For a 4WD truck, should chains go on the front wheels, or the rear wheels ?

 

Chains should always go on the driving wheels with the most weight. On a 4x4, that means chaining up the front.

 

I don't think I would chain the front because of clearence problems when turning. Unless you can get all the slack out of the chains. They do make cables for FWD vehicles that would probably work fine IMO.

 

why exactly do u need chains if u have a 4wd anyway?

 

4 wheeldrive on dirt, mud, rock, sand = more traction

4 wheeldrive on compacted snow, freezing rain or ice = two more tires spinning.

chains will help to increase traction on a 4 wheeldrive vehicle as well as a 2 wheel drive to get them moveing, regardless chains do little to help stop the vehicle.

 

But you gotta LOVE anti lock brakes for just this reason

Lonster

 

They have the new super Z chains from security chain co. (also make regular) that can fit in low clearance areas. I also have a denali and regualr chains are unable to fit but the super Zs can. My experience thus far is that work pretty well and are easy to put on.....and loads better than the z chains for cars. But here is a question for you guys.....my denali is all wheel drive.....so back or front. I assume the front, but then the issure of power sharing. Would the front get enough of the power to make the chains work up there?

 

A vehicle needs traction for 3 things: acceleration, steering and braking.

Snow and ice do not provide much traction.
4WD does not provide more traction than 2WD - it uses available traction better than 2WD. The 4WD advantage in snow is marginal over 2WD.Tires make some difference - but not significantly.

Chains increase traction of rubber tires dramatically.

Chains:
Used on all 4 with 4WD - perfect acceleration, crisp steering, super braking. However, part time systems will show understeer. Full time 4WD systems are best. This is what everyone should have for snow and ice.
Used on front axle with 4WD - good acceleration, good steering, good braking. However, since the rear wheels have no lateral guidance, the rear end will come around - fast. Not good. Feather your brakes. Go slow.
Used on rear axle with 4WD - good acceleration, lousy steering (no lateral guidance), so so braking (remember, 80% of brake force goes to front wheels and isn't put to use without chains). No fishtailing. Best compromise for 4WD with only one pair of chains. Go slow.

Used on front axle (front wheel drive) - good acceleration, good steering, good braking. However, since the rear wheels have no lateral guidance, the rear end will come around. Not good. Feather your brakes. Go slow.
Used on rear axle (front wheel drive) - almost no acceleration, bad steering, so so braking. No fishtailing. Not useful.

Used on front axle (rear wheel drive) - almost no acceleration, good steering, good braking. However, since the rear wheels have no lateral guidance, the rear end will come around. Not good. Not useful.
Used on rear axle (rear wheel drive) - good acceleration, bad steering, so so braking. No fishtailing. Not useful.