I have a stock 98 cherokee sport 4x4 with 235 75 15 good year radial tires.

First question, will tire chains work with my tire size or will the chains ruin my wheel well or what not?

Second question, when would tire chains be needed, how much snow?

Also, when could you get away with just deflating tires?

 

Why not get some good A/Ts?

 

Use chains whenever you feel you need them. Lots of sliding is generally a good idea or when you see a chains required sign.

Lots of times you'll see chains required for 2wd and semis where 4wd will just have to have a set in vehicle.

I run 4 wheel chains on 32's. My dad used to run chains on my mom's old 92 running 30's. You'll be fine as far as chasing wheel wheels go (just don't drive over 35 or so).

 

I only really chain up when the snow is getting really deep, and the axles are starting to hang up.

Other than that, a good set of tires is so much more convenient, and you can only really do 45mph with chains.

Blizzaks rule all in the snow though...

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....XLV2&tab=Sizes