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Nov 10, 2000 | 10:55 AM

jpruett1

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Any Tricks

Hello,
I am getting ready to buy my first Ford Truck, a 98 Ranger 2wd. What are some good cheap things I can do for it? and get it ready for snow.

Thanks
jp

Nov 10, 2000 | 04:13 PM

scoutsmotorsports

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Any Tricks

Well first off, IF you're gonna be in the snow, why did you buy a 2wd? Get a 4wd. But if you must have a 2wd, get some agressive tires, lock it up in the rear, get some chains, and have a GOOD insurance policy.

Nov 11, 2000 | 11:21 AM

jpruett1

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Well, I live in Indiana so we don't get enough snow to get a 4x4.

Nov 16, 2000 | 05:52 PM

davet_1

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Any Tricks

Weight in the rear end is the major thing. Get about 400lbs of sand bags, camper shell, old tires filled with concrete, etc. Then put a board across the bed, just aft of the wheel wells. Stuff all your weight between the board and the tailgate. It won't hold in an accident (so be careful!) but it will keep the weight to the rear. Get some good snow tires and take it slow and easy.

I saw the reply about 4wd. Short of rock crawling or the artic, anywhere you can go with a 4wd you can go with a 2wd, tire chains, and skill. Four wheel drive is great for getting up to speed, doesn't do a thing to help you stop.

Besides, how often do you really NEED 4wd? Wouldn't you rather call in, take a day off, and spend it with the family building snowmen and having a snowball fight?

Seriously, if you aren't in a huge hurry you can crawl through a lot of snow and over a lot of ice just fine with a 2wd. Just like they did before 4wd was invented. Just don't spin out and block traffic at a busy intersection. That can be hazardous to your health. (All those guys in 4wds will try to run over you!

Dave T.

Jan 2, 2002 | 04:39 PM

red ranger

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have do agree with davet... put some weight in the back over the axels
and i live in canada where we get a bit of snow. drive careful.

Jan 2, 2002 | 08:57 PM

rellik74

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Joined: Dec 2001

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From: Colorado

Any Tricks

I had a 94 2wd with a 2.3L when I put a limited slip read diff in it and a couple of bags of sand it was un-stopable in the city. I costed me $200.00 for the diff and $90.00 to have it put in. With the 4.10 ratio behind the 2.3 it was a mover now. It did not hurt the gas milage either. But now I have a 98 4x4 4.0L auto 4.10 limited slip offroad and it goes great in the snow but I miss the 400 miles per tank of gas.

Jan 2, 2002 | 09:57 PM

Ken00

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Joined: Dec 2001

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From: South Jersey

Any Tricks

I have a 2000 3.0 2wd sc with an open rear and I put 250# of gravel over the rear axle and don't have any problems with the snow here in NJ. If your tires are getting thin on tread I would replace them.