Smaller tires on front?

[Ghostrider]

Trying to fond out if I will explode my transfer case. I have two new tires on the back and have two tires from another vehicle that I can add to the front. Those tires are a size smaller than the rear. Pretty sure I am OK in 2WD but what happens in 4WD?

 

[jpeaslee]

What year is your truck? Do you have the older I shifter transfer case/shifter, or the newer multimode?

 

[Zonie Taco]

What is a size smaller? The tires are the same size new but the front are just worn down or they are actually a smaller size new? If they really are smaller and the center diff is locked you are going to break things quickly.

 

[flighht2k5]

If you leave it on 2wd it won't be an issue. As soon as you lock it in it could become an issue. Unless you are on a slippery surface.

 

[JayRolla]

Negative Ghostrider.

 

[Ghostrider]

Sorry for lack of info... It's a 2001 and yes they would be a size smaller not worn down

 

[KidVermicious]

I'm with Jayrolla, this pattern is full. Leaving aside the issue of drivetrain stress (which doesn't matter as long as you don't go 4WD with a locked center), different tread patterns + different tire sizes will play hell with your handling if you had to make an emergency move.

 

[jeremyc74]

Don't do it. On the older trucks you'd be looking at damage in a very short time, but even on the newer multi-mode transfer case it isn't designed to deal with that much difference. It will create a ton of heat in the transfer case, and eventually it will break it.

4WD or AWD vehicles have to have the same size all the way around.

 

[flighht2k5]

Don't do it. On the older trucks you'd be looking at damage in a very short time, but even on the newer multi-mode transfer case it isn't designed to deal with that much difference. It will create a ton of heat in the transfer case, and eventually it will break it.



4WD or AWD vehicles have to have the same size all the way around.

On a slippery surface or in 2wd there will be zero issue.

 

[jeremyc74]

On a slippery surface or in 2wd there will be zero issue.

Ok, but who do you know that owns a 4WD truck and uses it that way?

The OP specifically asked about using it in 4WD.

 

[flighht2k5]

Ok, but who do you know that owns a 4WD truck and uses it that way?



The OP specifically asked about using it in 4WD.

And if it's used off-road it won't be an issue. Especially since they are the same size tire with one set being worn. As long as it's in the dirt it'll be ok. The only time it has to be exactly the same size is if it's awd driven on the road.

 

[jeremyc74]

Sorry for lack of info... It's a 2001 and yes they would be a size smaller not worn down

And if it's used off-road it won't be an issue. Especially since they are the same size tire with one set being worn. As long as it's in the dirt it'll be ok. The only time it has to be exactly the same size is if it's awd driven on the road.

He's talking about using a smaller size, not a worn down tire. It's bad news because even off road there will be places where there's good traction.

 

[JayRolla]

And if it's used off-road it won't be an issue. Especially since they are the same size tire with one set being worn. As long as it's in the dirt it'll be ok. The only time it has to be exactly the same size is if it's awd driven on the road.

There are situations off-road like rock crawling can cause major drivetrain binding. It's only okay if tracking will always break loose. It's not a good idea at all.

Just one tire low pressure can cause issues.

 

[flighht2k5]

He's talking about using a smaller size, not a worn down tire. It's bad news because even off road there will be places where there's good traction.

Crap it's early and read that wrong. Sorry.

 

[1985taylor1925]

I say run 35s" in the rear, and 30s" in the front, and always drive in 4x4. It will look totally unique and ride awesome

 

[MandAtaco]

Way bad idea!

 

[310Nesta]

Going for that "meat and potatoes" look?

 

[BrandonF]

Seriously man, mismatching tire tread patterns is bad enough. To also use mismatched sizes is just begging for trouble. Wait until you can afford to buy some proper sized tires, even if they're used.

 

[MyHigh]

I say run 35s" in the rear, and 30s" in the front, and always drive in 4x4. It will look totally unique and ride awesome

I bet you can pull a wheelie if you try hard enough.....


Don't do it!!

 

[1985taylor1925]

I bet you can pull a wheelie if you try hard enough.....


Don't do it!!

I can wheelie my 1st gen. Honestly. No lie.

It's the 3.0L 6 cylinder manual, and 1st gear is so short that when you hit the throttle it doesn't just accelerate, it jumps forward. So one day I was messing around and I figured out I could jump it forward, let off the gas and then as the front end was rebounding I could gas it again and literally bounce the front end off the ground. I refrain from doing it much as it's terrible on the drive train. But so much fun.