Lockers on Snowy roads

[85_Ranger4x4]

The only time I have been stuck with open differentials was 2 years ago and I didn't have a tire touching the ground.

My brother just put a limited slip in his truck, coming up out of his hunting meadow it broke loose both rears and almost kicked the rear into a tree on dry grass. Forward motion required 4wd from then on. My truck of the same model with more aggressive tires spun a tire but it clawed its way out without much of a problem in 2wd.

IMO tires are more important than anything you put in the diff (aside from oil )

If you do want to do something just for snow, I would find a JY axle that has limited slip, poke new clutches in it and switch axles.

 

[Hahnsb2]

IMO tires are more important than anything you put in the diff (aside from oil )

In some situations, such as snow on roads (which typically do not flex out your vehicle), yes, but for most wheeling situations, I highly disagree. Eventually you will reach the limit of even what the stickiest tire can hold and you're going to need that other tire to get power if you wanna move.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

In some situations, such as snow on roads (which typically do not flex out your vehicle), yes, but for most wheeling situations, I highly disagree. Eventually you will reach the limit of even what the stickiest tire can hold and you're going to need that other tire to get power if you wanna move.

Post title refers to snow on roads, not snow on mountain goat trails.

Snow oriented tires also help stop as well as get moving.

 

[Hahnsb2]

Post title refers to snow on roads, not snow on mountain goat trails.

Snow oriented tires also help stop as well as get moving.

It sounds like the OP is putting a locker in for wheeling and was concerned about snow handling on the street, it doesn't sound like he's primarily putting it in to help him get around in the snow, so the tire point is largely moot.

 

[bilzy7]

I always like to turn the wheel hard in snow, slam the brakes, then gun it.

 

[brinker88]

Um...yea definitely putting a locker in for Wheeling. I was just curious of the road manners in snowy conditions is all.

I have great tires (KM2s) already so Im good for rubber.

 

[Gotta_gofast]

You'll like it. I've got GB AT2s with a locker and I was pushing snow with my bumper to get to an over-confident buddy with a silverado who was stuck. Strapped his rear hitch to my tow hook and was able to pull back through the tracks.

 

[wahlstrom1]

I loved being locked front and rear, being able to pull away from icy/snow covered intersections like it was summer and leave others behind was great! Just drive knowing if you hit the throttle the rear end WILL kick out and slide.

'Predictable = Safe' IMO.....

 

[brinker88]

Youve got a point there Wahlstrom1

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

"85 b-II, 4.0l, 4.10 lsd front and rear.
I've got a stock limited slip in the rear with unknown mileage and the front I added an extra side gear shim which makes it act like a limited slip, so lsd front and rear. I really like that I can keep the hubs locked in and choose when I want 4x4. With just the 2wd the rear kicks out with the slightest touch of gas, but you get used to it. With 4x4 I can plow up and down through fresh snow as deep as I can find, BUT you don't have control when going across the side of a hill. Something that can lead to trouble if you don't plan for it ahead of time. Trust me, I found out the first time I went snow wheeling in the bush with the front lsd. I drive this on the road all the time, including freeway, and haven't had any problems once I learned to keep my foot out of it. This is in my b-II with 4.0l and 4.10 gearing w/ 31" Baja claws. These tires are not so great on ice but again if you drive like you have eggs between your foot and go-pedal, you won't have any problems on the road. Also leave a lot of room between you and the guy in front, then you have time to react. If you have the extra coin, ~C$500.00, a week end rally-race driving course will teach you a lot, whether it's fwd, 2wd, awd, or 4x4.

Richard

 

[brinker88]

Just wanted to update this thread. Since I've posted this, I've had an Aussie locker in the rear of my 8.8 for about a year now. We got our first major storm in 2 years last weekend (9-10"). I had the pleasure of being out in the worst of the storm ( 6+ inches on the roads ) rescuing my buddy from his job. I had absolutely NO trouble with the locker. In fact, the predictability of it was phenomenal. I didn't spin a tire the whole time I was out. Passed multiple people spinning in 4x4 with good tires. I would HIGHLY reccomend a locker for the rear in snowy conditions.

 

[Hagan]

I would HIGHLY reccomend a locker for the rear in snowy conditions.

X2

I hate how people think lockers are bad in snow.

 

[RANGERROD]

I think it depends on the wheelbase too. Longer wheelbase on snow and ice covered roads is more predictable. My cj 93" wheelbase is twitchy on ice but I've found longer trucks more predictable and you can drift them! In my rebuild of my ranger I'm doing selectables and I've already got them ready to go in the jeep.

 

[bigmark303]

X2

I hate how people think lockers are bad in snow.

Agree, I have a detroit locked 2wd for this winter so far and as long as no ice I stay in control. I just hate ice under the snow on hills, but then im only 2wd so its a challenge anyhow. I also have the 3.0L so no low end power and it breaks loose easy when it hits the power making rpms.

When that detroit locked rear end was behind my 2.3L I had plenty of grip from the better powerband in the engine.

It has to do with so many factors wether you can consider it dangerous or not in the snow. Mainly the driver. And off road lockers are beyond awesome. My 2wd Rangers have gone so far with the detroit locker I have in my 7.5 I switch between them.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Since this post started I have added a rebuilt factory LSD in the rear of my truck. I took it for a spin on the snowpacked streets the other night to test the tranny and about stained my nice Eddie Bauer seat several times.

The thing would either march straight ahead and slide the front tires, kick the rear out the side or actually do what you intended to do... at seemingly random times when steering under power. An open diff might spin a tire but at least it doesn't get all goofy.

In 4wd it was a tank, point and click without any questions. Without the front tires pulling for directional stability it was rather exciting though.

I am looking forward to getting fresh deeper snow to play in and see how it does in that, I think it would really be an improvement over an open diff.