2 or 4 tires

[Rick Kent]

I bought 2 new tires for the rear of my 4x4 ST and was told by the shop that did my state inspection I should have done all 4.



The reason given was the worn fronts, when in 4x4, would rotate faster than the brand new rears and could cause problems.



I questioned the slight difference in tire size between the new and old and the mechanic told me it is common in Explorers to cause problems.



Any truth to this?

 

[H D]

True story.

 

[scott degroot]

If the vehicle is awd or auto 4wd it is true. I have changed many a transfer case due to differences in tire sizes on Fords, the max allowable difference in circumference between front and rear tires is 1/2" and all tires of the same size are not equal in diameter, that is why it is important to have the same brand and size of tire installed.

 

[Rick Kent]

Thanks for the info. I ordered another pair for the front just to be safe.

 

[mike burns 3]

AWD for sure



4WD maybe depends on how much you use 4X4 and what kind of conditions and how much wear you are talking about



safe bet is to change all 4

 

[Steve McKellop]

AWD for sure



4WD maybe depends on how much you use 4X4 and what kind of conditions and how much wear you are talking about

Best answer. :supercool:



My Mom's auto-4WD I did replace them all, my Sport Trac that sees very little 4x4 use, would depend on the amount of wear on the remaining two tires.

 

[rod denton]

having two different sizes is like running 4 gear in the front and first in the rear

 

[user 66791]

This is especially important with the Gen 2 Adrenalin model. I had a flat tire in the rear and because the nail had damaged the sidewall the tire had to be replaced. When I began research I learned that because of the stability system in the AWD the tires all have to be very close. So, I had to replace all 4 of the tires. They had about 26,000 miles and were pretty worn anyway so it was not a wasted expense. So beware!