All 4 Tires Same Size On 4wd?

[59Vette]

I have a chance to buy 3 Pro Comp Mud Terrain tires for my 91 4X4 stepside. The other one is junk. Right now they have about 3/4s of their tread life left. So I was thinking of buying them and then just having to buy one new one. The problem is I have always thought that all 4 tires had to be the same size on a 4X4 and the new one having more tread would be slightly bigger. My question is will this be acceptable, or will it cause problems? If I do get the three used and one new, where would it be best to run the one new one, Front or Rear?

[Matt_]

Do you have a locker or limited slip in the rear? If not, you could run a "new" tire of the same size/manufacturer on the rear axle without any issues (as long as its an open differential).

 

If you have an LS rear, i wouldn't do that..... you'd have to run it in the front, but this would result in steering issues.

[Zembonez]

A small difference in wear isn't going to make any difference. If you have a real locker or limited slip make sure you put the one new one on the front. You'll never even notice a difference.

[AJE]

You could always just buy two new ones and keep them on the same axle, use the best two used ones on the other axle, then keep the third used one as a spare.

[2COR517]

Jim is right on, but this is the best idea.

 

You could always just buy two new ones and keep them on the same axle, use the best two used ones on the other axle, then keep the third used one as a spare.

[59Vette]

No Limited slip on the truck, but I agree the best choice is just to buy 2 tires. Thanks, Guys.

[Pilot12]

I have a chance to buy 3 Pro Comp Mud Terrain tires for my 91 4X4 stepside. The other one is junk. Right now they have about 3/4s of their tread life left. So I was thinking of buying them and then just having to buy one new one. The problem is I have always thought that all 4 tires had to be the same size on a 4X4 and the new one having more tread would be slightly bigger. My question is will this be acceptable, or will it cause problems? If I do get the three used and one new, where would it be best to run the one new one, Front or Rear?

 

Obviously I've stumbled across this thread too late, but thought I'd put in my two cents anyway for the sake of discussion.

 

I've always found it interesting that the tire companies and shops will tell you to change all four at the same time. Then when you're halfway through your treadlife warranty and have one tire go bad, they'll only replace that one tire and say it's no problem. Just try getting all four new for the prorated price and it's no longer necessary to do all four. I don't think it would hurt to do what you're considering. I'd put the new tire wherever and rotate em every 5000 or so, then replace all four next time.

[angelic0-]

i'd say put the 1 new tire on the left rear side since you have a open diff and then just turn it a full left turn and burn out a little on the new one :'D