Why did I get stuck?
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New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 15
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From: Far Northern CA
Why did I get stuck?
I have an '03 5.4 250,
I went up to the mountains on Saturday to cut the Christmas tree and while turning around on this landing, in about 8 inches of snow, I got stuck. The terrain where I turned around was fairly level. I was stuck. I have ESOF and even got out and locked the hubs manualy. My two right tires were spinning but not the left. Any idea why I had no power to the left side? I have about 11K on the truck(almost new).
I went up to the mountains on Saturday to cut the Christmas tree and while turning around on this landing, in about 8 inches of snow, I got stuck. The terrain where I turned around was fairly level. I was stuck. I have ESOF and even got out and locked the hubs manualy. My two right tires were spinning but not the left. Any idea why I had no power to the left side? I have about 11K on the truck(almost new).
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,758
Likes: 7
From: colorado
because you have open diffs, or you have and open front diff and the almost useless factory ford rear limited slip. if it happens again you can apply the parking brake a little(as the wheels are slipping) and that will supply more torque into the LS to activate it(if you have one).
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,366
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From: Northern Utah
Phone Guy,
wlihntr & Yeti answered your question... The only thing I could add is starting out in 3rd gear with an automatic will sometimes help (sounds strange-but true) when slipping for no good reason. I just put my studded & siped snow tires on this morning because I was sure slip'n around the past two weeks-
wlihntr & Yeti answered your question... The only thing I could add is starting out in 3rd gear with an automatic will sometimes help (sounds strange-but true) when slipping for no good reason. I just put my studded & siped snow tires on this morning because I was sure slip'n around the past two weeks-
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
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From: Lyndonville, Vermont
You got stuck cause you have a normal 4x4 truck. One of my pet peeves in the world.
Thats why I have the front and rear locked the difference is mind blowing but its not for everyone. Even with a little bit of snow it will ramp under a wheel and if its not turning the other tire can't build enough traction to push it over the ramp. So you go nowhere.
So how did you get out???
Thats why I have the front and rear locked the difference is mind blowing but its not for everyone. Even with a little bit of snow it will ramp under a wheel and if its not turning the other tire can't build enough traction to push it over the ramp. So you go nowhere.
So how did you get out???
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New User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Far Northern CA
Thanks for the replies. I am very frustrated about this. I have an 82 4x4 and I know that all 4 wheels spin if needed. I thought that if I spent 35k + on a rig that I would get a real 4 wheel drive. To get out I dug and another guy up there dug and put some 2x6 boards under the tires. My daughter, Faith was in the back telling me which tires were spinning. I was able to finally get some traction. My wife waited for 45 minutes 1/4 mile up the road with the tree waiting for me to pick her up. None of us were happy. 
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,438
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From: IN FRONT OF YOU
No different from any other 4x4 on the market today......
I guess it's time for some bolt ons...
I guess it's time for some bolt ons...
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New User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Far Northern CA
I dropped my truck off this morning to the Ford Dealer. After checking it out they determined that the rear limited slip is NOT working and will be ordering a new third member. I knew something wasn't right. They also ordered a new center console due to the carpet piece on the back side pulling out. 5-7 days to get the parts.
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Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
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From: Lyndonville, Vermont
Limited slips really don't work in low traction situations. Sometimes you can play with brakes to get it to work but that doesn't always work. they are really meant for the dry street. For example when one tire is on sand and the other dry pave they will work well.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
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From: Lyndonville, Vermont
All depends on your usage. I use my truck more than most. In the woods pullin trees or plowing and sanding, Farm type work Lotsa off road. Steep driveway. For me I can't do crap without them but most people don't need them. If you are like me then you would like them and never go back.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 589
Likes: 3
From: Villa Rica, GA
if you do a lot of street driving you dont want a locker in the rear, it makes one tire hop around corners and it makes it easier to break stuff. but you may think about putting a locker on the front, since you can unlock the hubs so the locker will have no negative effects on the road, but when the hubs are locked in both fronts will spin 100%
Jason
Jason
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,562
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From: Long Island USA
If you don't want to go with a gear-based locker (noisy and hard to turn), I'd suggest an Auburn LS - they hold up to the abuse and work great - more than 125ft/lbs of break-away torque on the one I have in my '96 t-bird (8.8") - stock, the Ford Traction-Lok is spec'd at only 25ft/lbs break-away torque.
The t-bird is FUN in the snow now
And I don't get stuck either.
By the way, I've had my '01 in snow up to (and past) the front bumper and never got stuck - with A/T tires - even though I tried to get it stuck on purpose
One thing no one else mentioned - what kinda TIRES you have?
The t-bird is FUN in the snow now
And I don't get stuck either.By the way, I've had my '01 in snow up to (and past) the front bumper and never got stuck - with A/T tires - even though I tried to get it stuck on purpose
One thing no one else mentioned - what kinda TIRES you have?