Snow Chains
- Thread starter SE4runner
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Good Times
New member
I think if you do a quick search, you'll be able to find a thread on this topic regarding where to find chains. If not, I'll try to find it for ya in the meantime.
My thoughts on this is that if you road conditions get severe enough that you need chains w/ a 4wd system then it's basically best not to even bother driving through. Especially in socal where we don't see much snow, usually by the time the restriction level is R3, they'll just close the roads basically because it's easier for them.
I've never seen a R3 (4wd system plus chains regquired) in socal ever and have not heard of conditions like this.
There has been an ongoing debate in the offroading community regarding chains for 4wd system on where to place them if you carry only 1 pair. So I would say either one is good. I'd personally say front because that's where you have the steering control as well as some power due to the 4wd system. Anyway, that's just my opinion and I know there are others that feel the other is better..
Good luck in the meantime. Btw, I just got back from mammoth today and boy they had some great snow last week from the snow storm. I got to drive thru the storm and boy I didn't even need any chains! Gotta love the 4wd system.
My thoughts on this is that if you road conditions get severe enough that you need chains w/ a 4wd system then it's basically best not to even bother driving through. Especially in socal where we don't see much snow, usually by the time the restriction level is R3, they'll just close the roads basically because it's easier for them.
I've never seen a R3 (4wd system plus chains regquired) in socal ever and have not heard of conditions like this.
There has been an ongoing debate in the offroading community regarding chains for 4wd system on where to place them if you carry only 1 pair. So I would say either one is good. I'd personally say front because that's where you have the steering control as well as some power due to the 4wd system. Anyway, that's just my opinion and I know there are others that feel the other is better..
Good luck in the meantime. Btw, I just got back from mammoth today and boy they had some great snow last week from the snow storm. I got to drive thru the storm and boy I didn't even need any chains! Gotta love the 4wd system.
Yeah, I read that old thread, but I think the pair they found was for $200 or so? That's a little stiff in price, considering the local auto shops only them for about $30 (not the size I need, though). Going up to Big Bear, there were 2 times last year (or was it the year before) that I know of, that they required chains on all vehicles (including 4wd).
Did you go skiing/snowboarding at Mammoth? I'm thinking of going up there before the end of the snow season.
Did you go skiing/snowboarding at Mammoth? I'm thinking of going up there before the end of the snow season.
Good Times
New member
I just went this past weekend for a few days. Had the pleasure to see 38" of snow drop on Thursday! And the road showed all 38" everywhere...
Mammoth is most definitely one of the best places to go in CA!!! Way better than anywhere in socal
I think the problem with the CHP here in socal is that the first sign of major snow on the road they automatically upgrade to the point where 4wd needing chains. I think it's because they know that the average joe citizen doesn't know how to drive in the snow so its best for them to just restrict almost everyone because who has chains on their 4wd? (almost none). And I bet if you were a resident, they'd just let you pass but that's my opinion.
Unfortunately there really aren't any cheap chains. Also chains are hard to find for our tire sizes as well. Anyway good luck on the chains again
Mammoth is most definitely one of the best places to go in CA!!! Way better than anywhere in socal
I think the problem with the CHP here in socal is that the first sign of major snow on the road they automatically upgrade to the point where 4wd needing chains. I think it's because they know that the average joe citizen doesn't know how to drive in the snow so its best for them to just restrict almost everyone because who has chains on their 4wd? (almost none). And I bet if you were a resident, they'd just let you pass but that's my opinion.
Unfortunately there really aren't any cheap chains. Also chains are hard to find for our tire sizes as well. Anyway good luck on the chains again
Good Times
New member
I have some chains for the stock wheels (should fit your stock 17's if you have em).
Let me know if you're interested. It's still boxed and unused. Has a few dog/cat hairs on the box but that's about it.
Let me know if you're interested. It's still boxed and unused. Has a few dog/cat hairs on the box but that's about it.
NoDak
Senior Member
depending on location, some states will require chains no matter the vehicle at times.
as far as mounting them, the best bet would be the rear wheels since the system distro is biased to the rear wheels on the v8.
and on the front wheels the left/right turning may loosen or throw the chains off whereas the rear wheels they only have to be concerned with a single plane of movement compared to the front wheels.
as far as mounting them, the best bet would be the rear wheels since the system distro is biased to the rear wheels on the v8.
and on the front wheels the left/right turning may loosen or throw the chains off whereas the rear wheels they only have to be concerned with a single plane of movement compared to the front wheels.
greasefingers
New member
You guys are freakin killing me. 38” of snow in the mountains already!! I live in New Jersey and ski in NY, VT, & Canada. But we will have to wait for at least two months before it worth the expensive $ 50 plus lift ticket.
bryancos
New member
SE4Runner,
<I>From a 4x4 board:
"I plan on buying a pair of chains for an upcoming ski trip - is it better to mount them front or rear?"
