Which tires on which end?

[hearno]

I recently picked up two new BFG m/ts, takeoffs from a rubicon. I have another slightly worn pair waiting to be installed. Which pair should go on which end to begin with? I figure the rears would wear more quickly since they're the drive wheels but the front do all the steering. So should I put the new set on the back or the front to help sync up tread depth with the slightly worn set? Also, will the discrepancy in tread depth be a concern in 4wd on pavement like with awd cars or if it's minimal, it shouldn't be much to worry about?

 

[TNRunner99]

I've always heard the rears wear faster. They are fixed and can't turn and have to follow the fronts and the rest of the car.

 

[nevada]

put the better tread on the front.

the front will wear faster with normal driving. the rear faster, if you do a lot of really fast starts. but generally steering and braking will wear the fronts quicker.

besides, you want the better tires on front, steering and stopping are more important than going.

 

[nevada]

Standard advice (for handling) is best tires go on the rear.

AWD should be easily fine up to 4/32 tread depth difference.

Front and rears wear differently so the best way to synch up is more frequent rotations for a while.

can I ask where that comes from?

in my years at a tire shop, we were always taught the better tires go on the front, for better handling, and drivability. im curious as to why you say otherwise?

 

[JB.]

can I ask where that comes from?

in my years at a tire shop, we were always taught the better tires go on the front, for better handling, and drivability. im curious as to why you say otherwise?

Aww, you posted 1 minute before me and I tried to delete real quick so as not to start a war. Doesn't sound like I had to worry about it with you, anyway.

I think that's something that has changed. I agree, it seems like the front would make more sense but apparently a commissioned study showed otherwise. The idea is that the worst outcome is the rear coming around into a spin as opposed to some under steer which is easier to control and less catastrophic.

If you want more I can try to dig some up.

 

[nevada]

Aww, you posted 1 minute before me and I tried to delete real quick so as not to start a war. Doesn't sound like I had to worry about it with you, anyway.

I think that's something that has changed. I agree, it seems like the front would make more sense but apparently a commissioned study showed otherwise. The idea is that the worst outcome is the rear coming around into a spin as opposed to some under steer which is easier to control and less catastrophic.

If you want more I can try to dig some up.

no worries there. information is always good. especially when its different. gives people options, so they can make the choice for themselves.

that theory makes sense as well.

I think it all depends on the severity of tread wear. just how bad they are.
for me personally, I will continue to place the better tires on the front.

 

[hearno]

I'll put the better tires on the front for now then. I definitely don't accelerate quickly but I turn and brake hard. Thanks for the input.