Quote:
Originally Posted by Lilnuts2
If there is a big difference in size from new/spare to the used tires, now instead of mixing the tires on an axle and stressing the limited slip clutches, you have moved that same issue to the transfercase. Like having two different axle ratios, only on a much smaller scale. Would only be a problem if all four tires were getting good traction and none of them could "slip".
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1) Sure, but you shouldn't use 4x4 on pavement unless it's snow or ice covered so this is unlikely to be an issue. If you need 4x4, it implies traction is reduced so a small tire size differential should be inconsequential. At least on a true 4x4 T-Case like the NV271 or Atlas. Absolutely could be a problem an AWD Transfer-case, including the MB system which is planetary based and I'm pretty sure the owner's manual states to replace all tires at the same time.
2) A real T-case can tolerate quite a bit of torque differential. You'd probably see the stress in diffs still, by higher temps if you were measuring. To a point anyways. Running it long enough on dry pavement will cause it to exploderate, especially if there's no fluid it it (which best we could tell, is how this one shifted itself into 4x4 on the freeway).