Mixing Tires

[UpAndDown]

I have an 08 Tahoe LT with about 125k in the clock. It’s a regular 4WD model, not a full time 4WD or full time AWD, but a regular selectable 4WD. I bought it recently and it needs front tires. The backs are still good for a while. It has Goodyear Wrangler SRA on it now. I found a pair of used Goodyear Wranglers with about the sam, maybe a little more, tread depth as the back 2 tires which I’d like to keep. What I am wondering is if it’s ok to use different tread patterns like this? The SRA has more of a ribbed 5 row design and the regular Wranglers have a more knobby 5 row type of design. The SRA are more of a highway all season type tire and the regular Wranglers are more of an all terrain type. They’re all the same size which is 275/55R20. Can I buy these and use them without any risk of harm when using Auto or regular 4WD Hi? Is there any other reason I shouldn’t buy them? Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.

 

[97YukonNZ]

I have an 08 Tahoe LT with about 125k in the clock. It’s a regular 4WD model, not a full time 4WD or full time AWD, but a regular selectable 4WD. I bought it recently and it needs front tires. The backs are still good for a while. It has Goodyear Wrangler SRA on it now. I found a pair of used Goodyear Wranglers with about the sam, maybe a little more, tread depth as the back 2 tires which I’d like to keep. What I am wondering is if it’s ok to use different tread patterns like this? The SRA has more of a ribbed 5 row design and the regular Wranglers have a more knobby 5 row type of design. The SRA are more of a highway all season type tire and the regular Wranglers are more of an all terrain type. They’re all the same size which is 275/55R20. Can I buy these and use them without any risk of harm when using Auto or regular 4WD Hi? Is there any other reason I shouldn’t buy them? Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.

Should be okay just as long as you have a matching pair front and have a matching pair rear,doesn't matter if a different pattern. I myself would put the knobbly ones on the rear where I am but it all depends on what suits your road conditions better.

 

[Geotrash]

I have an 08 Tahoe LT with about 125k in the clock. It’s a regular 4WD model, not a full time 4WD or full time AWD, but a regular selectable 4WD. I bought it recently and it needs front tires. The backs are still good for a while. It has Goodyear Wrangler SRA on it now. I found a pair of used Goodyear Wranglers with about the sam, maybe a little more, tread depth as the back 2 tires which I’d like to keep. What I am wondering is if it’s ok to use different tread patterns like this? The SRA has more of a ribbed 5 row design and the regular Wranglers have a more knobby 5 row type of design. The SRA are more of a highway all season type tire and the regular Wranglers are more of an all terrain type. They’re all the same size which is 275/55R20. Can I buy these and use them without any risk of harm when using Auto or regular 4WD Hi? Is there any other reason I shouldn’t buy them? Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.

I wouldn't use them with Auto 4WD, but should be fine as long as you're in 2WD and only use 4WD when the roads are slippery.

 

[UpAndDown]

Thanks for the replies so far guys.

 

[TollKeeper]

Matching tires per axle, you are good with selectable 4x4. If it was AWD, that would be a different story.

 

[UpAndDown]

Matching tires per axle, you are good with selectable 4x4. If it was AWD, that would be a different story.

Thanks TollKeeper. Any position including Auto or is that excluded? Opinions? Thanks again

 

[Geotrash]

Thanks TollKeeper. Any position including Auto or is that excluded? Opinions? Thanks again

Auto engages the collar in the front differential and that in turn will cause the front drive-shaft, output gear, and transfer case chain to turn, and the clutches will pre-load to a small percentage of their torque capacity. In other words, using mismatched tires in Auto mode will increase wear and tear.

 

[UpAndDown]

Auto engages the collar in the front differential and that in turn will cause the front drive-shaft, output gear, and transfer case chain to turn, and the clutches will pre-load to a small percentage of their torque capacity. In other words, using mismatched tires in Auto mode will increase wear and tear.

Very good info Dave. I appreciate it. Thanks very much.