2WD, Open Diff - Not as Bad in the Snow as I Expected

[19Walt93]

People used to drive rear wheel drive vehicles with open differentials in the snow all the time with just a pair of snow tires and a little common sense.

 

[Uncle Gump]

When I was going to Lincoln Tech in 1980/81... I had a 78 Chevette. When it would get stuck... I would ease the clutch out to get a tire spinning... open the door and get out and push. Once going... jump back in. I seem to remember going through that process a lot... until I bought a pair of snow tires. Then it was only half as much.

 

[Otis413]

People used to drive rear wheel drive vehicles with open differentials in the snow all the time with just a pair of snow tires and a little common sense.

Anybody remember "Sawdust Tires"? My Dad used to get them for his Ford Galaxy, (yea, I'm that old..) Just recaps with sawdust mixed in the rubber before vulcanizing, worked great but wore out kinda' fast.
Those and some weight in the trunk did wonders.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Anybody remember "Sawdust Tires"

There is a manufacturer that uses crushed walnut shells. As the tire wears the holes left aid in traction, like thousands of sipes.

 

[Dirtman]

Anybody remember "Sawdust Tires"? My Dad used to get them for his Ford Galaxy, (yea, I'm that old..) Just recaps with sawdust mixed in the rubber before vulcanizing, worked great but wore out kinda' fast.
Those and some weight in the trunk did wonders.

They must have smelled great doing a burnout...

 

[rusty ol ranger]

There is a manufacturer that uses crushed walnut shells. As the tire wears the holes left aid in traction, like thousands of sipes.

Treadwright retreads use them

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Treadwright retreads use them

Yes, I couldn't remember who it was, thanks.

 

[pjtoledo]

An open 2wd with some good tires will suprise ya. My old 77 F250 2wd with an open rear and BFG A/Ts havent gotten stuck, ever. Including the last big snow when i had it buried damn near to the top of the tire. I couldnt make it thru the drift, but a bit of rocking and hammering i got it out.

Thats with no weight in the bed. Had i had 5 or 600lbs in it i pry woulda cruised right thru.

That being said, has anyone else noticed that a 2wd truck will go thru more then a 4wd will in 2wd? I dont get this.

yes
I speculate its because of the extra drag from the front. puts the already "traction limited" rear under more duress. it might not be much, has the same but opposite effect of "the winning edge"

 

[MastuhWaffles]

The only thing I can say after putting a limited slip diff in my truck is that I may have had too much fun in the snow one time and kinda shredded my rear tires.

 

[HighMileage93]

My 93 2wd is pretty good on snow too with good tires but I can get hung up in wet grass no matter what. LOL

 

[8thTon]

Just an FYI my local tractor supply had 70lb sand "tubes" made for trucks on sale for 3.99 yesterday. Instead of a regular cheap plastic bag they are thicker material that wont fall apart and are long so you can set them against the tailgate or along the bed side. The grit of the sand is suppose to be good for traction as well if you need to crack one open. The bag is even resealable! I picked up 6 lol.

Just got back from TSC with 300lbs of sand tubes. We're due for some weather on Wednesday and I happen to be starting a new job that day, so I'm gonna be there.

 

[adsm08]

Just got back from TSC with 300lbs of sand tubes. We're due for some weather on Wednesday and I happen to be starting a new job that day, so I'm gonna be there.

I was just about to ask if you were ready for it.

Hawaiian Chris James told me anywhere from 2 to 8 today while I was brakeing the back of the BII today getting ready for inspection.

 

[adsm08]

The only thing I can say after putting a limited slip diff in my truck is that I may have had too much fun in the snow one time and kinda shredded my rear tires.

Dude, kids in Texas don't even get snow as a spelling word.

 

[8thTon]

I was just about to ask if you were ready for it.

Hawaiian Chris James told me anywhere from 2 to 8 today while I was brakeing the back of the BII today getting ready for inspection.

Supposed to start as snow here near Allentown after mid morning, then turn to sleet and then to freezing rain. Couldn't it just be cold and normal snow? Damn truck is good in that.

I gotta get gas for the generator tomorrow night - we lose power every time a squirrel farts, and they haven't trimmed trees here in years.

 

[salguod]

My 93 2wd is pretty good on snow too with good tires but I can get hung up in wet grass no matter what. LOL

I've only had my Ranger a week and I've noticed that. Picked up spare wheels for my wife's Accord and decided to drive back to the shed to put them away Monday. Got about half way there, before I couldn't make any progress. Just a dusting of snow and all I was doing was tearing up my own lawn.

Last night we got about 5" of wet snow the density of cookie dough. Since it was supposed to warm up, I didn't feel the need to clear the driveway, but the Ranger wasn't able to push through that stuff even with 180 lbs of sand and tall LT tires on it. Once I cleared the driveway and got out on the well traveled roads, it did just fine though.