Rear traction aids?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 9, 2004 | 07:00 PM

#16

natewoz

Elder User

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 887

Likes: 0

From: MN

I need to know about handling with a lock Right on snowy and ice roads.

Nov 9, 2004 | 07:09 PM

#17

rlh

Posting Guru

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 2,259

Likes: 0

From: Florida Hill Country

Quote:

Originally Posted by natewoz

I need to know about handling with a lock Right on snowy and ice roads.

Thats a tough question. I personally prefer open diffs on snow and ice, especially the proverbial "black Ice" but the lockers, ls, and spools can be driven by an experienced driver that understands what they are doing. It would be easier for the vehicle to get away from, particularly a swb like a Bronco. The open diffs offer lateral stability when the vehicle looses forward momentum. The good thing about the the "lunch box" locker is that if you don't like it, you can take it out.

I had an EZ Locker in my front D44, didn't like and replaced it with a TrueCrap and now have to either put it back open, or buy a Powr Lok, Aussie (since I sold both my EZ Lockers) or a spool and really break some D44 stuff up front. I'm really fighting that spool urge . . . I know I'll break things . . . but . . . I just, can't help it . . .

Nov 9, 2004 | 07:48 PM

#18

natewoz

Elder User

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 887

Likes: 0

From: MN

I live in nothern MN, so there is almost no cell phone service out of town. Therefore, I really don't want to get stuck in the snow or mud when hunting etc because help would be very very long, cold walk. I also don't want the truck to spin out and put me in the woods since I have heard that lockers cause the rear end to slide out when the tires start slipping on snow/ ice. Thanks for the imput.

Nov 9, 2004 | 07:53 PM

#19

007bronco

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 339

Likes: 0

From: British Columbia

I just recommended a detroit locker, however I wouldn't recommend any locker on ice especially a lock right type as you never know when they are going to "ratchet" and when they do it is often violent. Your steering would be far less effective especially in reverse. As for snow as long as it's off road or snowplowing/slow or all out racing, still not recommended. Winter driving with a locking rear end takes practice, skill, real quick reflexes, and maybe some partial mental disorder. That said I drove my Bronco with a detroit in the rear in the ice and snow and other than ending up pointed the wrong way a few times, if you are careful it can be as fun as it is scary.
007BRONCO

Nov 9, 2004 | 08:00 PM

#20

natewoz

Elder User

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 887

Likes: 0

From: MN

Probably time to save up for a selectable.

Nov 9, 2004 | 08:02 PM

#21

007bronco

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 339

Likes: 0

From: British Columbia

Nov 9, 2004 | 08:39 PM

#22

bremen242

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 3,739

Likes: 3

From: GANS

I drove in the winter with a lockright and 2wd. worked good, just had to excercise caution, however, it isn't as dangerous as people let on. I drove almost normal with a lockright, but if you drive 85 mph on snow and ice covered roads, you will have trouble.