<B>Short answer: "Don't be foolish - get two pairs!"</B></I>
For chains try: http://www.tirechain.com/265-65R-17.htm
Also check out this article/ad:
http://www.bb4wa.com/articles/Chains.htm
<I>From a 4x4 board:
"I plan on buying a pair of chains for an upcoming ski trip - is it better to mount them front or rear?"
<B>Short answer: "Don't be foolish - get two pairs!"</B></I>
For chains try: http://www.tirechain.com/265-65R-17.htm
Also check out this article/ad:
http://www.bb4wa.com/articles/Chains.htm
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NoDak
Senior Member
i would think its your call, but take this in mind.
are you willing to deal with a chain breaking and shredding your wheel well or more?
cables tend to do less damage than chains overall when they break.
also chains you cant go as fast as cables.
prudent speed on chains is like 5-10mph (maybe 15-20 if you wanna be bold), cables are usually double chains.
im talking prudent speed, not what you actually can do in them, you could do 50mph in chains, but i dont like white knuckle driving.
are you willing to deal with a chain breaking and shredding your wheel well or more?
cables tend to do less damage than chains overall when they break.
also chains you cant go as fast as cables.
prudent speed on chains is like 5-10mph (maybe 15-20 if you wanna be bold), cables are usually double chains.
im talking prudent speed, not what you actually can do in them, you could do 50mph in chains, but i dont like white knuckle driving.
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Here is a thread from last year about chains:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2211&perpage=15&pagenumber=1
You can get 265/65-17 chains (actually cables) from here:
http://www.drivingcomfort.com/index.cfm?fa=p&pid=1046
This is where I bought mine. In the old thread someone said that they got the same from JCWhitney for less.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2211&perpage=15&pagenumber=1
You can get 265/65-17 chains (actually cables) from here:
http://www.drivingcomfort.com/index.cfm?fa=p&pid=1046
This is where I bought mine. In the old thread someone said that they got the same from JCWhitney for less.
RBLACAUSA
Member
In icy conditions, chains or studded tires (not as practical) offer control that no tire can. Rubber doesn't grip very well on ice, 2WD or 4WD is pretty much insignificant at that point. Fresh snow ususally you won't have problems unless it gets packed down hard. On my old Toys, the few times I put my chains on, I'd put my chains on the front, because I wanted to be able to steer better. The other day, I went into the garage and put my old chains on the front of my 4th gen to see if they'd fit, and found out that there are major clearance issues with the front suspension components (UCA?). Seriously, I couldn't even pass my finger between the inside of the tire and the UCA component so I guess it'll be chains on the rear for now on, if necessary.
Luxury
New member
I'm going to Mammoth this weekend and finally need to break down and get some chains. I was going to get Good Times' chains but we never ended meeting up. Any last minute advice before I head out to get some? I'm going to pick up some after work in the next couple of days so any more advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
RBLACAUSA
Member
I bought these...Super Z LT
from Pep Boys last year. Haven't used them, but after doing the homework they seem to be the best ones for the Runner. Use 'em on the rear tires only as I don't think there's enough clearance on the front.
from Pep Boys last year. Haven't used them, but after doing the homework they seem to be the best ones for the Runner. Use 'em on the rear tires only as I don't think there's enough clearance on the front.
Luxury said:
RXvedub
New member
RBLACAUSA said:
I have some brand new for sale!!!!
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9287
Atomic 4Runner
New member
If the traction coefficient is the same for chains on either axle, why not put the chains on the back so you'll feel a lot less vibration?
One other reason: normally the power distribution is 60% Rear /40% Front, and with front wheel spin you get 71% power delivered to the rear axle. If the rear axle spins, the power distribution is 53% Front / 47% rear.
Bottom line: If you're going to have one axle slipping due to no chains, the greatest efficiency can be had with the chains placed on the rear axle. (Sorry for the boring math lesson.) Can you tell I've worked for the govt. too long?
One other reason: normally the power distribution is 60% Rear /40% Front, and with front wheel spin you get 71% power delivered to the rear axle. If the rear axle spins, the power distribution is 53% Front / 47% rear.
Bottom line: If you're going to have one axle slipping due to no chains, the greatest efficiency can be had with the chains placed on the rear axle. (Sorry for the boring math lesson.) Can you tell I've worked for the govt. too long?
