Any full time all wheel drive vehicle needs a matched set of tires. Some
rotation scheme should have been used to wear all 4 somewhat evenly. If the
rears are near new and the fronts are worn, you have already tested the miss
match capabilities. Measure the actual depth and if it is wear 3/4 of new,
you should be close enough. If near half is worn, I would replace them.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Lee Kouns
Sent: Thursday, November 09, 2006 1:55 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: NVC Question on AWD and tire tread depth

Are there any all-wheel-drive experts out there who can enlighten me on
something?  Here's my situation:
1) The front two tires on my AWD Honda Element need to be replaced.
2)  The rear tires seem barely worn.
3)   I'm thinking of replacing the front tires only, with the exact same
tire that is currently on the rear.
4)   I've been told by a tire dealer that if there is too much wear on
the rear tires that I risk damaging the drive train.  (The transmission
is manual--if that matters)
Is there truth to what the tire dealer is telling me?   If so, how much
wear on the back tires is too much?   I'm wondering if  the dealer just
wants to sell me 4 tires instead of 2?

As always, any comments on the matter will be greatly appreciated.
Lee Kouns
'88 Westy
'04  Honda Element