winters coming
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 9
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winters coming
Well im about to see my first winter with my truck, and was wondering how many traction problems im going to run into. I have a 2001 Edge 2WD, with 15in wheels, 30x9.5" BFG All-Terrains, and three 60 pound sandbags in the back, one over each wheel and one in the middle. I live in Ithaca NY where there are alot of hills too. Am I gonna run into a lot of traction problems? The truck does alright with the new tires on it in the mud, assuming that I dont come to a dead stop with my rear tires in the mud, then it really doesnt want to grip at all.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 420
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From: Harrisburg USA
There were several posts quite a few months ago about traction with Rangers. It seems that there are MANY different opinions. Some folks expressed frustration over the LACK of good traction. I personally get GREAT traction with my old '85 2WD. I was truly amazed. Even when I first bought it (used in 1999), it had all seasons all around, with not the most aggressive tread. I was able to back it out of an unpaved driveway in deep snow without much difficulty. It went up the steepest hills in snow and rain without getting stuck (some spinning, not much). Now with good quality snows on the rear, it goes even better. I've wondered if I might have limited slip in the rear. It doesn't act like LS. And even if it DID have LS, after 202k, I would expect the LS clutches to be worn out. So, my take on it is, with the correct tires, Rangers do well.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,404
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From: Everett, Wa
I've had a 2001 edge, 2wd and I must say the traction sucks. Not stopping is the key and you might even put a bit more wieght in the back, bring it up to 100 pounds. I would also move those sandbags back by the tailgate. I live in Washington state so we don't see alot of snow. But when we get it, its a mess, wet and heavy. They don't call it Cascade Concrete for nothing.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 3
From: California Desert
Originally posted by amp17757
I've wondered if I might have limited slip in the rear. It doesn't act like LS. And even if it DID have LS, after 202k, I would expect the LS clutches to be worn out. So, my take on it is, with the correct tires, Rangers do well.
I've wondered if I might have limited slip in the rear. It doesn't act like LS. And even if it DID have LS, after 202k, I would expect the LS clutches to be worn out. So, my take on it is, with the correct tires, Rangers do well.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,873
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From: St. Peter
hey ken, why do you put the sand bags over the axle, I kinda always thought that if they were twards the tailgate, it would be better?
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The Pacifier
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,245
Likes: 7
From: Cloverdale, BC
it should be towards the cab if anything. Directly over the drive axle will put more downforce on the tires to the ground, which is what you want.
But you don't want so much weight over the rear axle that the weight of the truck is transferred to the rear. Ever drive an overloaded, bed heavy pickup truck? Remember how the steering becomes effortless? So just forward of the rear axle is the place to be.
Since I got a supercab shortbed, I have 7 20 liter pails FULL of sand, strapped in with 2 inch webbing and a cut down load lock from a semi right up at the front of the bed. I estimate about 350 pounds, maybe 400. I also have some cable chains in a box since new 2 years ago. I should be ready for snow now.
But you don't want so much weight over the rear axle that the weight of the truck is transferred to the rear. Ever drive an overloaded, bed heavy pickup truck? Remember how the steering becomes effortless? So just forward of the rear axle is the place to be.
Since I got a supercab shortbed, I have 7 20 liter pails FULL of sand, strapped in with 2 inch webbing and a cut down load lock from a semi right up at the front of the bed. I estimate about 350 pounds, maybe 400. I also have some cable chains in a box since new 2 years ago. I should be ready for snow now.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 85
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From: Metro Detroit
There's a lot of persons out there in expensive suv's that think everything is going to be O.K. because they have that kind of vehicle. We in the middle class know that basic driving skill still counts for a lot. Do we remember our Dad's driving all over the county in a regular automobile? Yep. The elders took their time, "rocked" it out of ice and snow, and had chains, (still for sale everywhere).
I live where there is snow. I HAVE to like it.
I live where there is snow. I HAVE to like it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,263
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From: N. Florida - The "No 4x4
I think the best way to improve winter traction for your Ranger is this:
Get a compass.
Align both headlights due South and let out on the clutch. Don't alter course until sweat is dripping off your elbows.
P.S. But bring the bags of salt with - it's handy for making home made ice cream!!
P.S.S. Seriously though; add weight (*over the axle*), use well siped skinny tires, and remember stopping and turning is often more difficult than starting off. Rangers are light in the stern - bottom line.
Get a compass.
Align both headlights due South and let out on the clutch. Don't alter course until sweat is dripping off your elbows.
P.S. But bring the bags of salt with - it's handy for making home made ice cream!!
P.S.S. Seriously though; add weight (*over the axle*), use well siped skinny tires, and remember stopping and turning is often more difficult than starting off. Rangers are light in the stern - bottom line.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
bigrigfixer has it right on weight distrubution, I run studded snows all the way around on my 4by2 85 Ranger, and hunting last week I was pushing snow in over a foot of the white stuff going up Haycreek with chains on, about 400 lbs of weight up against the cab...With the weight further forward like that, you got extra weight on the front for coming down and braking and steering on steep roads (Haycreeks a place here in northwest Montana where the elk hang out) the snow almost completely blocked off my grill, never underestimate the power of our gutlless Rangers....main thing edge is to give yourself more time to and from during the snow times....to me, at only 10 bucks extra a tire- I go for the studs in my winter radials...It's a cheap insurance and the benefits are many...
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 544
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When It Snows, Stay Home
My '97 4x2 is actually dangerous to drive when the roads are slippery with ice or snow on them. Until the roads are plowed or sanded and salted I stay off them. One thing I did learn if I am stuck out there in a snow storm that is beyond my control, I just make believe there is an egg under the gas pedal. Never give it the gas on slippery surfaces, the back end fish tails worse than a fish out of water. I drove on snow tires for two years and found NO difference at all in traction from all-season tires. There is absolutely not enough weight over the back tires to give you any substantial traction in snow, forget about ice, you go out in that truck with ice on the roads you better make sure your will is up to date. The fastest I ever went on snow covered roads was 15 to 20 mph, any speed faster than that and you will spin out.
STAY HOME WHEN IT SNOWS OR USE ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT HAS SOME TRACTION.
STAY HOME WHEN IT SNOWS OR USE ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT HAS SOME TRACTION.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,873
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From: St. Peter
Tonyford is right i think, its not smart to go out when the roads are all icy an snowy and think you can drive 65 mph just because you have a 4x4 sticker on the back of your rig. Thats why there are alot accidents on ice and snow, people going to fast dont quite seem to realize that if you have 4 wheel drive it doesnt help your ability to stop at all, thats when there's trouble
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Metro Detroit
This is true. There has to be a time to stay home......I just don't know when it is. Our Ranger is our toy. We actually would wave, except that our arms would get tired. There's a lot of us out there.