Just curious to know if 1 set of snow chains will damage the transfer case. I have one set and plan on using it on the front wheels. I have the np231 case. Also does having chains on just front or rear effect the anti-lock brakes?

sean

 

Snow chains won't matter to your transfer case. Both your axles will be turning at the same speed whether they have traction or not. Shouldn't matter for ABS either, if a wheel locks up your ABS will kick in, same as always. People run one set of snow chains all the time, All they do is add some traction, just like a kick *** set of tires, no effect on your driveline components.

 

My concern is that with chains on, the effective size of the tire is bigger, but you are saying that should not be a concern?

thanks
sean

 

Just checked the owners manual (not sure why I didn't think of that before). It states that chains can be used, but they should be used on the rear tires only. It would seem to me that front would be better since it would give bite for traction and turning. I guess if the manual advises to put them on the back, that's what I will do.

 

Well if you give it some thought, if your front is dug in, your *** end will want to swing around when stopping.

 

I've never had to put chains on a 4WD, however, my father-in-law always put them on the front of his Ford 4WD pickups exactly for the reasons stated above, traction (engine/transmission weight is up front) and steering.

As to tire diameter effective differences, well, you're in a low traction situation anyway (should be off road or deep snow/slush on the road) so it shouldn't matter. If you get to good road take the chains off. A broken chain will quickly do terrible damage to the paint/metal around the fender well.