The other day I got new tires for the Bronco, 31-10.5-15 on a 90. At the same time I got a set of chains to fit them. One set as in one pair. Now I am wondering, should they be mounted on the front or rear tires, assuming that the Bronco is in 4WD? I expect I would use the chains when the highway is closed to all but chained up vehicles. (ice/snow) Or when I have managed to get myself stuck in the mud or sand.

TIA
Bill

 

Good question, most definitely the front! Ideally you want all four but it's definitely better if you have just one set to put them on the front. You have more traction there (weight) and these are the steering wheels. You will less likely loose traction (and plow or slip sideways) in a turn if you have them on the front. Now, this assumes of course that your 4x4 is working well. If you're in 2wd mode, put them on the back.

Biederboat

 

Biederboat, thanks for the reply. I rather thought that the front was a logical location, however my logic and reality often clash. I do wonder if the chains will clear everything in turns, guess I should mount them and give it a try, good practice to should I ever need them, tho I suppose that the floor jack will not be available then...

bill

 

Also, when you brake, it's usually the front that does the most braking. BTW, this is one of the reason why people shouldn't max out their wheel wells with oversized tires without proper lift and clearance. Cables usually require less clearance, but they provide less traction, too.

 

Yes, practice is defiitely good. I carry a raincoat, flashlight, tarp, gloves and a small snow shovel to clear out the area. I don't know what type you got but the type I use has "cam locks" which tighten the chains up on the outside. They work great. I can install all fours in less than 15 minutes and take them off in about 3.

Biederboat

 

The chains are "Eurotech" they have a coated cable on the inside of the tire and a large rubberband on the outside.... I plan to try them on this weekend if the rain holds off. With any luck just having them will preclude the need to use them.

bill