OFA EKO 8 Front Chains

[bullockcm]

I have the OFS EKO 8 front chains. My front tire size is 10-16.5, OFA uses the same chains for this size and also 12-16.5. Unlike the rears I can't find any instructions indicated these should be modified for the 10-16.5 tires. However, I have tried to run them as is without success. 2 issues, first the clearance seems very tight at the axle/steering assembly, second the chains have a tendency to shift on the tire and eventually walk off the tire. I have attempted to contact OFA but haven't received a response. Was wondering if anyone here has these same chains and what your solution was. I have the tools to remove links from each cross chain but wanted to avoid this since it would be a permanent "fix". The cross chain connecting links appear to be 1" long, so I assume I would remove one from each end of the cross chains, resulting in an assembly 2" narrorer, 12" vs. 10" tire.

 

[5030]

Are you keeping them tightly secured to the wheels. I use heavy duty rubber tarp straps to secure mine always.

 

[bullockcm]

Are you keeping them tightly secured to the wheels. I use heavy duty rubber tarp straps to secure mine always.

No I don't. This style chain is designed to have some slack so they self center. Thinking it might help with the fronts I have tried using the rubber tarp straps to pull them tight. In this case it didn't work as it would allow the chains to get off center more easily which results in the chain walking off the tire.

Removing the links to make the chains narrower seems like the obvious answer however, I've made some pretty regrettable mistakes in the past and would hate for this to be another hard learned lesson.

 

[Rustyiron]

If you shorten the length won't that make them narrower?

 

[Gordon Gould]

^^^^^^ Yes it will

gg

 

[bullockcm]

And just like that I had a moment of clarity. I don't have to cut the links off, I can open the cross chain connectors and move them to the next link. Should be no harm no foul letting one link on each side be loose and if needed I'll safety wire them in place.

 

[LouNY]

Can you tighten shorten your center chains?
When do do they need to be kept even, the same number of links and spacing.
This is for the center and outer chains, every thing needs to be kept even and "square".
If the outer side chains are not even the chains will walk.

 

[Tony H]

And just like that I had a moment of clarity. I don't have to cut the links off, I can open the cross chain connectors and move them to the next link. Should be no harm no foul letting one link on each side be loose and if needed I'll safety wire them in place.

Yes. Do this. It will bring you Sidechains up away from your Steering linkage. You may have to take up or let out a link or two on your sidechains because it will be riding higher on you tires sidewall.