az4x4runner

I know there have been other discussions on YT about this in the past, I know in general it is best for all tires to be the same size.

Currently my front tires are approx 1/2 inch smaller in diameter than the rears. I don't have the option financially to replace all 4. I've been running this setup for over a year now.

As long as it is a low traction surface such as dirt or snowy road I don't see it harming the drivetrain in 4wd. While turning in 4wd tires are turning at different speeds anyway, and who is driving in a straight line at all times?

Any reason I should avoid using 4wd? Does 1/2 inch make much difference? They are both 31x10.50, but different brand M/Ts and the front are more worn. They measure about 29.5/30. I'd hate to stop going wheeling til I can replace them all, it may be a long wait.

myyota85

down here were in the mud but your on rocks prob? so id watch it currently i run 34 buckshots in the front and 35 boggers in the rear but like i said thats 4 the mud bogs no problems yet.. try it on soft dirt first i didnt notice any thing good luck..

Teuf

I wouldn't run diff size tires, lookin for trouble I say.

scuba

You're FINE !!

b4wheeler

iTrader: (1)

1/2 inch should not make a difference.. Is that 1/2 inch measured from the top of the tire to the ground or from the axle centerline to the ground...

The driveline actually sees the tire height as twice the measured radius (or the height from the axle centerline to the ground) of the tire.
So if you measure from the top of the tire to the ground, them your 1/2 inch is actually less and closer to 1/4 inch..
Either way, I am sure that you will not see a problem with any kind of driveline bind....

If you are really concerned about the difference.. just let a little air out of the rear tires when you go 4wheeling, bring the tires down to the same height...
You could easily air back up using a simple Walmart portable 12v compressor after you get back on the road..

99SR5

iTrader: (1)

i wouldnt run 4wd.... we have pleny of customers come in because they didnt want to get 4 tires and u joints, transfer case and such are screwed up.

Teuf

Some things you just don't do, diff tire size is one, no matter how small.

az4x4runner

It is 1/2" from top of tire to ground.

I understand why it's bad. But honestly can't see that small a difference harming anything on dirt.

Ever make a turn in 4wd? You can hear the back wheels slip from the binding that causes, yet that doesn't destroy tcases.

az4x4runner

It's not that I don't want to. I'd love some new tires. I had two that needed replacing winter of 2008, not enough cash for 4, left me with little choice.

Teuf

OK go for it.

85gijunk4x4

ive ran larger tires on the front for a while, it really shouldnt make a differance as long as youre in 4wd on a loose surface where the tires can slip if they have to. like other have said, if your really concerned just air down your back tires, and making a sharp turn in 4wd cant be any worse then running tires 1/2 inch smaller in the front.

az4x4runner

Well I am going to try not to. I can't afford to break something. I am worried to continue to drive on them in 4wd.

Trying to figure out how to go about getting new tires. Unfortunately the rear is about 2 year old BFG M/Ts. Even if I got two new matching tires for the front to replace the really worn ones they wouldn't be exactly the same size anymore.

scuba

There are people that run 5.38 front gears in sased tacos with dana 44's and 5.29's in the rear toy axle, and do just fine. And y'all are worried about a half inch in tire size ?

rattlewagon

wouldant worry about it at all.

az4x4runner

Thanks guys, these were my original thoughts. I've been running this setup for quite a while now anyway but when I decided to do some research on it I started to worry a little.

az4x4runner

That was what I always thought and what made me feel ok about having different sizes when I originally purchased the new ones.

I was looking at the 4runner's manual this morning also, it mentions replacing tires in pairs, and just warns to put them either both on front or rear.

snobdds

I say your fine too.

jammer1313

I never heard any one complain about that small a difference in tire's, including myself, I've never had a problem, and I can't afford new tires over a little wear, I just wouldnt run two different sizes...GO WHEELIN' AND ENJOY...

highonpottery

iTrader: (1)

i wouldn't worry about it unless you've got full-time 4wd since all tires are tied together in the driveline. people buy pairs of tires all the time and when they do this, the worn tires would be about 1/2" difference in diameter. 1/2" difference in radius is different -- that's like running 2 completely different sizes in tire, yikes!

yotarover

a while back i had a blow out the 235 75's up front blew out (high traction studed tires) but i had a slightly smaller pair sitting on the back that were going to be used on a buggy had no choice but to run them to get home. ended up leaving them on for 5 months,


even in 4wd in the mud snow and creek i had no problems