Cowardly '91 Ranger

[Nor'East Coaster]

My '91 3.0L, 5spd., 2wd SC Ranger is an exemplary little truck in most respects, but it is, without question, the most cowardly thing I've ever driven. I have gotten stuck on dry grass, wet leaves and loose gravel, all with very slight if any grade.

Yes, I have driven trucks before, and know 2wd PUs aren't known for great traction - but this is ridiculous. No, the tires aren't bald - all four are matched, almost new M+S. No, there's no brake sticking - checked for that. My tire person, who's never steered me wrong in 15 years, maintains the tires aren't the problem. "Those Rangers are just like that", he says, "We had one, and even with weight in the back it'd get stuck on a snot..."

Anyone got any ideas on how we can give the old Ranger a little more 'get-up-and-go'...

 

[strvger]

put a locker or limited slip in the rear axle.
try starting out in a higher gear (2nd) and slipping the clutch a little.
and, as you know what snow looks like, a few bags of sand/kitty litter/floor dry in the bed will help as well.
just my $.02.

 

[xkotyx]

put a locker or limited slip in the rear axle.
try starting out in a higher gear (2nd) and slipping the clutch a little.

+1

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

get real tires

or convert to 4WD

 

[06RangerXLT]

My '91 3.0L, 5spd., 2wd SC Ranger is an exemplary little truck in most respects, but it is, without question, the most cowardly thing I've ever driven. I have gotten stuck on dry grass, wet leaves and loose gravel, all with very slight if any grade.

Yes, I have driven trucks before, and know 2wd PUs aren't known for great traction - but this is ridiculous. No, the tires aren't bald - all four are matched, almost new M+S. No, there's no brake sticking - checked for that. My tire person, who's never steered me wrong in 15 years, maintains the tires aren't the problem. "Those Rangers are just like that", he says, "We had one, and even with weight in the back it'd get stuck on a snot..."

Anyone got any ideas on how we can give the old Ranger a little more 'get-up-and-go'...

my LS 2wd will go anywhere i point it, as long as that places water isnt above my headlight.

sounds like your tire guy doesnt know what hes talking about, or you need a locker.

 

[Nor'East Coaster]

Thanks, guys - info much appreciated. A limited slip diff is something to check into, for sure. I'm also checking into AT tires, but hate to replace perfectly good ones.

I'm not sure what a 'locker' is - would appreciate any info anyone can provide.

 

[dasfinc]

I've noticed that open diff rangers do have some pretty serious traction issues... My buds 01 3.0 and my 00 4.0 when in 2wd both spin the wheel (Singular) like crazy when turning in the rain, or when going up a steep grade in the damp if you get on it just the slightest bit too much.

My 00 has 245 all-terrains on it, and my 'project' truck is a 98 with 215 all seasons (and a 5.0 V-8), but with its Posi rear it never has problems even when pushed hard unless I get stupid with the throttle.

*edit*

Oh, and put a V-8 in it

 

[8302ranger]

Thanks, guys - info much appreciated. A limited slip diff is something to check into, for sure. I'm also checking into AT tires, but hate to replace perfectly good ones.

I'm not sure what a 'locker' is - would appreciate any info anyone can provide.

Yeah I would have to say that a LSD would do you good. As far as the tires go though, like you said, if they are a good M/S tire dont change them. The only thing that can help you is the LSD and lots of weight on the rear axle. I had a 93 2wd 5speed when I lived in NFLD and although I drove it year round, I did so very slowly!

 

[feellnfroggy]

Lockers are various version of making the rear diff a full or part time posi-trac. So both wheel are guarunteed to pull. Our pickups are light, My ranger wouldnt even make up my 1/8 acre yard to the garage if it was raining and slipped in 4wd on wet grass. Tires helped alot, but momentum is your best friend. Your truck is normal, work on your driving habits. (not picking at ya, its the prob with most of us)

 

[KARMAN]

300 lbs. of sand

I almost never have trouble in the snow with 300# of weight in the back.
I also put on AT tires and that made it even better.

 

[adsm08]

There is always the poor man's limited slip axle.

Set your parking brake just between 1/4 and 1/2 way. It acts like a limited slip unit to get you moving, once you are rolling, release it.

I've driven our 2wd S-10 out of a parking spot that it was iced and snowed into with some pretty crappy/bald tires that way.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Set your parking brake just between 1/4 and 1/2 way. It acts like a limited slip unit to get you moving, once you are rolling, release it.

I wouldn't do that unless you have a lot of faith the cables won't stick.

Ease into it, you have the most traction right before the wheel slips. I think most of the Ranger's 2wd problem is the terrible rear end balance having both the fuel tank and the driver on the left side. 98% of the time it is my right rear that breaks loose.

 

[jhammel85]

There is always the poor man's limited slip axle.

Set your parking brake just between 1/4 and 1/2 way. It acts like a limited slip unit to get you moving, once you are rolling, release it.

I've driven our 2wd S-10 out of a parking spot that it was iced and snowed into with some pretty crappy/bald tires that way.

lol, wow and here I thought I was the only one who did this

 

[adsm08]

I wouldn't do that unless you have a lot of faith the cables won't stick.

I have less faith in my cables staying attached to the truck and I have in them not sticking.

But then, my brake has been used every time since 1988.

 

[LIMA BEAN]

Thanks, guys - info much appreciated. A limited slip diff is something to check into, for sure. I'm also checking into AT tires, but hate to replace perfectly good ones.

I'm not sure what a 'locker' is - would appreciate any info anyone can provide.

Probably a powertrax Lock-Right would be the best for you, cheap and good mannered.

http://www.trsfabandoffroad.com/products/ford_75-88-lockers.htm