Darwin Award - Chains on the front.

[abp79]

So like many others, I am not much of a manual or instruction guy. I tend to read it once to avoid major catastrophe, and then forget about it. Well, lo and behold the manual says don't use chains on the front . . . I didn't see this part. Instead, I took everybody's advice that having chains on all four corners is the best way to go.

It was the thwack/click sound over and over that got me to back up through the snow and return home (drove a mile maybe) . . . only to find after extensive search that the noise was caused by minimal tolerance between tire and body mount/wheel assembly.

Now I am praying that I haven't damaged anything major (the metal pieces can take the rubbing of steel loops for a mile - the bushings and grommets cannot). So, for those who come after me - DON'T PUT CHAINS ON THE FRONT WHEELS OF 4TH GEN 4RUNNERS.

Feel free to pelt me with criticisms and snickering . . . I deserve it : )

 

[alaskaman]

It takes a special man to be able to admit errors both in judgment and in application. I thought that I would join you this year for crossing the Yukon in winter without a Sat Phone. Luckily nothing happened which was by sheer luck of clear weather. for yet another year, however there is always hope for me.

 

[ric]

if ya didnt know, ya didnt know. but by you sharing a mistake, the rest of can learn, so Thank You :bigok:

 

[zimm]

How about after spidertrax wheel spacers?

 

[Vizwar]

Wow, on my old Blazer it was just second nature to use chains on the front for better directional control. Weird that it says rear only for the 4R. I have yet to need chains though even with stock tires. The traction control picks up the slack really well.

 

[EH007]

So like many others, I am not much of a manual or instruction guy. I tend to read it once to avoid major catastrophe, and then forget about it. Well, lo and behold the manual says don't use chains on the front . . . I didn't see this part. Instead, I took everybody's advice that having chains on all four corners is the best way to go.

It was the thwack/click sound over and over that got me to back up through the snow and return home (drove a mile maybe) . . . only to find after extensive search that the noise was caused by minimal tolerance between tire and body mount/wheel assembly.

Now I am praying that I haven't damaged anything major (the metal pieces can take the rubbing of steel loops for a mile - the bushings and grommets cannot). So, for those who come after me - DON'T PUT CHAINS ON THE FRONT WHEELS OF 4TH GEN 4RUNNERS.

Feel free to pelt me with criticisms and snickering . . . I deserve it : )

Don't feel too bad. At least you didn't do what this guy did...

 

[CJ3Flyr]

:lmao: !!!

 

[SP Jon M3]

The two times I was required by CHP to install chains on my Tacoma, I installed them in the front. The first time was stock height and tires, the next time was with CO lift and 32" BFG muds. I did have one issue where the chain caught the skid plate (if you can call them that) and bent it a little. But other than that I did have any issues running them on my Tacoma (same or similar 120 chassis). If I ever need chains on my 4Runner I plan on installing them again in the front, but I'm lifted again, so I might not run into the same issues. If I ever do end up installing chains on the front I'll post back with results.

Also, let me tell you that you have MUCH better control of the car with chains in in the front (on a 4x4). I couldn't believe the difference in cornering ability. Almost felt like I was in dry road.

EDIT: And I wouldn't say darwin award for the OP. It's common practice to install chains on the front of a 4x4.

 

[alaskaman]

well my 2 cents is this. if you have to roll with chains on a 4WD and snow tires you might want to question your decision to go. accidents happen, the ground comes fast.

 

[r32]

haha i've seen guys put them on the wrong tires before. i almost did that once when i wasn't thinking straight in 10 degree weather and in a bit of a hurry.