11 years after the quoted post, i hope he found his answer before this.

Here's to future readers

using chains up front depends on the vehicle. there isn't anything magic about it. the rear wheels have BRAKE lines, too, and can just as easily be torn by loose chain.

fwiw, i've run chains on numerous vehicles. with chains, the idea is max traction at low speeds. chains aren't intended for running at even 30 mph, nevermind 50. best to keep speed to a crawl, or just over. doing so will minimize fender or BRAKE line damage.

to be clear, i've used chains on all four tires of both my 1st gen as well as my cj-5. i also have a pair of big chains for the rear of my dump truck, and have used them a few times. the "hassle" of putting the chains on, getting unstuck or through an obstacle, etc, and taking the chains off again is far better than needing a tow, or sliding off the road, etc. edit: i even had a set of four chains i used on my awd legacy wagon.

properly installed chains provide better traction in heavy wet snow and ice than just tires, period. people who claim otherwise have not driven in conditions bad enough to need them.

Possible dumb question alert, forgive me.
If you are running 1.25" spaces on the front wheels on standard size tires will that give the clearance needed to run chains on the front tires?

pics to add. i've been using chains on all four tires the whole week to get to a job site. started off with about 12" of powder, now it's just packed and ice-hard. access road is not plowed, and is rough with some steep sections (better than 20% grade). not a long distance to go, but beats walking the 1/2 mile in and out, plus the elevation drop/gain. i'll be using the chains again today, too. fwiw, takes me about 20 to 25 minutes to install all four. you'll note in the photos that there is plenty of clearance front & rear for the fenders and quarters.

I bought chains but hope I don't ever have to mess with them. I just got rear chains because I don't want to risk damaging the front. I think I have a small lift but it isn't much.

We have a mountain home at Big Bear Lake, CA. We carry chains during winter, but rarely use them. In most cases, 4wd and cautious driving is sufficient. I worry more about the idiots who don't know how to drive in the snow.

Cables are worthless. Maybe slightly better than bald tires. Had a Toyota Tacoma with cables on turn down my neighbors driveway to the Lake and he got stuck at the bottom of a steep section that was all ice. Came asking for help and I assessed the situation and passed on helping him. I suggested that he flag down one of the private snow removal guys operating a dozer/backhoe combo.

Best chains are the v-bar chains. Most are made in China now. Get a properly sized set and they're easy to install and they have cam tighteners which eliminate the need for bungee cords.

Rear wheels always.