1. What's the Ranger Splash? When I look at ford.com there is only XL, XLT and EDGE models.

2. A 4x2 ranger handles like crap in snow. I get absolutely no traction and get stuck going up the slightest slope. What do you load the bed of your truck with to get better traction?

3. Is 4x4 much better for traction and handling in snow/ice?

4. What are the best tires to get for all year round, that offer good tractic in the snow/ice?

Regards.

 

I have a 98 2wd Ranger and I have no problems in the snow. I loaded my bed with "sand in a tube." You can pick them up at your local hardware store for about 5 bucks per 70 lbs. I put 350lbs in the back and I'm ready to go.

good luck

 

In 93 and i believe 94 ford built a stepside ranger they called
a splash. I have a 93 splash 4x4 regular cab with the 4.0L
engine. the 94s were extended cab models. Yes the 4x4s are much
better on snow and ice. I have a set of wildcat radials on mine
that work very well. I don't have to put any weight in the
back at all. Hope this answered some of your quwstions.

 

I shovel snow in. adds weight, empties the drive way...melts out when you don't need it any more.

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 24-Dec-00 AT 00:48 AM (EST)[/font][p]the ranger splash was a step side ranger made in 93 and 94. 4wd does handle better in snow and ice, but it dont matter 2 or 4wd they all stop the same in snow and ice. i have 235/75/r-15 daytona timbelines on my 89 ranger 4x4 and it handles great in the snow without anything in the bed. the set of four with road hazzard warrinty only cost a little under $400 so they are also a great buy and they do great in the mud also. the best things to put in your bed for weight is sand bags, logs, or snow. if you put cinder blocks in your bed your gonna be in trouble if your in a wreck. plus by putting snow in your bed it does clear your driveway and if you have an annoying neighbor you can haul it over to thier driveway and dump it there at night. hope this helps yall.

 

the splash is a 1993-1995 ranger w/flareside bed, color coded bumpers, performance oriented suspension,chrome wheels, fat tires,fancy stripes etc. best to have is the 2wd/4.0/ext.cab/5spd. very quick and light.

 

I've got a 94 Ranger 2 wheel drive with posi-trac that I've loaded (6) 70 lb. bags of sand in the back (makes it ride better too). I've got Good Year Wrangler A/T tires that do pretty well in snow. But when it gets really deep I've got a pair of Desert Dogs on 15 inch wheels (off a 4 wheel drive Ranger) that I only put on in the worst weather. 4 wheel drive is the better solution to the problem but the Desert Dogs are a lot less expensive.

 

 

The Ranger "Splash" was available from 1993 to 1997 and was a flareside bed, body colour bumpers and special lowered (yeah, right) street suspension. It was also available in the 4WD model.

As to your traction question-get good snow tires and LEARN HOW TO DRIVE!!!

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 14-Sep-01 AT 03:48 PM (EST)[/font][p][font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 14-Sep-01 AT 03:47 PM (EST)[/font]

I recently bought a 1994 Splash 4X4, 4.0, my first Ford product. It's a great truck. Runs like a demon. These are tricked out. The stock paints are typically bright (mine is Vibrant Red {Orange-red}), monochrome, ie. body-colored mirrors, bumpers, and big SPLASH decals on both doors and rear, also multi-colored stripes on sides and rear. I took that stuff off, going to paint it maroon, nice and plain. The original idea was kind of a California surfer's truck look, flareside fenders, etc. I've added a Gibson catback, vrooommm, next, clear euro lenses all around and Xenon airdam with fog lights. The 4X2's are rated more reliable than the 4X4's by ConsumerReports, but that's typical. There are a lot of them out there. If you find a Splash in good shape get it! You won't be sorry.

http://www.fordsplash.com/photos.htm

 

Just to correct a few of the responses, the Splash was made until 1998.

 

if you are looking for good tires all around, I run bfg all terrain, I drive about 40 miles each way to work and in the winter it is shear ice. I haven't had a problem slipping or any of the sort as long as i have these tires. I usually get about 60,000 miles out of the set of 4 if properly maintained. They are awesome in the snow/mud/rain/dry and you shouldn't have to put alot of weight in the back. If any at all I usually throw a bail of hay, around 50lbs at the most.

 

just wanted to add that the whole rearend(exept the inside of the bed, and tailgate) are made out of fiberglass. i have a 94 3.0 with about 189k miles, and it barks first second and third(on a good day)