Hi All!

New member, first post.

I have some questions on tire chains...2000 F150 w/ 265/70R17's stock suspension & no body lift.

1. Are there any known tire chain clearance issues to be aware of?

2. Does anyone have recommendations as to type or brand of chains? I live in the Pacific Northwest. Snow in the mountains can be anything from chaining up to cross a highway mountain pass, or ice storms coating the streets, to several feet of snow on mountain trails while out playing.

3. If I can only afford one set to start with...traction wise are they better off up front or in the rear? If you think the front, are there any front axle or drivetrain concerns?

Thanks!

Tom

 

I would just make sure that the chains you buy fit the tires, that they are as tight as you can get them, and you put bungie cords (short tarp straps) on them to keep the slack out of them. I would definitely put them on the rear as you won't be in four wheel drive all the time.

 

More questions after reading in the owners manual that only SAE type 'S' chains are recommended. Is this really true? if so, it really limits chain availability!

Tirechains.com has an interesting web site with a wide variety of available styles. After reviewing an article reprinted there from Peterson's 4 Wheel & Off Road, it would appear that the 'square straight link' type would be the best all around chain for my application above. But it is not SAE type 'S'...

I'd really like to hear from someone on this SAE type 'S' recommendation, especially if you haven't followed it, and your experience.

Thanks!

Tom

 

 

Best answer as to where to put your chains is http://forums.vmag.com/jjwrangler119...ages/2586.html
Info works for MOST vehicles

 

Hi Highwayman and welcome to FTE

 

Howdy Racerguy -- thanks

 

Since I last posted, that link is obsolete.

This --

http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/snowtra...utoracing.html

Will take you to to page where best placement of snowchains on your vehicle is laid out for you by the San Diego Highwayman. [ w 40 years of professional tirechain fittin experience ]

Happy Trails

 

Les Schawbs has been where I get my chains. They are a tire store that is mainly in the PNW.

For my 05 Explorer, I have got a set similar to the Diamond Quick Fit chains from Les Schawb. And I put them on the front. That way I can steer and I don't have a problem with the rear end coming around.

For my 00 F150, I have a set of V-Bar and another set of twisted heavy duty. Normally I only chain up the front, but if I get in deep snow, then I chain up all four. My dad actually bought the chains for his old truck (74 F250), but they fit and work great on the 00 F150.

 

chains???? glad I live on the Gulf coast...... sorry

 

well when it comes to chains ask a trucker..lol 15 years over the road almost 2 million accident free miles and too much chain experience.if toy are gonna be in 4 whell drive chain all 4 not just the front. if you hit an icy spot the chains just on the front will get better traction and the unchained on the rear will had the probability to want to slide and you then could find yourself doing funny things like having to clean your shorts.

 

I got my chains at Walmart I have a set of highway chains and a set of high-traction v-bar. Be VERY, VERY careful chaining the front wheels, especially with a 4x4 you are putting a lot of stress on them. Your part time four wheel drive system needs to be able to slip to work properly, and if you slip with chains you are putting a lot of tension on them, wearing them faster than normal. That's all fine and good, until they break. I wouldn't ever put high traction chains in the front. I have the V-bar for the rear and the highway chains for the front.



I should send you mine... I somehow doubt I'll need them now that I've moved to Kentucky I too have the stock 17" wheels, and finding a set that fits them is a pain in the rear.

Do be careful shopping at Walmart... they try to sell you the cheap stuff ("oh, traction cables are just as good"). And if it comes in a cute plastic case... you aren't looking at the right chains

Most car parts stores (in chain areas) have pretty good quality chains as well. I actually prefered the brand that Walmart sold, so I went there instead. The highway chains cost me $60 for a pair and the v-bar was $120.