Suggestions on getting around in Snow or Ice (chains??)

[arden13]

Hey, i'm a bit new in driving in snow and ice, and yesterday it rained, then froze, leaving a 1/8 inch sheet of ice EVERYWHERE. My house is on the top of a hill. I own a 1993 Ford ranger XLT with a 3.0 L manual RWD (only 2Wheel unfortunately) and no tractionlock etc.

I managed to get up the hills slowly, by moving a few inches, stopping, moving a few inches, etc.

are there any techniques i could use to help? (putting it in different gears etc) I know snow chains help, but where should i get them? (i'd prefer not to spend 100 dollars, if i only need them once or twice a year) Over the summer i thought about switching in a Limited Slip Differential would that help? (or maybe converting to 4wd, but thats probably WAY out of my league and WAY too expensive)

Thanks for the Suggestions!

EDIT:
My real problem is ice, i can get around in snow just fine with my sandbags in the back

 

[Hypnotic Toast]

Superglue tacks to your tires, pointy end out.

 

[ibleedblue]

try going to advance or autozone for chains, they are fairly cheap. you can pick up a conversion to posi from for around $300 from Jeggs that is simple to install

 

[arden13]

try going to advance or autozone for chains, they are fairly cheap. you can pick up a conversion to posi from for around $300 from Jeggs that is simple to install

Thanks, but how do i tell what axle i need? (i'm really new at this. I love working on cars, just have little experience)

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

you have a 7.5. thats all they need to know.

 

[arden13]

you have a 7.5. thats all they need to know.

thanks!

also, any tips on what gears to use or general driving tips for ice?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

drive in slow motion. all braking, accelerating, and turning should be done ahead of time. sudden manuevers are what gets you into trouble on ice.

downshift to slow down. engine braking is very effective and controllable on ice. if you have an automatic, you can still downshift manually to slow the vehicle without touching the service brakes.

momentum can be your friend. get a run to go up hills or break through snow drifts.

practice skid recovery at night in an empty parking lot. its fun and it'll teach you how much and when to correct. and if your used to the feeling of the ass-end getting light on you, you'll be less likely to panic when it happens driving down the highway.

 

[betomonroy]

Also practice crossdressing in female tight jeans and high hill boots. For everybody is going to laugh when you screw up for the first time. And everybody stops for a girl in distress.

 

[arden13]

Also practice crossdressing in female tight jeans and high hill boots. For everybody is going to laugh when you screw up for the first time. And everybody stops for a girl in distress.

Somehow being a 6'5" redheaded giant, i don't think i'd pass for a female

 

[dgndngrngr]

Superglue tacks to your tires, pointy end out.

Damn I thought it was pointy end in!

But ya engine braking (almost said "breaking" lmao) is your friend on ice and snow.
Edit: sand bags or anything heavy in the bed over the axles help alot too.

 

[arden13]

Thanks for your help!

 

[valleyvinyl84]

Try some good snow and ice tires. Here's what I got on my 84 and I have yet to spin them even uphill (except on purpose). http://www.nokiantires.com/tyre?id=11880&group=1.01&name=Nokian+Hakkapeliitta+RSi