hit up Sport Chalet, helped a buddy of mine with a Taco find a set of chains there. go for the S-Tracs. if not, just look for it online and order it.
Sport Chains
I have been trying to locate a pair of chains or cables for my new 07 2wd Dcab Lb but seem to be finding that the tire size (P265/65 R17) isnt listed. Southern Cal isnt exactly snow country and I only need them for occasional trip to ski slopes so I am not particularly upset that they wouldnt have them in stock but but really surprised not to see the tire size even listed. Is there a substitution that others have used or am I just not hitting the right stores.
While I am at it, might as well ask what type is good (and why)? Choices I have read about are straight chains across tires, diamond patterns, cables, square links and an assortment of chain hardness. Does any of it make much difference?
The last time I used chains was over 30 yrs ago and I just remember what a pain they were to get on. Thankfully, my usual driving is along coast where we dont get much rain and never snow (so far anyway) so snow tires arent an option. Mtns are only 90 miles however and they do require chains (and check for them) on 2wd when it gets snowy/icy.
Bob
While I am at it, might as well ask what type is good (and why)? Choices I have read about are straight chains across tires, diamond patterns, cables, square links and an assortment of chain hardness. Does any of it make much difference?
The last time I used chains was over 30 yrs ago and I just remember what a pain they were to get on. Thankfully, my usual driving is along coast where we dont get much rain and never snow (so far anyway) so snow tires arent an option. Mtns are only 90 miles however and they do require chains (and check for them) on 2wd when it gets snowy/icy.
Bob
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
I tried local store tonight andthey dont have that size tire listed. If my tires were 265/70 r17 like the 4x4s rather than a P265/65 R17 have I could find a set. Since the 270 is a higher profile, I am assuming it wouldnt work but also wonder if getting chains for wrong size tires is what others have done
.
Bob
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Bob
I ordered mine for P265/65R17 from JCWhitney. I got the twist-link #549005 and a chain tightener #549059. Fortunately we have no snow in SE PA so far....
i was looking for chains or cables last weekend and found them at pepboys. i have the same tire size and baught the Z pattern cables they were $96 after tax.
i plan on going to big bear this coming weekend or next.
i plan on going to big bear this coming weekend or next.
The 05-07 tacoma only has 3/8 inch clearance between the tire sidewall and the upper control arm assembly on the front tires that are 265/70/16. TRD screwed up and didn't take off roader, mountain mud and snow on skinny mountain roads into account on the new tacomas. Here's a copy of my complaint to Toyota.
1. The outdoorsman that go off roading for hunting, fishing, or joyriding cannot use standard off road chains for mud, snow during off road situations on the front tires. The 265-70-16 tires are to close to the suspension and the word is getting out to potential new tacoma buyers about this problem and could cost toyota hundreds of thousands in tacoma and general sales lost due to this design flaw in the outdoorsman market.
2 Another unrelated item--The new 05/06 tacoma rear suspension bottoms out to easy (saw marks between rubber rear stopper and leaf springs). During a recent hunting trip Oct 05 in Colorado. I had my hunting gear distributed evenly in the crew cab and the shortbed (appx 100pds in the back seat, only myself 220pd in driver seat, and appx 400 pds in the truck bed. The truck bed had appx 275 pds between the wheel well and tailgate and other 100-150 max in front of bed evenly distro'd. The truck bottomed out quite easily on fairly minor ruts on dirt roads and on highway ditches that were only minor sloped and should not have cause the truck to bottom out. The truck was not close to the 50% weight limit and the rear of the truck standing still was not sagging much at all from the weight. I was really shocked that it sounded like the truck bottomed out on minor slow speed ruts and during highway road humps or dips. This never happened with my 95 or 98 tacoma unless I had 75% plus of the bed carry limmit met. I think you need to beef up or retest/redesign the springs and/or shocks to meet the new trucks weight and load carry capabilities better.
1. The outdoorsman that go off roading for hunting, fishing, or joyriding cannot use standard off road chains for mud, snow during off road situations on the front tires. The 265-70-16 tires are to close to the suspension and the word is getting out to potential new tacoma buyers about this problem and could cost toyota hundreds of thousands in tacoma and general sales lost due to this design flaw in the outdoorsman market.
