Rear diff damage

[Hendey T&G]

I’m fighting to install my snow chains and only have one on. It got me thinking, if I had to plow with only one chain on would it damage anything in the rear end or would it be better to take the one chain off?
Just curious.

 

[Engineer42]

Yes

 

[gstrom99]

I would finish the job, or take it off. The difference in circumference will make the diff spider gears work a bit, and make for a weird feeling ride. For a short while, it shouldn't hurt unless the non-chained tire spins a bunch IMHO.

 

[Hendey T&G]

I was thinking it might not be too good.
How about chains just on the front tires?
Of course it’s not as ideal as the rear but on ice it may help some.

 

[Hendey T&G]

I got them both on. You know how when you buy them the links are long and you fit them to your tires and cut off the extra links? This is only the 2nd year/time I’ve put them on. I must have hit that sweet spot last year when I fit the tight one where every bit of chain fit between the lugs and there is no more slack to be had. After dub’n around all day I finally gave up and used a longer shackle to get that extra 1/2” of length.
Bring on the ice and snow.