Staggered Tire sizes possible?

[ericp351]

Hi all. Have a 1991 A2 with 1400-20 tires. Understand that they are getting hard to get surplus good as obsolete and 395's generally recommended substitute. I'm asking if 395s on front and 14-20s on rears might be a budget friendly stop gap as a front blowout looks by far to be the most scary type. This assumes only locking in front axle on slippery surface- but aint that what it is for anyway? Thanks for any feedback!

 

[simp5782]

Too much difference. T1138s are already weak as it is blowing a 2500$ transfer case vs 1200$ in tires for 6 tires to be swapped isn't worth

 

[tobyS]

I second Wes above.

But if I had to do it, I would disconnect the drive train for the front, probably driveshaft. No way even off road will be "slippery" enough to unload that much stress. With each revolution the front would go about 10" less than the rear.

Oddly enough, this would work on an 809 series T-138. The sprag clutch is made to relieve the rear overrunning the front.

 

[ericp351]

I second Wes above.

But if I had to do it, I would disconnect the drive train for the front, probably driveshaft. No way even off road will be "slippery" enough to unload that much stress. With each revolution the front would go about 10" less than the rear.

Oddly enough, this would work on an 809 series T-138. The sprag clutch is made to relieve the rear overrunning the front.

Thanks to both for the fast replies. Won't chance it. Thought 395's were closer to 14- 20's in diameter.

 

[ericp351]

Transfer case post script: Bought my truck with only a bit over 300 hrs and 6000 miles, AND a Gov. rebuild job transfer case!

 

[simp5782]

Thanks to both for the fast replies. Won't chance it. Thought 395's were closer to 14- 20's in diameter.

46.4 new can 49.7new