Tires: Mix Match tires on a 4x4, rear axles, rear tires

Question
I have a 88 S10 with 4 wheel drive. I have different tires on my front and rear axles. I have no problems driving around in 2wd but heard that driving around in 4wd might hurt my truck.
Thank you

Answer
Lloyd,

Many 4X4 systems involve a transfer case that does not include a center differential, meaning in "4X4 mode" the front axle and the rear axle are turning at the same speed.  If the front tires have a different rolling diameter than the rear tires, then something has to "slip".  This usually results in a "squirrely" behaviour of the vehicle and in the worst cases binding of the axles and drivetrain - front to rear.

For this reason, it is recommended that 4X4's have all the same tires in the same state of wear.

However, if you never use the 4X4 feature, then you should be OK.

Hope this helps.