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Winter Driving
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
Likes: 4
From: Oak Harbor, OH
As long as the ratios are the same front and rear you can run your 4x4 on pavement, just not above 45mph. If you are goin to run on the highway unlock the hubs. My dad never did tho in the winter, but he never had it past 40 in the snow even if the road was clear.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Butler, PA
OK, i got a question related to this. I have a b-3000 2wd, and in the winter i put 2 70lb sandbags behind the rear axle. But when I went to get the oil changed, they said that the weight behind the axle was bad for the springs. And I go to school in Erie, so I really need the traction. What do you guys think?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver Island
Better to have the weight just in front of the axle; if it's behind the axle, it'll lighten up the load on the front wheels.
Carry chains, gloves, Visegrips (to fix the chains), and an army-surplus folding shovel (if you don't have room for a normal shovel). Putting chains on is a pain, but being able to drive through bumper-deep snow was worth it.
Carry chains, gloves, Visegrips (to fix the chains), and an army-surplus folding shovel (if you don't have room for a normal shovel). Putting chains on is a pain, but being able to drive through bumper-deep snow was worth it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 0
From: clementsport canada
Originally posted by pfogle
As long as the ratios are the same front and rear you can run your 4x4 on pavement, just not above 45mph. If you are goin to run on the highway unlock the hubs. My dad never did tho in the winter, but he never had it past 40 in the snow even if the road was clear.
As long as the ratios are the same front and rear you can run your 4x4 on pavement, just not above 45mph. If you are goin to run on the highway unlock the hubs. My dad never did tho in the winter, but he never had it past 40 in the snow even if the road was clear.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
Originally posted by bobs75f-250
OK, i got a question related to this. I have a b-3000 2wd, and in the winter i put 2 70lb sandbags behind the rear axle. But when I went to get the oil changed, they said that the weight behind the axle was bad for the springs.
OK, i got a question related to this. I have a b-3000 2wd, and in the winter i put 2 70lb sandbags behind the rear axle. But when I went to get the oil changed, they said that the weight behind the axle was bad for the springs.
Now if you were to triple that amount then the age of the springs and many other things would come into play. Think about this that weight is only two of you friends, so the oil change guys are saying your truck can’t handle a couple of friends in back???
OK 2X70lbs.....maybe only 2/3 of a friend!
Last edited by IB Tim; Dec 4, 2003 at 08:00 AM.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
I personally dont agree with having weight behind the axle. If you happen to go sideways in your truck the weight behind the axle will act like a pendulum and make it want to spin around easier. hmm that might actually make it more fun....never mind 
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
Yes it could have an effect, like throwing a hammer, it will go heavy end first.
However, 140 lbs…………….and besides it is great fun.
Add 500lbs of more fun!!
And then go do some tests
Winter is for testing
However, 140 lbs…………….and besides it is great fun.
Add 500lbs of more fun!!
And then go do some tests
Winter is for testing
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,765
Likes: 547
From: Kalispell, MT
I haven't seen much difference before OR aft the axle. Sounds like there is no tailgate on this truck anyway. You can never have too much weight. Ever notice how those BIG trucks stay on the road so well. Distribution of that weight is more important.
Be careful playing around in snowy parking lots. I knew a kid with a new 4x4 ranger who did that - tight spins and turns. The truck did it a couple of times and then came to a standstill. Turned out that cramping the wheel too hard in a 4x4 turn might cause the u-joints to catch the housing and destroy an axle like he did.
Be careful playing around in snowy parking lots. I knew a kid with a new 4x4 ranger who did that - tight spins and turns. The truck did it a couple of times and then came to a standstill. Turned out that cramping the wheel too hard in a 4x4 turn might cause the u-joints to catch the housing and destroy an axle like he did.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 589
Likes: 0
From: Canastota
I dont have a tailgate, well, i do but i have it off for better driving. I got too much noise with it on. i have a drop in bed liner, which is pretty much the bed, the idot who owned it before me let the bed rust out, i should get some patch panels. had a scare yesterday, truck didnt start. starter has going, but not turning the engine over. had to shake it a little and it finaly started. Phew. must've been the fact i haven't run it in a few days. Ive had some fun on the back roads, muddy and slushy. had fun and learned that slush is a B*tch!!! Jerked the beast round bad.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 589
Likes: 0
From: Canastota
I should tell my mom bout the weight behind the wheels. we were driving and she fishtailed, spunout and almost went into a ditch. sandbags were behind the wheels. she drives a lumina, which is CRAP!!!! only good for gaining exp on how to fix tranny leaks, creaking frame, peeling paint ect. she dont like fords, funny though, im the only one who can get out of the drive without spinning the tires and hit 80 in no time. thanks to 4x4 and a big engine!!!!!
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,628
Likes: 0
From: Baileyton, TN
The best winter driving tip has been mentioned above. Just find out how to control your vehicle in snow.. I have seen hundreds of people wreck their pride and joy, because they had NO CLUE what to do when the rear end slid out from them...
I fishtail often with both of my trucks - it happens. I do not wreck, or panic, I just correct it and go on my way. I often drive in 2 wheel drive where everyone else is using 4x4, and still get there fine. The only time I use 4x4 is when I loose traction - then 4x4. About my manual hubs.. I lock them when the roads get bad, and unlock them when the roads are good. They often stay locked for months on end, with no damage, wear or noise. It does not make ANY difference to my fuel mileage, and the diff oil is always clean, no filings, and the bearings last just as long as any. So if you have manual hubs, lock 'em in. It really does not hurt anything. (unless you are seriously underpowered, then it will show in you fuel mileage.)
My first thing, in slick weather, is to go find a mall, late at night, and have fun in the parking lot. If it doesn't behave like I want it to, I get new tires, and try again.
Theo
I fishtail often with both of my trucks - it happens. I do not wreck, or panic, I just correct it and go on my way. I often drive in 2 wheel drive where everyone else is using 4x4, and still get there fine. The only time I use 4x4 is when I loose traction - then 4x4. About my manual hubs.. I lock them when the roads get bad, and unlock them when the roads are good. They often stay locked for months on end, with no damage, wear or noise. It does not make ANY difference to my fuel mileage, and the diff oil is always clean, no filings, and the bearings last just as long as any. So if you have manual hubs, lock 'em in. It really does not hurt anything. (unless you are seriously underpowered, then it will show in you fuel mileage.)
My first thing, in slick weather, is to go find a mall, late at night, and have fun in the parking lot. If it doesn't behave like I want it to, I get new tires, and try again.
Theo
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
Likes: 7
From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
If you have to drive long distances, ESPECIALLY on interstates or deserted roads, you should carry an emergency kit. Get a 3-lb. coffee can and fill it with: candy/ granola bars, flares, candles ( use 'em under the EMPTY coffee can to melt snow for water), extra cell phone battery that's fully-charged. Also, a shovel, a SLEEPING BAG, and anything else common sense calls for. You never know when you'll get caught in a storm that can strand you for a day or two. Oh, and make sure the gas tank is FULL.
