I got a 2000 f150 v6 5 speed that is my daily driver. It is a single cab short bed. I am having trouble in the snow and ice this year. I have a set of chains for the really heavy stuff and have no problems getting around with them. However, this year the snow hasn't been heavy enough for chains, and we have had more ice. To add to it the roads are frequently dry, icy for a ways, dry, icy, etc which makes chains impractical since I am not fond of running them on dry pavement. I have been wondering if putting in a locker or limited slip of some kind would help, I have Been looking at some of the "lunchbox" lockers since I could put them in myself. Or would I be better off with studded tires?

 

I vote studded tires.

 

I'd say go with studded tires. I drove my dads old dakota 2wd open diff for a winter (before I got my current truck) with studded tires and I was fine. Limited slip or lockers are great for off roading cause you don't always have equal weight distribution and terrain per side but good tires are the key to success on or off road. Plus studded tires will also help with stopping and steering.

 

i'd get a set of studdable winter tires for all four corners and about 700-800 lbs over the rear axle.

if that isn't enough, then add the studs for the icy roads.

keep in mind that traction on dry pavement takes a hit with the studded tires.

then consider a good LS diff.

we drive 2wd trucks at work and with a good all-terrain tire and a LS rear we get around pretty good. i've got 500lbs up against the tail gate and that helps quite a bit too.

IMO, 2wd trucks should not be sold or purchased with an open diff, but that's just based on my experience driving them over the last 10 years.

 

Tires are EVERYTHING in the snow and ice.

I've run studded tires on cars and trucks for as long as I've been driving (Thanks Dad!!) .

A set of studs in new snow tires and 600-800lb in the bed will work wonders.

Todd