Offroad-Express

Bought some diamond snow chains for my 2006 Hilux only to discover that they should not be fitted to the front wheels. The inner chain connection sits only a couple of mm from the steering rods and the chain on the tread sits close to the fender when the wheel is turned on a given angle. I don't really want to drive with chains only on the back given the risk of over steer going uphill. Does anyone know of a snow chain that can be fitted to the front wheels of a modern hilux? If not, I'll just avoid conditions requiring chains and put up with the fact that I have a utility!

Cheers
Clive

Could you install rims with a wider offset to give you more room for the chains?

Changing the profile of the rims is something that had not occurred to me. I've got 17" tires on and could get 16" to get more clearance perhaps. I know if I replaced the front bumper with something like an ARB bull bar that would solve the chain on the tread coming close to the bumper.

Thanks for the advice

what brand chains did you buy? different brands may work, the boss has some superior industry snowsweat brand with factory 16' alloys and 265/75 tires and they fit ok...

The chains are snowsweat and my wheels are 265-65-17 with all terrain tyres.

Is it one of the newer shape Hiluxs, if so DOC here stopped getting them because chains on the front caused alsorts of damage including ripping off large plastic bits

Thought of a set of snow socks?
Regards,
Hoodoo

odonata wrote:Bought some diamond snow chains for my 2006 Hilux only to discover that they should not be fitted to the front wheels. The inner chain connection sits only a couple of mm from the steering rods and the chain on the tread sits close to the fender when the wheel is turned on a given angle. I don't really want to drive with chains only on the back given the risk of over steer going uphill. Does anyone know of a snow chain that can be fitted to the front wheels of a modern hilux? If not, I'll just avoid conditions requiring chains and put up with the fact that I have a utility!

Cheers
Clive

Where did you get them from? I;d take them back and then go see Chain Protection Services, 25 Birmingham you'll be able to test fit them before you buy. http://www.chains.co.nz/

Yes the Hilux is the latest model. I can't believe that the tech at Toyota said it would be okay to use it in 4wd with chains on the back. Perhaps okay on the flat but I would not use it on hills.
Maybe narrower wheels might work with giving better clearance?

Wonder if these Michelin Composite snow chains would be any use, though I don't think they are sold here yet!

http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/mich ... hains.aspx

Ha, very simple answer. this question is commonly asked, and the best solution I've found.....

buy 95 series Prado rims, 16x7" they look stock, the offset (that i cant remember) is like 12mm more negative than the factory rims, giving you just enough clearance to run full heavy ice breaker chains.

we run them on 4 new model 2005-2011 model hilux's and although they all also have 235/85/16 Wrangler MTR Kevlars on them they have no issue running chains.

if you keep factory size tyres and change the rims, you dont need to lift it. we have lifted our ones to give a little more clearance and because they really get used with chains quite often.

There are very few vehicles from new on the maket at the moment that you can run chains on from factory, besides a landcruiser and a Mitsi Triton. the ranger you cant, the hilux, navara and mazda are out too..

the prado rims should cost you about $100 each from a wrecker
PM me if you need more info

with the old tyres, these are the rims i mean

Hi Callum,

That is very useful info and greatly appreciated. Being a newbie I take it when you refer to lifting, you are adjusting the suspension?

Cheers
Clive

odonata wrote:Hi Callum,

That is very useful info and greatly appreciated. Being a newbie I take it when you refer to lifting, you are adjusting the suspension?

Cheers
Clive

Yes he is.

yes, run a 2" suspension lift on most of the vehicles I deal with

Finally settled on 15"x6" surf rims with 235/75/15 all terrain tires with an offset of 8. It allows 35mm clearance from the fender, and plenty of clearance from the steering arms.