This is a pretty general question, but is it sufficient to put one set of chains on my 4runner, put it in 4 wheel drive, and use the chains on the front? I can also put the chains on the back and just leave it in 2WD. Or should I just get 2 sets of chains to be totally safe.

Heading up to mammoth mountain this weekend crossing my fingers I don't have to break out the chains.

 

You should be fine but front chains will help a little on an icy road or somethin. What tires are you runnin?

 

Just basic tires. Cooper 265/70

 

Yeah front chains would be beneficial. I dont think you would need rears but it couldnt hurt

 

I'm not a big fan of front chains for a couple of reasons. First, there are alot of suspension and brake parts real close to where the chains would be. The big one would be the upper ball joint on the UCA. Second, The rear, with less traction, will want to pass the front if things get bad.

I have wheeled with some people that have used 4 chains on their Tacoma. I have used chains on the back and used 4wd.

If you are on the road and NEED chains I would suggest chains on the back, 4wd and drive slow. I would never exceed 45 miles per hour with chains on, more like 30mph. I see chains as a last ditch effort.

I don't know how much snow driving you have done. Remember that 4wd will get you moving where 2wd wouln't. 4wd does not keep you from sliding on the slick snow/ice. Every year, almost every vehicle that is in a ditch and or rolled in the snow is a 4wd. 4wd does not make it invincible in the snow and ice.

 

Yea I use chains to get up to our cabin in the spring time. Lots of Snow and mud to get thru. Best thing is to use chains in the back with lots of weight. You will have to let off the gas when you turn!!! There is so much traction that turning is hard if your on the throttle.

I only chain up the front if it is super icy...and I've only had to do that once in my life.

 

Last week, going up to Kirkwood was pretty scary. It got pretty icy on US 88 and had to break out the chains. I put them on the rear and had no problems.

 

One set is sufficient. I think you will be fine putting them on the front or the back. Stay at 25mph or less as you will still have an issue of control when someone slides in front of you (and they will