Help - I need some advice

**PCH** · 31st May 2005, 08:00 PM

Hi all,

I picked up my diamond pattern snow chains from ARB today. Originally they gave me ladder type on Friday accidentally.

My first problem when fitting them to the front wheels of the D3 was that the clearance between the chain on the inner sidewall of the tyre and the upper suspension ball joint/arm is awfully close to the chain. If the tyre flexes a bit then the chain is going to rub on the arm.

My first thought was bugger then my second thought was ring up ARB and talk with the HO to see if they have tried to fit these Konig chains to their own D3.

Then I had a brainwave (which is pretty rare). I wonder if these chains will fit on the rear wheels. The answer is YES with reasonable clearance to all suspension parts and wires/hoses.

BUT I read the owners manual and it states SNOW CHAINS MUST NOT BE FITTED TO REAR WHEELS :roll: .

Now my question is. Can chains be fitted to rear wheels on a 4WD? I was always told they fit to front wheels for steering but this has been on Subarus which essentially are front wheel drivers. Am I doing the wrong thing by doing what the manual says not to do and probably for a good reason.

Your help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Chris

disco95 · 31st May 2005, 08:06 PM

When it comes to doing what the book says, think "WARRANTY"
Remember that a $70 000 warranty is well worth doing what the book says. Bugger any other reasons.

**Ace** · 31st May 2005, 08:08 PM

There is no point having drive at the rear due to increase grip from the chains if when you turn the wheels nothing happens. I would say the same rule applies to any vehicle, not just the subies. Thats my opinion anyway. Matt

**camel_landy** · 31st May 2005, 08:10 PM

Stick them on the front wheels first..... If you've got two sets, then by all means stick a set on the rear too.

Mark.

**PCH** · 31st May 2005, 08:17 PM

These have to go on the front wheels as you've said for both steering and traction.

I'll ring ARB HO tomorrow. There's a guy I was emailing about the chains who mentioned that he thinks they should fit - well they don't.

My worst fear is that I need to look at the Rud-a-matic from Roof Carrier systems and they want $695 for a pair

. I thought I was doing well when I walked out of ARB spending $350.

Unfortunately I go up to the snow a lot and you have to carry them regardless.

Thanks guys.

**rmp** · 31st May 2005, 08:30 PM

Chris, chains have to go on the front of 4WDs as Ace says. Let me know the outcome of your investigation, I'll be writing about the D3 at some point and will include the chains issue.

I recall the X5 I think can't fit chains on the front at all, ironic really when it sells to the ski-set!

**PCH** · 1st June 2005, 08:01 AM

rmp,

I just spoke with ARB and there isn't much choice but to look at a smaller chain link. The Konig ones ARB supply for 4WD's are 8mm to ensure the chain doesn't disappear into the tread of an off-road tyre. Currently I still have the road tyres because there aren't any AT or MT in 18" which are the right size. I'd have to go down to a 17" rim to fit the Coopers in a 245/70/17 to get a similar overall diameter.

I'm going to look at the Rud-a-matic which might be more road tyre biased.

In speaking with ARB the Landcruiser Sahara has the same problem with the 8mm link chains.

Chris

**101RRS** · 1st June 2005, 12:18 PM

Chris,

I know how to fix your problem - why don't you give me your nice new D3 and I will give you my nice old D1 with chains that fit?

Problem solved - no problems - every one is happy [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img]

Gazzz

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 1st June 2005, 12:57 PM

The tyre should only be out of shape as it touches the ground,,
as it revolves it should return to its right shape.

if there is a gap when stationary and rub marks after a short slow test drive,
it must be suspension part movement.

anybody agree?? :roll:

JackH · 1st June 2005, 01:27 PM

Originally posted by Pedro_The_Swift
The tyre should only be out of shape as it touches the ground,,
as it revolves it should return to its right shape.

if there is a gap when stationary and rub marks after a short slow test drive,
it must be suspension part movement.

anybody agree?? :roll:

I agree but I would also do a slow turn both left and right to see if there is any rubbing.

It's funny how my D2 manual says to fit chains to the rear wheels and only on the front if Pirelli Scorpions are fitted.

Cheers,
Jack

Thread: Help - I need some advice

Thread Tools

Help - I need some advice

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions