The Mitsubishi Pajero Owners Club®

alexhenderson · Posted: Sat May 30, 2015 0:51 Post subject: different size tyres part-time 4wd

Hello,

I have 205/80r16 on the front, and 215/70r16 on the back. I have part-time 4wd (2H,4H,4L).

Is it ok to use 4wd briefly on loose surfaces when I need to and switch back out into 2wd?

I have been doing this for a while now and it has seemed fine. I'm thinking that the loose dirt or sand will allow any size difference to scrub out?

What do you think?

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trekker · Posted: Sat May 30, 2015 7:41 Post subject:

From your post, it seems you're aware of the risk of damage to the transmission, as on our part time the front and rear propshafts have to rotate at the same speed, it's a solid mechanical drive.

Those tyres have 1 inch difference in dia, so 3 inch rolling distance difference for each revolution.

So it's not a good idea, as not all loose gravel surface is loose, some invariably has good grip. Yes the tyres will have to give, but there'll be strain too.

But for a few metres, you can stop, engage 4WD, then back into 2WD and later into 4WD again, all whilst on the move.

Simon_W · ******* Joined: 21 May 2013 Posts: 4881 Location: Watford

For very short distances at low speed on loose surfaces I would think it would be OK. But you're going to increase tyre wear and may lose a small amount of traction due to slippage.

alexhenderson · Posted: Sun May 31, 2015 2:20 Post subject:

Alrighty thanks. I think I may get some new tires - all 205/80r16