OK to run different tread depth tires?

[TheTripletDaddy]

I'm about halfway through the useful life on a set of Firestone Destination X/T's (10/32 left from original 16/32). Ran over something that put a 1" gash all the way through the tire, so it can't be repaired. I keep getting conflicting information from tire shops and my own online research about the impact of running tires with different tread depths can have when using 4WD.

Seems like AWD vehicles absolutely require every tire to be the same circumfrence, but as someone who has only switched on 4WD a handful of times since I bought my 2018 Laramie Longhorn 2500, would I likely cause any damage if just replaced two tires on the same axel and let the other tires alone? Am I only going to risk damage to the transfer case when using 4WD and, if so, how severe would the potential damage be between 10/32 tires on the front axel and 16/32 tires on the rear?

Don't want to shell out the bones to replace all four tires if I can avoid it, but don't want to incur an even larger expense by tearing up the transfer case. Thoughts based on experience or thorough understanding? TIA

 

[Dredger]

You'll be fine just replacing one axle.
OMG, if I had to buy 4 new tires every time I damaged one

 

[Docwagon1776]

Unless you're doing something really silly like driving in locked 4wd on dry pavement at high speed for miles and miles, it's not a big deal. If you are doing something silly...stop it.

 

[Grams]

My Jeep Cherokee got to where it was clearly in a “bind” when using 4wd on pavement. If I put it in 4wd and moved fwd about 10 mph and shifted into Neutral…the vehicle would come to a Stop as-if I’d stepped moderately on the brakes. (I had not been rotating the tires and the difference between fronts/rears was about what TheTripleDaddy is describing.)
It was so severe that it was difficult to get OUT of 4wd….and I was fearful of damaging the trans/txfr.

i took it into the tire shop where they warranted the two undersized / worn tires and no more problem.

 

[bcbouy]

if we're talking about maybe 4 or 5 32nds of an inch.it won't make a difference.

 

[bm02tj]

If you only use in low traction surface no problem if needed back up to release front drive

 

[62Blazer]

There should not be any issue at all. Especially considering that you rarely ever used 4wd. I did automotive durability testing for years and can tell you that small differences in tire tread depth never had any significant impact on the vehicles. There were only a couple specific models that had issues but that was after sustained higher speeds on paved surfaces for many miles. You really should only be using 4wd on slippery surfaces anyway.

 

[Jigs-n-Fixtures]

5% difference in outside rolling diameter could damage a locked differential. Open differential it shouldn' be an issue.

 

[Dean2]

The guys are right, it will make no difference. If you are totally OCD, put the new tire on the front. That dif isn't even limited slip, so even when you put it in 4x4, or if you have Auto 4x4 the difference won't matter and the tires travel very different speeds every time you make a turn anyhow.

 

[Dusty]

It's unfortunate that many tire stores continue with the scary forecast of "extremely unsafe" driving and handling when tires wear disproportionally or have different tread as a reason that all tires should be replaced at the same time.

It does make for increased sales.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, 18” wheels. Build Date: 3 June 2018. Now at 140951 miles.