chains question

[98outbackpdx]

since i do not have the money for studded tires, i want to get a set of chains. my question is, can i just have the chains on the front or do i need them on all 4 tires. i know that using a different tire and or size than the others is really bad for the transfer case. i don't know how much i will need to use them, and i dont want to fry my transfer case. does anyone know anything about running chains?

[chuckthefuk]

"Subarus do not have transfer cases. They has a clutch pack at the end of the transmission (if an automatic), or a viscous coupling with a differential if its a manual" -ultimatesubaru.org

"Q. Can I use tire chains on a Subaru?
A. If you do a lot of winter driving, it's best to consider a set of winter snow or ice tires. Chains are not recommended on a newer Subaru, it's a clearance issue. Spider chains are ok because they don't go on the inside of the wheel. If you can't use those and absolutely must use chains, use 'Z' cable chains though again this is not recommended and keep your speed down and make sure they're very tight. " -cars101

The manual and dealer both say that chains are not advised. They will eventually ruin your differentials.

Rule of thumb is if you change the fronts you should change the rears. Would you run different tread/size/type of tires?

Think about it this way if you chain the front you will have great grip but then the rears will constantly slip. That sounds like a problem waiting to happen.

-chuck

[BG5guy]

you dont wanna use chains. Subarus are not really made to use chains, id recommend a set of snow tires. When i worked at Subaru, people would come in all the time with this question. The subaru wheel wells are not designed with chains in mind. I dont know if it is clearance or something, but chains will break 9/10 times. If you do get chains, i recommend getting spider cables. But studded tires is better inveestment and will last much longer.

[98outbackpdx]

again i do not have the money for snow tires. maybe next month with christmas but not right now. and the les schwab quick fit chains work perfectly. on my 98 outback there is plenty of clearence.

[chuckthefuk]

I dont know why BG5guy had to repeat what I had posted but I agree with him. Studded tires are the best option for any winter area. Also the clearance issue is for POST 2000+ Subarus

But lets be realistic... if you cant afford a set of snow tires, your looking at $400 new or $200 used why even bother. Chains are useless when you have to drive on asphalt or when its warm out and the ice/snow turns to slush.

-Chuck

[decke48]

ive used z chains once. but that was only to get out of a ditch. if you need chains the weather probably too severe to drive

[98outbackpdx]

i am looking into some studded tires. $404 installed at the Subaru dealer. $450 at Americas tire co (70 miles away), and about $475 at tire factory and les schwab for the same tire. the chains were meant for a more right now type of thing, plus the roads where i live everywhere is covered in ice. tire stores are at least a day wait. the Subaru dealer said a solid week to get the tires in. Friday the every trusty astro van is going in to get the studs installed so i will have at least 1 car with studs. also it is impossible to find a set of good used studded tires right now, everyone is buying them up.

[ouch1011]

If you use chains, they go on all 4 wheels. Chains on 1 axle will wreck the center diff.

Honestly, I'm suprised you have room on the back to run chains. Must be because its an OB. There is no way they'd fit my GT.

[98outbackpdx]

yes it is an outback and i have only run chains on the fronts. when the weather is bad, i usually will drive the astro that had studded tires on all 4. awd astro with a posi rear end is a lot of fun in the snow. i can do some pretty sweet cookies in the astro, the subaru not so much.

[98outbackpdx]

was going through the owners manual a few days ago and it says that only the outback is to use chains and only put on the front tires. the only time i use chains is to get out of my neighborhood because it is downhill both of the exits and in 1st gear and barely touching the brakes the fronts just lock up. so i got the quick fit chains so i could get out of my neighborhood when it is snowy. i will get snows for next year.

[loganmossmusic]

Do you live in the hills near portland or what? I live in Vancouver, WA, and there is virtually no snow ever. If there is, its not usually alot.

[BG5guy]

we get a couple days a year