Notices
1997 - 2003 F150 1997-2003 F150, 1997-1999 F250LD, 7700 & 2004 F150 Heritage
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Auxito

Tire Chains

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 9, 2002 | 05:17 PM
  #1  
8mmag's Avatar
8mmag
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: SE Michigan
Post Tire Chains

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
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2002 | 12:44 AM
  #2  
Trail_Rider's Avatar
Trail_Rider
Fleet Mechanic
25 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 0
From: Lower 48
Tire Chains

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.


 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2002 | 06:38 PM
  #3  
8mmag's Avatar
8mmag
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: SE Michigan
Tire Chains

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

 
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2002 | 11:50 AM
  #4  
texaslj's Avatar
texaslj
New User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Tire Chains

 
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2005 | 06:42 PM
  #5  
the Highwayman's Avatar
the Highwayman
New User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Smile

Best answer as to where to put your chains is http://forums.vmag.com/jjwrangler119...ages/2586.html
Info works for MOST vehicles
 
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2005 | 08:56 PM
  #6  
Racerguy's Avatar
Racerguy
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
Hi Highwayman and welcome to FTE
 
Reply
Old Aug 4, 2005 | 07:59 PM
  #7  
the Highwayman's Avatar
the Highwayman
New User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Howdy Racerguy -- thanks
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2007 | 09:06 AM
  #8  
the Highwayman's Avatar
the Highwayman
New User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Smile best snowchains placement

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
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Feb 20, 2007 | 11:10 AM
  #9  
mattyk6_bdr's Avatar
mattyk6_bdr
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
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.
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2007 | 12:17 PM
  #10  
avator's Avatar
avator
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Republic of TEXAS
chains???? glad I live on the Gulf coast...... sorry
 
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2007 | 04:03 AM
  #11  
blakek's Avatar
blakek
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
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.
 
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2007 | 06:14 AM
  #12  
grafekie's Avatar
grafekie
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, KY
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.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Thrower20
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
2
May 6, 2011 08:20 PM
TheHouse
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
2
Jun 9, 2006 02:01 PM
marketer70
Events & Happenings
6
Sep 27, 2005 11:16 PM
Gaderene
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Feb 26, 2005 12:06 PM
myfirst57
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Oct 18, 2001 04:47 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:31 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE