boundaries hard enough!

[ElectroBoy]

In 30 years of driving a 4R on roads in the Sierra in winter I only put chains on once when required by a Yosemite NP ranger. On the rear tires only. They do loosen up a bit and if you go too fast they can slap around (centrifugal force). Hence the warning about installing them on front tires.

[cb1111]

Originally Posted by Sky

Except it doesn't answer the question of front or rear on AWD/4WD.....they state all 4 tires on AWD/4WD should have chains.
But most people likely don't have 2 pairs of chains.....

From the link:

If tire chains are required, here are 10 basic guidelines for their use:

Tire chains should be installed on the drive wheels of the vehicle following the chain manufacturer's instructions, To retain as much of the normal handling characteristics of 4WD/AWD vehicles as possible, tire chains should be installed on all four tires, requiring the purchase of two pairs of tire chains.

That said, and given the comments from "internet experts" here that say "I read somewhere that..", I'd open a case with Toyota and ask them.

Or you can just get spikes spider

[Sky]

Originally Posted by cb1111

From the link:

If tire chains are required, here are 10 basic guidelines for their use:

Tire chains should be installed on the drive wheels of the vehicle following the chain manufacturer's instructions, To retain as much of the normal handling characteristics of 4WD/AWD vehicles as possible, tire chains should be installed on all four tires, requiring the purchase of two pairs of tire chains.

That said, and given the comments from "internet experts" here that say "I read somewhere that..", I'd open a case with Toyota and ask them.

Again- that doc does not answer the question of front or rear if a person only has one set of chains for an AWD/4WD vehicle.

But here comes a shocker>

page 272 of the '19 4R owner's manual

states they go on the rear.

[cb1111]

Originally Posted by Sky

Again- that doc does not answer the question of front or rear if a person only has one set of chains for an AWD/4WD vehicle.

But here comes a shocker>

page 272 of the '19 4R owner's manual

states they go on the rear.

If you only have one set of chains then they go on the drive wheels.

Interesting note about the owner's manual. Since the 4R is available in AWD/4WD and 2WD, does the manual specify if that applies to both?

On a side note. I've used Spikes Spiders before and they are quite good. Very quiet and no flapping chains.

[Sky]

Originally Posted by cb1111

Interesting note about the owner's manual. Since the 4R is available in AWD/4WD and 2WD, does the manual specify if that applies to both?

Nope- they don't address 2wd vs 4wd.

Found another mention in the manual on page 274 where they state

■Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:
●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
●Install tire chains on the rear tires only. Do not install tire chains on the front tires.
●Install tire chains on rear tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after
driving 1/4-1/2 mile (0.5-1.0 km).
●Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains

[ElectroBoy]

Originally Posted by missslucrew

Yes.... the dreaded snow chain/ cable question. Ive tried to search for the answer but every website has a different answer!!!

I have a 2004 Limited (best car ever btw)... should I put snow cables on all 4 tires or just the rear... or front????

I know I should know this! My guess is all 4 to get the most traction.... but then I read somewhere that your could damage the front brake line?

Any input is greatly appreciated!

If you’re getting equipped for a winter ski trip, and want to comply with the CA requirements, you just need to carry one set for the rear tires. With a 4WD vehicle you don’t need to install them under R1 or R2 conditions as long as your tires are considered snow tires (M/S). In R3 conditions (snow falling, deep snow on road) all vehicles need chains. But usually before that happens CalTrans will close the road anyway.

Caltrains chain info:
Chain Controls / Chain Installation | Caltrans

So, you’ll rarely, if ever, need to install them. But practice at home, they can be a PITA especially in the cold and with gloves on. Have fun in the snow!

[Bumbo]

One of the reasons I love having a AWD/4WD truck is for R2 conditions. I hate stopping at chain control.

In the few times I did have to put on chains:
FWD – In the front
RWD – In the rear
AWD/4WD – Rear if only 1 set of chains

I carry 2 pairs for all 4 wheels, but have never needed to use them all at the same time. Even in crap conditions it’s pretty amazing what you can do in AWD with the right tires.

[MTn_man]

Really depends on what types of conditions you are planning on driving in. I have a front and rear set, but usually only carry one. First off if you have good tires, you should be able to get through most reasonable snow conditions. For example I had my runner up to the doors in loose power a few weeks ago without chains. Snow was light and the base layer was compact with good traction. I've had all 4 tires chained up in 1/2 in of fresh with a layer of ice. Needed the chains to bite into the ice and a set on front and back to keep both ends heading in the right direction. To me it seems that snow that is deep enough to require front and rears is better suited to skis or a sled.

Chains on the back seem safer to me and if I chains up it's always rear first. Throwing a chain kinda sucks and there is a lot less stuff in the rear to damage than the front.

[Bumbo]

If you actually NEED all 4 wheels cabled/chained on a 4WD 4Runner, then those conditions are probably so wild that that they would probably close the road to all motor traffic.