Chains

[josh]

I am currently running 235/75/r15's with the torsion bars tightened up and am wondering if anyone has run chains with this combo? It doesn't seem as though I have much clearance from the fender on my front wheels. I think the back looks ok.

I must say though that my winter tires grab like a charm and this van can go through a lot... but chains... then I can go anywhere.

Josh

[josh]

no one has any idea if chains will clear?

[Jungle Jon]

Hi Josh,
I've never put chains on, but when I had my 235/75 15's fitted the tire shop said there was only about 1/4 inch clearance when the wheels were turned, and that I would hear rubbing in the wheelwell if I had any buildup of mud or snow. Based on that, I'd say the chains would probably rub when the wheels were turned. Only one way to know for sure, try 'em out! :)
Jon

[BCDelica]

Cheers Josh,

We have run happly run chains on our family van with it's near stock size tires, and as it's the van with the LTD she'll climb some scary steep hills. My work van has larger tires with the front mud flaps modified, I wouldn't fit chains, I only have 1/4 clearance with the front cranked up.

Kev

[josh]

Thanks guys.

It looks like chains won't fit the front for sure... but possibly the back. Anyhow thanks for the input.

Josh

[Pete and Jackie]

O.K. Its the chain thing again. No clearance, torsion bars are up, 235/75-15 tires. Do they not use chains in Japan?? To put them on the rear would be good if I wanted to drive backwards, but I don't.
Has anyone had any luck with the cable chains on the front with the stock setup? Kev, I see you in chains on the snowy logging road picture.
Which brings me to the next question: 2" lift? How high do those torsion bars go? Those with the lift, could you please share?
We're about to go to Mt. Cain, and that can be a real great road.

[argo]

If you use anything other than cable style chains on radial tires you can damage the side walls and distort the wire plys. Regular old style chain chains are intended for use on bias ply tires and heavy duty radials with reinforced side walls [extra plys].

[BCDelica]

Happy New Year!!

The van has the torsion bars leveled, has original mud flaps and rims, and has 235/75-15 tires also. I have chain chains, the heavy duty kind with knobs welded on the links, on the front and they clear with over a inch of clearance. That's not much but I put 2 sturdy bungees on each side and don't drive very fast. For higher speed driving on harder surfaces, such as up the ski hill, I would put them on the back; that's if the conditions aren't that bad.

I hate wire type chains, a really, supposedly good pair thrashed my inner fender on my one year old Toyota Camry.

As for skiing, I can't this year, but haven't visited Mt Cain in over 10 years. Have a great time.

[Pete and Jackie]

Thanks guys for the input. I feel that cable chains just arent up to task, and for the lenth of time I actually am running the chains I dont see the tires suffering. (never had a problem in the past). I think I'll go crank moron the torsion bars to see what I can gain.
So regarding the lift question, does one just crank up the front and stick metal blocks in the back?

[Pete and Jackie]

Hey the Mt. Cain trip was fantastic. 18" of new, the best skiing conditions short of using a helicopter I'm sure!
Anyway I got some pics of the Deli sleeping in a drift, I'll post it when I figure out how. (hopefully we don't all die of old age waiting for that one). So I went with the cable chains after all. Thats all I had clearance for up front, and reefed right up, they dont scrape bang or thunk at all.
It carried 6 of us and all our gear (and booze) no problem, 110kmh and about 21.5 Mpg. What a great thing. Too funny though, show up on Cain with that thing and suddenly your a celeb!

[docsavage]

Found this link to some chains that might work better

http://www.rudchain.com/snow/grip4.htm

They look easy to put on. From the other forum a guy paid $193 for a set (4) for his Land Rover.

James