Front tire chains question

[follow maggie]

I bought some chains to go all the way around my pick up and am wondering how much space do I need between the chains and brake components on the fronts. I put them on & measured 1-1/2" between the brake lines & the chains. Is this enough? I think it is, but welcome advice from those that know more than me to avoid a nasty surprise in the land of expensive tows.

[bearpaw]

That's not much room, I would be very concerned. If you chain up be sure there is no tail hanging on the inside to slap your break lines and if you use rubber tighteners on the outside you might get by.

[MADMAX]

Dont do it on a newer Tacoma
just sayin
look in your book

[j_h_nimrod]

Most of these new rigs piss me off, no clearance whatsoever for chains. I don’t know if manufacturers don’t think people drive in snow n ice any longer or are working with tire manufacturers to force people into snow tires.

That said 1.5” is pretty tight. I like running the lower profile diamond style (les scwab or Walmart brand) that might work. Carry the cold weather rated zip ties to keep any chain ends in tight and the rubber snubbers are a good backup to the auto tighteners.

[Zardoz]

Good advice here. I used to run double rubber snubbers on all my tires just to make sure they stayed tight to the tire, and in case one broke.

[Magnum_Willys]

Thats plenty with z-chain types.   
Borderline with vbars.  Like to see 2”

[Tim in Wa.]

what kind of truck are you driving ?

[MonstroMuley]

Break Out the Tire Socks!  Perfect for low clearance ...

https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,234588.0.html

[jrebel]

It will work if you keep them tight and have no tail.  Also, don't drive to fast as the speed will cause the chains to pull away from the tire.  If in deep wet snow or mud you will also get caking which could be a problem. 

I would make sure your truck is rated for chains on the front.  I would also consider a set of the Les Schwab heavy duty quick fits.  Those work really well for vehicles that don't have tons of clearance.   They never have a tail and fit well to the back of the tire.  I use them on the fronts and put my VBar Heavies on the back.

If you go with les Schwabs quick fit.....I still reccomend putting rubbers / bungies on the outside. 

[Special T]

This time of year I'm always thankful I've marked the correct link or cable stop for my rides with paint. Always so much easier when you know the correct one on the inside is, even if you cant fo anything about the outside  until you have driven it a little.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[branches]

Break Out the Tire Socks!  Perfect for low clearance ...

https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,234588.0.html

The auto socks worked for my daughter driving around town in Auburn. We drove around the town without them and then I had her put them on and drive the same route and I am happy with the way they handle the slick roads. I do not know how well they will work off road but for icy compact snow and ice in town they did just fine.

[KFhunter]

I've thought about getting tall skinnys for my 16 Colorado with an offset so I can chain it up.   


With ATV's we always air down the tire, chain up, then air the tire up - really snugs the chains up, might work on a truck some but radials don't expand like an ATV tire does but might help some.

[HntnFsh]

I've thought about getting tall skinnys for my 16 Colorado with an offset so I can chain it up.   

Would wheel spacers accomplish the same thing and be a lot cheaper?

[Magnum_Willys]

I use 1.75” wheel adapters on Ram 1500 in winter  to allow for chains on all 4.   Isnt cheap though -  over $80 a wheel if I recall. 

[724wd]

I've thought about getting tall skinnys for my 16 Colorado with an offset so I can chain it up.   

Would wheel spacers accomplish the same thing and be a lot cheaper?

watch your fenders for turning clearance.

[Woodchuck]

I've thought about getting tall skinnys for my 16 Colorado with an offset so I can chain it up.   

Would wheel spacers accomplish the same thing and be a lot cheaper?

watch your fenders for turning clearance.

Other than stock size tires will likely create issues for abs, traction control, and tpms systems without reprogramming. 

[MonstroMuley]

Break Out the Tire Socks!  Perfect for low clearance ...

https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,234588.0.html

The auto socks worked for my daughter driving around town in Auburn. We drove around the town without them and then I had her put them on and drive the same route and I am happy with the way they handle the slick roads. I do not know how well they will work off road but for icy compact snow and ice in town they did just fine.

They might get ripped up off-road ... chains probably best.
Glad to hear they worked out for your daughter around town.

Yes, best performance on compact snow and ice... avoid the "slushy" asphalt roads if possible ... may wear holes. 

Tried talking a buddy into them and unfortunately he paid the price on ice in Woodinville.

Some people "my buddies" critique the "tire socks" and call them "axle wrappers" and claim have seen one or two wrapped around an axle ... I have never seen this with an "auto sock", nor experienced in all the years have been running them ... if correctly sized and fitted, shouldn't be an issue... frankly don't see how is possible with the sock design.  Something to be aware of though ... feel free to give feedback if run into this situation.

[Tim in Wa.]

I have a set of four 1 1/4" thick wheel spacers that will allow you to run front chains on a first gen. Tundra ,Sequoia and I think some Tacomas.
If anyone's interested message me
Tim

[follow maggie]

Thanks for the input everyone. Been off the internet  for awhile, sorry for the lateness. My truck is a 2004 Chevy 2500hd. It’s kind of irritating that we can’t put front chains on so many trucks these days.

[T-Dozzer]

Dont do it on a newer Tacoma
just sayin
look in your book

Whats the deal? To lazy to look it up?

[MADMAX]

Not me
I looked in my book I talk to Schwab and I talk to discount tire and they all said don’t run chains on the front there’s not enough clearance because of your antilock brakes

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/can-you-put-chains-on-the-front-wheels-the-manual-says-to-put-them-on-the-rear.463722/