So my father in law has an old (78) farm truck. It's rear wheel drive, and he put some new aggressive tread tires on the back tires. The front are just normal street tires (no idea about brand or anything like that). The tires are the same size, just the tread is different. For the most part the truck is off road, but from time to time it's on the street.

Here's what I''m wondering:
1. Do you think that this is a good idea as far as traction goes, or is it not going to do anything?
2. Is this bad for the truck in any way?

 

More than likey if they are different tires then the outside diameter will be diferent on each tire, even if the tire says it is the same size. If its a 2wd, no problem. If its a 4wd, you could tear apart your drive line when in 4WD, depending on the difference of the diameters. Also, I am a pretty peticular guy, so in my opinion it looks rediculous when the tires don't match. And I know with snow tires, there is no point getting more traction to get going if you can't steer it where you want to go, that's why you go with 4.

 

It is 2 wheel (RWD) drive so that's good that it's not going to hurt anything.

He, and I, are close to Houston (he's out in East TX) so I don't think he has to worry too much about snow or ice. Mud or really dust these days (other than today (7/19) My grass loves it, 'I say thank ya') is all he has to worry about.

Other than your dislike for the look do you think that it's at all useful for traction giving that he's in the south sans snow?

 

No different than big trucks - drive tires and steer tires.

 

soooooo.... Sorry, does that mean it's ok? Sorry, not sure what you mean... It seems like having front tires with good wet pavement traction would be good on a street, but what about off road? Would he be better off just getting the same on the front?

 

Nothing wrong with it and you used to see it a lot on farm trucks before everyone started getting 4wds.

I've run more aggressive tires in the backs of my trucks in the past and wouldn't have any trouble doing ti again. If he's going to replace them all then might as well get a matching set, but if the tires are in decent shape - it isn't broke and I wouldn't fix it.

 

Almost every 2WD truck around here in south Georgia has very aggressive (and sometimes larger) tires on the rear than what is on the front if it's a farm truck, some do inexpensive spools as well. No problem...

 

Sorry, I misunderstood you. I thought you were referring to the old truck, then wanting to do the same to a newer, possibly 4WD truck. Like said above, if its 2WD you will be fine.

 

Ok, Thanks everyone. I thought that it should be ok, but figured I would see what you all thought.