Snow driving

[GMWIGGS]

Those of us that get 8+ inches of snow in a 12-24 hr period know that 4wd is the only way to go in the snow. Having studded snow tires is good but 4wd is much better IF you can use 4wd to your advantage. the average Joe who has a 4wd truck is more likely to wreck it in the snow than a average driver in a 2wd. Most people with a 4wd vehicle do not effectively use 4wd to slow or stop there vehicle, they only use it to allow them to drive faster. Its great that the average idiot can go the speed limit in 12 inches of snow but when he cant stop because he is an idiot every skilled, smart, good driver suffers.

86

Exactly what happens here (except for the 8+ inches of snow) guys with their 4wd engaged thinking they got it licked usually end up in the ditch or worse. I think here its got a lot to do with experience or lack thereof.

 

[Nhaz]

I decided to add another post here since tires came up.

I used the 4x4 when I had to. Other then that I tended to leave it in 2wd the fronts locked but the 4x4 not engaged.

If you go to get "winter tires" do not get "Ice" tires. there's world of diff between them. I found that the Ice tires are Terrible in slush or conditions where the fresh snow is about to turn to slush. They hydroplane almost immediately. Even going slow horrible tire never buying another.

Just get something with a deep bloody tread => Over the years with my honda's I found that that pirelli makes a pretty damn good snow tire.

 

[Cheaplabor]

A few hunderd pounds over the axle will help your 2 wheel drive guys. I like the sand bags because if you do get it stuck you can use the sand for traction if no ones around to help. As for the four wheel drive, I have it and rarely use it in snow. Its useful but for most driving unneeded. I prefer to stay off the main roads if I can in snow they are always filled with people speeding and others that are to unsure of themselves. People would be alot safer if they remembered that the speed limit is safe under normal driving conditions not all conditions...

 

[LittleBigFoot]

snow is the key

86 will agree with me, TSLs suck in the snow.

I'm putting a CV in my front drive shaft and haven't gotten it finished yet. Today we got a freak winter storm and the roads were pure shit. I had no 4x4 and still an open rear.

I got sideways every time I downshifted to pull a pass on the way to work.

So I shoveled in a bed full of the wettest heaviest snow on the street. Probably a good 300 lbs.

Cheap, does the job, and it melts off when ya no longer needed.

 

[JohnnyO]

The wife's 2002 has a L/S with 4.10 gears as factory.

I think he means his new Sport trac, with the IFS rear.

Yes. My '05 Sport Trac had a limited-slip, on my '08 it is not available because of the traction control, which is very annoying in snow because it cuts the power without warning. When the roads get bad I turn the mofo off.
Word on the Sport Trac site is that a regular 8.8" 31 spline L/S will go right in but I don't think I'll bother since I lease it anyway.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Yes. My '05 Sport Trac had a limited-slip, on my '08 it is not available because of the traction control, which is very annoying in snow because it cuts the power without warning. When the roads get bad I turn the mofo off.
Word on the Sport Trac site is that a regular 8.8" 31 spline L/S will go right in but I don't think I'll bother since I lease it anyway.

My parents '02 Explorer has the IRS 3.73's with a L/S, maybe you could get a diff and switch in and back out before your lease is up?

Between its heft, the L/S, and automatic 4x4 that thing is a friggin tank in snow.

 

[91rangerxlt]

Those of us that get 8+ inches of snow in a 12-24 hr period know that 4wd is the only way to go in the snow. Having studded snow tires is good but 4wd is much better IF you can use 4wd to your advantage. the average Joe who has a 4wd truck is more likely to wreck it in the snow than a average driver in a 2wd. Most people with a 4wd vehicle do not effectively use 4wd to slow or stop there vehicle, they only use it to allow them to drive faster. Its great that the average idiot can go the speed limit in 12 inches of snow but when he cant stop because he is an idiot every skilled, smart, good driver suffers.

86

heard that. we had 17'' of snow this past weekend and got 2'' today. all thats on the ground is what is from today, but i still managed to get stuck in the 17''. 235/75/15 tires is what i got and they dont let me sit up high enuff and just hung the diff up. 4x4 is nice but sometimes it still aint enuff.

 

[darkspork]

Those of us that get 8+ inches of snow in a 12-24 hr period know that 4wd is the only way to go in the snow. Having studded snow tires is good but 4wd is much better IF you can use 4wd to your advantage. the average Joe who has a 4wd truck is more likely to wreck it in the snow than a average driver in a 2wd. Most people with a 4wd vehicle do not effectively use 4wd to slow or stop there vehicle, they only use it to allow them to drive faster. Its great that the average idiot can go the speed limit in 12 inches of snow but when he cant stop because he is an idiot every skilled, smart, good driver suffers.

86

The main disadvantage to 4wd for most drivers is that its harder to realize if you are driving too fast for conditions. The first large snowfall we got after I bought my Ranger (my first 4wd vehicle) I was pushing 55-60 on a highway that was mostly covered in snow while all the other drivers were going 35-40. Its just much harder to feel the wheels slip, and I realized how stupid it was afterwards and decided I need to pay better attention to my speed when I elect to use 4wd. As for using 4wd to stop vehicle, it seems the same to me: if the road isn't covered in packed snow or sheets of ice gently apply the brake, if it is; downshift.

 

[JohnnyO]

A 4wd will go better in snow but it won't stop or turn any better. They will turn worse than a 2wd if you don't know how to drive it right. That's what gets people in trouble.

 

[Moto Mel]

Snow driving. Practice, Practice, Practice... is the only answer to really learning your vehicle. When I was a kid we used to go to the main parking lot at Soldiers Field in Chicago and practice maneuvers, such as sliding, drifting and spinning. You really get to know how to react in an emergency if you get to understand your vehicle's handling traits. It was a lot of fun, I don't know if the cops will let you do that now.