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J. C. Brandon
Dodge Dakota
10/18/2001
14:05:48
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 Subject: tire chains?
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Have you used tire chains on your Dakota?
The owner's manual for my 2000 4x4 specifically says not to use tire chains with the 31-inch tires. I assume that is because of clearance problems with the front wheels turning. But it looks to me like tight-fitting cable chains would clear.
Anybody tried it?
Most 4wd authorities recommend using chains on all four wheels. And some folks say if you only have one set to use them on the rear. Others say use them on the front.
I'd like to hear from somebody who's got some real experience with this. What have you done with your Dakota? Chains on 31s? Front? Rear? Both? Cable chains?
cheers,
-J.
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Knobbyman
Dodge Dakota
10/18/2001
22:57:34
| RE: tire chains?
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Message:
I can understand using them on the front only if your vehicle is front wheel drive or possibly if it's a 4x4 but rear wheels only I don't understand because you still have to turn and if you don't have traction in the front.
About using them on a Dakota I would NOT use them on the front with 31" tires my stock tires almost rub as is.
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RESQready
GenIII
10/18/2001
23:44:57
| RE: tire chains?
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After I bought my truck, I went out and found a set of chains for my 31" tires (front and rear -- that just made sense to me). Dodge can recommend against it for their own reasons, but when it snows, the Highway Patrol says differently. On a bunch of winter trips to the mountains, I did have to use them and it was TIGHT! Usually, traffic kept me going slow with no sharp turns. Luckily no damage. Since then, I have gone to 32" tires with no room to spare for chains. I would guess I only have about a 1/2", at most, of clearance.
Of course I'm not the authority on real winter driving (been in sunny California my whole life).
DJ
2000 QC 4x4 4.7
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J. C. Brandon
Dodge Dakota
10/19/2001
13:53:39
| RE: tire chains?
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RESQready-
Thanks for the benefit of your experience. What sort of chains did you buy? Cables? Something else?
I'm in California also. The law here defines three levels of chain control conditions. The one that applies to us mostly is R2: chains required except for 4wd vehicles with snow tires. The law also says that even under those conditions you must carry chains and be ready to use them. I've never been asked to show that I was carrying chains. But I do know of other 4x4 drivers that have been ticketed because they weren't carrying chains.
You can read Caltrans page about tire chains at:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/wntrdriv.htm
Where on your truck was the closest fit? At the rear edge of the front bumper? I think I could live with that. I'm worried about the chains getting anywhere near a brake line. That would be disastrous.
-J.
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RESQready
GenIII
10/19/2001
14:49:48
| RE: tire chains?
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J.C.
I picked up a fairly inexpensive set of chains from Kragen's Auto (what ever brand it is they sell). Figured they wouldn't be used too often, but I didn't want to run the risk of a ticket or getting turned around at a road block if a CHP officer asked to see them. As it turned out, I did use them and they were a help.
The tightest spot was at the rear of the wheel wells. I had trimmed the bumper facia in anticipation of 32" tires one day, so that was not an issue. Also, the chains didn't sit low on the tire side walls (probably because they were a cheap set) so brake lines and suspension were not a concern either.
DJ
2000 QC 4x4 4.7
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BNC
Dodge Dakota
10/20/2001
11:58:25
| RE: tire chains?
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Message:
I plan on using the full link style chains on the rear and the tight cable "chains" on the front with the stock 31" tires. I have the AWD and feel this will be the best option considering. I live in Colorado. Also, I have ahd good success using chains on a non-lsd vehicle by placing on the front drive wheel and the rear drive wheel. This is not the preferred method but in a "stuck" situation it works great.
Brett
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