CJ340 imagery wearing snow chains on white steel is not marketing whimsy — this jeep was built for traction when rubber alone fails. Seven-hundred by sixteen tyres on export Bushrangers define chain sizing and arch clearance owners must respect before alpine trips or occasional Australian high-country snow.
This guide covers chain selection, SWB clearance limits, installation practice in daylight versus roadside misery, and removal discipline protecting tyres and road surfaces.
Traction over showroom gloss
Export literature emphasises chains because SWB diesels served environments where grip mattered. Chains complement tyres and low range technique — not replace them.
Carry repair links and quick links in cab — field breakage on sharp ice is common and tow trucks are scarce on closed mountain passes.
Carry repair links in cab — field breakage on ice is common and alpine tow trucks are scarce.
Automatic chain tensioners versus manual vary by brand — read manual for your chain model; assumption from previous vehicle chain type causes loose chain detachment first downhill corner.
Carry gloves with grip for chain handling — wet snow and bare metal knuckle injury ends trip before first hill.
Label chain bag with tyre size 700×16 — next owner or winter you avoids wrong chain set in emergency.
Sizing for 700×16
Match manufacturer charts to exact tyre model and section width on sidewall. Test fit in driveway before alpine departure. Cold fingers and slush make first-time learning dangerous.
Practice fitting on both front tyres if local regulations require single-axle chaining — laws differ across Alpine regions on the same weekend route.
Practice dual-wheel fitting if regulations require single-axle chaining on your route — laws differ by region.
Wheel speed with chains feels pulsing at certain speeds — normal on some patterns; experiment on quiet snowy side road before main descent to learn comfortable speed band.
Rear drum brake cooling after chained descent — stop five minutes before washing snow pack off drums when arriving home.
Store chains dry with light oil wipe after winter — rusted links refuse to flex next season when bag sat damp in shed corner.
| Tyre | 700×16 typical Bushranger |
|---|---|
| Rim | White steel 16 inch |
| Clearance | Tight SWB arches — test fit |
| Drive | Follow chain maker 4WD guidance |
Arch clearance
Turn wheels lock-to-lock stationary — chains add bulk at full compression. Mud flaps may rub. Lifted suspensions change clearance — remeasure after any lift.
Remove chains at the first bare-pavement chain bay — the grinding sound of chains on dry asphalt is tyre money burning audibly.
Remove chains at first bare-pavement bay — grinding on dry asphalt destroys tyres audibly.
Installation practice
Lay flat, inner hook first, outer hook, tensioner last. Short drive, retension. Gloves, torch, spare links in cab during chain season.
Chain tensioners loosen after first hundred metres — retension immediately after short test drive, not after twenty kilometres.
Driving with chains
Moderate speed per maker — typically 40–50 km/h max. Avoid bare pavement except brief transitions. Low range on steep snow controls torque without violent wheelspin.
Remove on clear roads
Chains on dry asphalt destroy tyres, chains, and pavement quickly. Stop at chain bay when snow ends.
Seasonal checklist
Dry storage prevents frozen links. Annual link wear inspection. Include chains with matching spare tyre per 700×16 guide.
Storage and corrosion
Dry chains before bag storage — surface rust on links makes next winter installation fight you in freezing driveway.
Label bag with tyre size and chain model — household with two 4×4 vehicles mixes chains easily after three years garage shuffle.
Practice removal as well as fitting — cold hands struggle more removing chains than installing when café closes and pavement appears suddenly.
Vehicle recovery interaction
Chains alter recovery point angle — re-check strap geometry after chain fitment so winch line does not rub chain link under load.
Snow-packed wheel arches drag chains off — clear arch packed snow before fitting or tensioners loosen within metres.
ABS absent on CJ340 simplifies chain feel but demands driver modulation — pulse braking technique manual without electronic aid on icy descent.
Wheel arch flare clearance on lifted jeep may need smaller chain model than tyre size chart suggests — chart assumes stock arch not two-inch lift with flare.
Vehicle preparation for winter
Check battery and washer fluid before alpine trip — chain day in sleet is wrong moment to discover weak battery and empty washer reservoir simultaneously on mountain pass.
Carry folding shovel and traction mat when chains fitted — chains help forward bite; mats help when stopped in deep rut before chains even engage.
Tire chains incompatible with some aggressive mud tyres — knob height exceeds chain clearance; verify chain make against tyre pattern before mountain trip.
Practice removal in warm garage before trip — installing without removal practice leaves links tangled on hub when exhausted after skiing day.
700×16 tyre dimension matches Clem Australian spec — verify chain size against actual sidewall marking not assumption from advert; Bahia on alternate tyres needs recalculation.
Chain clearance on SWB CJ-3B arch is tight — practice fitting in dry driveway before alpine trip; high-hood fender flare contact chips paint when chain too large.
Low-range T18 reduces wheelspin when climbing icy farm tracks — combine with chains on driven axle only unless local regulation mandates dual fitment.
Remove chains immediately on bare tarmac — one kilometre asphalt destroys links and risks brake drum damage on 11-inch drum Bushranger rear.
Carry spare link clips and tensioner tool in cab — field repair on Victorian high country track beats waiting for tow when link pops at -2 °C.
Tyre pressure check before chain fit — underinflated sidewall bulge alters chain seat and pops link under torque on first icy climb.
Practice tensioning chains on level ground reduces knuckle injury on icy driveway when hurry strikes before dawn departure.
Frequently asked questions
Chain size for 700×16?
Match maker chart to exact tyre model — verify by test fit. Verify chassis CJ3B-4 DKxxxxx and engine DJxxxxxx on all orders and registration paperwork for fastest results.
Fit under SWB arches?
Often tight — test at full steering lock before alpine trips.
Chains on dry roads?
Only brief transitions — prolonged dry use destroys tyres and roads.
Need chains with 4WD?
Many alpine regions mandate chains by law or prudence on ice — carry when required.
Keep yours on the road
OEM and reconditioned CJ340 parts ship worldwide. Explore the fan site, regional guides, and owner community.