Hi,

I recently bought a 2002 SLT+ 2WD 4.7L from the original owner. When he bought it from the dealer, he had to sign a paper stating he understood that tire chains must not be used on the Durango because of the way it is equipped. It did not say why or what equipment prevents the use of chains. The owner's manual doesn't say either. Does anyone here know why?

Thanks


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Hey bud. Nice to meet you

I can tell you from first hand experience, chains, at least the ones I bought, worked just fine on the tires. I myself just recently bought a 2002 Durango SLT on This Tuesday, on Jan 24th, also from the Original Owner. I took it up to Mount Baldy today, here in Southern California, and chains were required up the mountain. The chains fit perfect around the tires and gave us no problems. I'm not sure why you wouldn't be able to use them, as they worked great for me! Anyone else want to chime in?

 

The only thing I could see being a problem with chains is that it might give the front tires too much traction when operating in 4WD modes that are only meant for loose and slippery surfaces. Can't really imagine why chains on the rears would present a problem.

I'm curious to know the "official" reason, too.

 

Yep, I went up to Big Bear on Sunday and ended up having to use chains on the way down. It started snowing heavily at about 2pm and it took me 3 hours just to reach the other end of Running Springs. By then, my Durango had 4-5 inches of new on it. The previous owner gave me a pair of cable chains, which did okay. I have always used real chains on all of my vehicles but these cable chains sure were easy to install. The chains did okay but unfortunately, my windshield wipers bombed out about an hour into the drive. Couldn't see a thing. Found out that it blew the fuse and now it keeps blowing fuses.

 

well, sucks about the windshield wipers, but at least the chains went on the tires ok