I understand the factory issue tires for the '86 Samurai LWB were 205/70R15. I currently have P205/75R15 winter tires. I know these are passenger tires with a slightly larger profile, but they came with the vehicle and are new. I intend to buy/use v-bar tire chains as I live in a mountainous area and get lots of ice and snow in the winter. Has anyone used v-bar tire chains on their Samurai and had any problems? Also, I'm told that the tire chains I'm looking at are not to be used on a class S vehicle with restricted wheel well clearance. It looks to me that there is enough clearance, but I can't find information on the '86 Samurai with respect to this vehicle classification. Does anyone know the classification?

Thanks for any feedback ... Biggs.

I don't know about the classification, but I agree with you. There should be plenty of clearance for that type of chain, especially if you use good chain tighteners with those nearly stock tires.

The only thing to worry about is the brakelines.  As long as they don't get snagged you will have no worries.  I chained up mine last winter on 31s.  I only had 2 chains so I put them on the front.  I was chewing through 3 foot deep solid snowdrifts. 

How much clearance do you have to the frame at full lock?  You might have an issue with it tearing the chains off depending.

I just have standard clearance. I've used these types of chains on other trucks in the past and it looks like there's enough clearance. I may put a 3-4" lift on it this summer to better accommodate snow and provide more clearance.