2 Another unrelated item--The new 05/06 tacoma rear suspension bottoms out to easy (saw marks between rubber rear stopper and leaf springs). During a recent hunting trip Oct 05 in Colorado. I had my hunting gear distributed evenly in the crew cab and the shortbed (appx 100pds in the back seat, only myself 220pd in driver seat, and appx 400 pds in the truck bed. The truck bed had appx 275 pds between the wheel well and tailgate and other 100-150 max in front of bed evenly distro'd. The truck bottomed out quite easily on fairly minor ruts on dirt roads and on highway ditches that were only minor sloped and should not have cause the truck to bottom out. The truck was not close to the 50% weight limit and the rear of the truck standing still was not sagging much at all from the weight. I was really shocked that it sounded like the truck bottomed out on minor slow speed ruts and during highway road humps or dips. This never happened with my 95 or 98 tacoma unless I had 75% plus of the bed carry limmit met. I think you need to beef up or retest/redesign the springs and/or shocks to meet the new trucks weight and load carry capabilities better.
3/8 of an inch!!! Yipes!
So, what's the "official" word? Can we put on chains/cables or not? I'll see what the dealer has to say on this too.
So, what's the "official" word? Can we put on chains/cables or not? I'll see what the dealer has to say on this too.
you need wheel spacers to run them on the front3/8 of an inch!!! Yipes!
So, what's the "official" word? Can we put on chains/cables or not? I'll see what the dealer has to say on this too.
You can put chains on the back with no problem. But in order to run chains on the front you need to get wheel spacers as previously stated.
Wheel spacers? Where do they go? Easy install?
I asked my dealer about the clearance issue and they didn't know anything. I'll ask them about wheel spacers too.
I'm not sure why we would put the cables on the fronts instead of the rears. Steering traction vs. acceleration traction I suppose?
Gee, is it just better to put them on all fours then? Especially since there's no weight on the rear.
I asked my dealer about the clearance issue and they didn't know anything. I'll ask them about wheel spacers too.
I'm not sure why we would put the cables on the fronts instead of the rears. Steering traction vs. acceleration traction I suppose?
Gee, is it just better to put them on all fours then? Especially since there's no weight on the rear.
So what size spacers are we supposed to get for the cables?
Any brand of cables seem better than others?
Any brand of cables seem better than others?
La Clede Tire Chains: Alpine SportTM Light Truck
Also, add some weight onto the bed to weigh it down for better traction and you're good to go. I saw a few trucks with chains on and their back tires kept spinning and going now where. A couple of rice bags will work fine!
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Kragen
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I went up to Bear Mtn a few weeks ago after the storm and picked up a used set of Alpine Sport tire chains from craigslist. Normally $99 but got it used for $40. Its the diamond pattern and has the quick snap in the back so its VERY ez to install. I have the TRD offroad so my tires are 265/65R16.I have been trying to locate a pair of chains or cables for my new 07 2wd Dcab Lb but seem to be finding that the tire size (P265/65 R17) isnt listed....
Bob
Also, add some weight onto the bed to weigh it down for better traction and you're good to go. I saw a few trucks with chains on and their back tires kept spinning and going now where. A couple of rice bags will work fine!
Kragen
2
If this helps anyone out...
I have Alpine Sport square link diamond chains by Laclade. I can't find a part number on the bag, but I see 2324 written in marker on the bag (I think I wrote that on there, can't remember for sure). I've had them for some 8 years and used them on the front axle of my 97 Tacoma. I have about 30-45 miles on my 08 Access 4WD TRD off-road using them on the front axle. Nothing too harsh, but they seem to have enough clearance with the upper A-arm. Now for harsh, suspension working, off roading; they may rub/clip the plastic inner fender, I have not totally ran it through trials. Once you get them fitted, it takes about 4 minutes total and 30 feet of driving to set them up.
For the rear, I have v-bar ladder chains with the old school clam-claw locks. They are way more of a PITA than the Alpines.
I run the Alpines only, on the rear axle, when I stay on paved roads or to meet legal requirements.
I prefer to have chains up front just for turning and stopping. And in 4WD the weight is up there, too. For a 2WD pickup the only acceptable choice is the rear.
Now to answer the ladder/diamond, cable/chain and square/round/v-bar link style question.
Diamond/Z pattern vs. Ladder: If you have ABS stay with Diamond/Z pattern. This way you have chain in contact with the road 100% of the time. A must to keep the ABS from freaking out and overall provides a smoother ride (note: do not exceed 35 MPH or manufactures suggested speed with any chains.) Diamond/Z pattern is usually more costly and wears at a higher rate.
