I need help with traction!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 15
From: Temperance, MI
Don't tempt me! There's a new spot called the oakville mud bog not far from us! I've got big enough tires for the both of us hahahaha
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1
From: AL, Reform
A lot of LS differentials out there will act like an open when tired or too much friction modifier is added. When installing a 08 diff cover on mine I was careful to add only a bit of the friction modifier at a time, sneaking up on the sweet spot where the LS actually works. If yours is not terribly worn that strategy can work for you. If you have a tree sprouting money out on the back 40 I'd go with the Detroit TrueTrac. ARB air locker is overkill for your application, which sounds a lot like mine. But for now Shanejet has it right, air down and apply a little parking brake to control the spin. It's a technique some people master and they make it look easy, but I kinda suck at it.
and what can i do about the front?
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 841
Likes: 0
From: Monroe, MI
if my truck wasnt my daily driver id keep tempting you! hahaha ive broken to many things offroad on a previous truck, i dont think ill do any "serious" off-roading with this one, it'll be my street truck. but i would love to have a mud truck again....
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 15
From: Temperance, MI
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 9
From: Longview, TX
A good test for me has always been to pull off on dry ground and floor it to see if you have 1 wheel spinning or two. I actually tested yesterday in my drive, two marks. If you only have one, especially after a few attempts, you have a problem.
That's a 2wd test for the rear axle. As for the front, I haven't tried a 4x4 take off off-road. I guess if you boosted up first it would work the same
That's a 2wd test for the rear axle. As for the front, I haven't tried a 4x4 take off off-road. I guess if you boosted up first it would work the same
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 765
Likes: 1
From: Eastern Ohio
The front is open. Your only option is some sort of after market locker or LS.
If you are just sitting on top of the ground, tires will make more of a difference than locking the diffs. I know you said you don't want to run mud tires, but what do dislike more M/T's or being stuck? Take a look at some commercial traction tires, they may be enough with out going to an M/T.
If you are just sitting on top of the ground, tires will make more of a difference than locking the diffs. I know you said you don't want to run mud tires, but what do dislike more M/T's or being stuck? Take a look at some commercial traction tires, they may be enough with out going to an M/T.
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1
From: AL, Reform
i may have to look a MT tires next time, as getting stuck all the time is not cool.
i guess i will change my rear end fluid and put new friction modifier to see if it will help some.
i guess i will change my rear end fluid and put new friction modifier to see if it will help some.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 798
Likes: 1
From: Alma Arkansas
Mt tires will last quite a bit longer than you expect IF you take the time to match inflation to the load. IE through a "chalk test".
The very first thing I did to my f250 was to put a set of MT tires out back. A/T tires are a worthless compromise between street and MT tires with absolutely none of the benefits of either.
As many 4 x4 guys will tell you a locker up front will provide more of a boost in offload performance than the rear. And since our trucks come with selectable hubs (thank god) you could run a very cheap "lunchbox" style unit such as the Aussie locker with O adverse effects on road. Such a unit can be installed for less than a QUARTER of the cost of a full selectable locker primarily because they only replace the spider gears and not the entire differential unit and all the related costs incurred.
The very first thing I did to my f250 was to put a set of MT tires out back. A/T tires are a worthless compromise between street and MT tires with absolutely none of the benefits of either.
As many 4 x4 guys will tell you a locker up front will provide more of a boost in offload performance than the rear. And since our trucks come with selectable hubs (thank god) you could run a very cheap "lunchbox" style unit such as the Aussie locker with O adverse effects on road. Such a unit can be installed for less than a QUARTER of the cost of a full selectable locker primarily because they only replace the spider gears and not the entire differential unit and all the related costs incurred.
It's a Van Gogh
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,813
Likes: 1,335
From: Elk Grove, CA
Add about 1/4 bottle of the stinky stuff to the diff then get the rest of the oil in. Drive it around a half hour or so the fluids are fully mixed and into all the nooks and crannys. Then make some tight circles in the local Walmart parking lot. If you can hear or feel the rear grabbing you need more friction modifier. When the diff is quiet and smooth in a tight circle you have it right. If you hear or feel grabbing right away don't wait to add more. Too much will prevent the clutch discs from uh, clutching, but too little will wear the clutch discs.
Then get your buddy to hold the video camera, stand on the skinny pedal in your hot tune, and if we see smoke off both we'll all toast to your success.
