Tire diameter difference on a 4x4

[Stewart Fan]

How much difference in tire diameter is acceptable on a 4x4?

I have a 2007 Dodge Ram 4x4 and had a low tire over the weekend. I took it to Discount tire and they said the tire wasn't repairable because of the location of the puncture. The tire was covered by their road hazard warranty and they replaced the tire for free.

The new tire has 17/32" of tread and the other tires have about 13/32". I aksed if the difference in depth was going to be an issue on a 4x4 and the manager assured me the difference wasn't enough to be a concern. He said if the difference was any more he would have replaced the other tire on the axle as well.

I do have a LSD in the rear,but for now the tires are on the front. If the tires ar ok now,what happens when I have them rotated?

 

[CapriRacer]

This is a question that you have to ask the vehicle manufacturer. Only they will know for sure what tolerance is acceptable.

 

[NYEngineer]

I know two tires that are radically different will ruin a limited slip diff. Not sure if 1/8 of an inch will do anything. Probably not.

 

[sprintman]

An absolute no no on an AWD. I had to replace all 4 tyres on our Outback a week ago after wife copped a nail in one tyre and it couldn't be repaired.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Quote:

---

An absolute no no on an AWD. I had to replace all 4 tyres on our Outback a week ago after wife copped a nail in one tyre and it couldn't be repaired.

---

Apparently Subaru allows for up to 2/32nds of an inch difference between tread depths, so that is in fact very little:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=18

 

[porcupine73]

You'd have to check what the manufacturer recommends for your make, model, and year. It depends somewhat on the type of AWD/4WD system it has. Subaru for example wants all tires to be within 1/4" circumference; otherwise over the long term it can damage the AWD viscous coupling (MT's) or the transfer clutch pack (AT's). Also if you have limited slip differential it can be an issue as well.

 

[Shannow]

Non LSD front end, in a part time 4WD, I'd not expect an issue.

When you DO 4WD, then you'll be on uneven surfaces, and it won't make a difference.

If the new tyre is the same brand and size as your (presumably unused) spare, I'd put the worn front in the spare location, and have two fresh tyres on the front.