Cable vs. Chain: Cables are great for limited use and limited efficiency. A cable also fits closer tolerance wheel wells (I think they're called Type S? I'll check and update post if not correct). Chains provide the best efficiency. If I'm going to spend the time to install a traction device, I want one the will dig in and be productive.
Square link vs. Round link vs. V-bar: This all depends on if you chose chains over cables. This only applies to chain. Round link and even a twisted link chain is what grandpa put on the tractors back in the day. Very easy to find replacement and repair. V-bar came next. This is where they weld a V shaped attachment to the individual round links. A great enhancement for those that travel over frozen lakes or frost covered ground. They are outlawed in just about every US state except Alaska and Maine? Don't quote me on that. The V-bar will chew a road up like no ones business. Square chain is just that, a square link instead of a round link. A good compromise between a round link and a V-bar.
Now for my personal views.
If I were staying on pavement or even a maintained road, I'd get cables. Wickedly simple to install, stores in a compact bag, lighter than chains, 100% time road contact for my ABS and rides so much smoother. Also low profile enough to prevent interference with wheel wells.
The Ladder chains on the rear do screw with my TPMS if I drive over 10 MPH for any length of time. I have yet to run the Alpine’s on the rear, but I’m sure they will do the same.
Edit: I didn't see that this was an old thread, sorry!
I have Alpine Sport square link diamond chains by Laclade. I can't find a part number on the bag, but I see 2324 written in marker on the bag (I think I wrote that on there, can't remember for sure). I've had them for some 8 years and used them on the front axle of my 97 Tacoma. I have about 30-45 miles on my 08 Access 4WD TRD off-road using them on the front axle. Nothing too harsh, but they seem to have enough clearance with the upper A-arm. Now for harsh, suspension working, off roading; they may rub/clip the plastic inner fender, I have not totally ran it through trials. Once you get them fitted, it takes about 4 minutes total and 30 feet of driving to set them up.
For the rear, I have v-bar ladder chains with the old school clam-claw locks. They are way more of a PITA than the Alpines.
I run the Alpines only, on the rear axle, when I stay on paved roads or to meet legal requirements.
I prefer to have chains up front just for turning and stopping. And in 4WD the weight is up there, too. For a 2WD pickup the only acceptable choice is the rear.
Now to answer the ladder/diamond, cable/chain and square/round/v-bar link style question.
Diamond/Z pattern vs. Ladder: If you have ABS stay with Diamond/Z pattern. This way you have chain in contact with the road 100% of the time. A must to keep the ABS from freaking out and overall provides a smoother ride (note: do not exceed 35 MPH or manufactures suggested speed with any chains.) Diamond/Z pattern is usually more costly and wears at a higher rate.
Cable vs. Chain: Cables are great for limited use and limited efficiency. A cable also fits closer tolerance wheel wells (I think they're called Type S? I'll check and update post if not correct). Chains provide the best efficiency. If I'm going to spend the time to install a traction device, I want one the will dig in and be productive.
Square link vs. Round link vs. V-bar: This all depends on if you chose chains over cables. This only applies to chain. Round link and even a twisted link chain is what grandpa put on the tractors back in the day. Very easy to find replacement and repair. V-bar came next. This is where they weld a V shaped attachment to the individual round links. A great enhancement for those that travel over frozen lakes or frost covered ground. They are outlawed in just about every US state except Alaska and Maine? Don't quote me on that. The V-bar will chew a road up like no ones business. Square chain is just that, a square link instead of a round link. A good compromise between a round link and a V-bar.
Now for my personal views.
If I were staying on pavement or even a maintained road, I'd get cables. Wickedly simple to install, stores in a compact bag, lighter than chains, 100% time road contact for my ABS and rides so much smoother. Also low profile enough to prevent interference with wheel wells.
The Ladder chains on the rear do screw with my TPMS if I drive over 10 MPH for any length of time. I have yet to run the Alpine’s on the rear, but I’m sure they will do the same.
Edit: I didn't see that this was an old thread, sorry!
Try to check out as many Pep Boys locations as you can, I was up in Bear Mountain doing a little snowboarding and needed chains to get up there, Pep Boys was the only place I could find that had chains for my size tire (P265/65/R17).
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