Snow Chains on 3rd gen...anyone found a way?

Hey everyone, I posted this question last year and got 0 response, maybe now in the dead of winter someone will have some input.

Has anyone found a way to run chains on all 4 tires on a 3rd gen? I know Toyota says do not put chains on the front wheels. Maybe there is some combination of lift and aftermarket UCAs that would allow enough clearance?

I run sled dogs in rural Montana and drive on packed ice, deep snow and entirely unmaintained roads and trails all winter. I used to run 4 heavy V-bar chains on my old truck and would love to have the option on the 3rd gen. Anyone’s input or personal experience is appreciated!

 

Not trying to deter you from doing what you want to do with your own truck and your own money. Just seems like it would be a lot less effort and money to just slow down a little when conditions call for it.

Having said that, I am sure you can accomplish what you want with some wheel spacers and some trimming. Maybe a CMC to be safe. If no one with actual experience chimes in, you may have to be the guinea pig. =). Good luck.

 

Oh I definitely drive slowly and am very careful in winter conditions. I like to have the option of chains when coming up to an unplowed trailhead, or on dirt roads that are completely iced over and rutted. I wouldn’t consider running V-bar chains in any application where I could drive over 20mph.

 

Maybe consider studded tires or snow socks?? Likely less effective but would be a lot less hassle I'd imagine and might still get the job done.

You LIVE in the snow I just play it in so you know more than me for sure but just a suggestion

 

The low profile cable type chains will fit on the front if you get them on nice and tight .... VBAR chain chains on the back.

 

Cables will clear the front suspension and chains in the rear. That's my setup

 

I have been thinking about this also, esp when trying to stay stock.

Great info. Thanks!

Two questions:

-- Stock tire size? I am thinking about going from 265/65R17 SL to 265/70R17 SL in an AT tire.

-- Did you folks grind off the nub that is on the spindle? I feel that is there to prevent the installation of chains, probably due to UCA and CM clearence?

 

I have 285s on Method wheels w 4.5" BS
Total chaos UCA and gussets on the spindles.
Rubs spindle gusset a tad when aired down but not bad

 

Nice setup.

 

I run V-Bars in the back, no problem. I also have a set for the front but haven't tried them. Are V-bars a definite no-go with the stock tire size on the front?

 

It is my understanding that there is no clearance between the tire and UCA for a chain on the front on a 3rd gen. It’s a no go as far as the owners manual says, I have not tried for fear of breaking something in an area that’s already bad enough for me to be needing chains!

 

Not a 3rd Gen, but with aftermarket UCAs and a 4.5"+ BS on the wheels (or .75"/1" spacers) should allow you to run chains w/o hitting the UCA or spindle.

I have LR UCAs, and have had numerous different wheel/tire combos, with and without wheel spacers, and have been able to run chains on the front with 33" tires.

I recommend the RUD GRIP 4x4 chains, as they are designed for oversized tires.

 

Like I posted above, on the outside face of the spindle is a raised bump that is inline with the tire sidewall. I believe this is there to not allow the installation of chains because when in motion, they might contact the UCA and CM when turning. It might be there for folks who would install them carelessly installation? If installed tightly, there might or might not be clearence.

 

What would your thoughts be for using spacers only for snow runs? Just thinking about installing and removing them several times per year?

 

I think the reason the manual says not to put chains in the front (aside from clearance) could be that they add a lot of rotational weight that will add too much stress to the already feeble front axle. Throw in tire spin and sudden traction and boom! Toyota really doesn't like warranty work

 

Great point. The one that was posted early last year was timely since I was new to 4x4s, and a couple weeks later, headed out into heavy slush in the hills. Being easy on the throttle worked. So, know your rig and don't be stupid.

 

How about put chains on the back and plow in reverse! Saturday morning non-value-added comment complete!

In all seriousness with all the Sierra snow we have been having, for the purposes getting safely to the hotel/cabin/ski area/casino should I go ahead and start carrying chains for the rear? Chain control usually waves me by seeing the BFGs and 4x4 on the back, but lately the conditions have been a lot more harsh and the drivers respectively dumb.

Thanks all!

 

Chains will get you through snow conditions that your truck otherwise wouldn't. Besides the obvious state DOT requirements, whether or not you need them is debatable. But since you've already got decent tires, I say get the most aggressive chains that you can, like V-bars.

 

could've used some chains in my city this past week, (not me personally but all the school buses and FrontWDrs) There was an inch of ice (from raining all day pooling up) under the 10 inch of snow and the only way they could get the main streets down to the pavement was to drown it in some nasty liquid salt

 

Received my chains, think it was a good decision. So for the most part, still best to run 4wd with chains? If it's bad enough for chains, won't be going over 25...