Anyone ever drive a spooled or welded diff in the snow and ice? I am thinking of locking my F250 for nearly all off road and storm weather. My only concern is winter roads. I am told by a few guys that it will be ok if I drive slow and careful. And I should not fish tail if I keep of the gas. Any coments from those that have actual experience with a spool or welded diff.

Thanks,
Clayton

 

I really wouldn't recommend it for winter weather, especially if you are going to use it for a daily driver and have both ended welded.

I've driven with the rear end locked in the winter, can lead to a lot of funny stuff (fishtailing, rear end kicking out of turns, etc). a spool or a locker will make you want to push through your turns, especially on ice.

not a good thing, especially in the front.

 

All I have to say is...YEEHAW!!

It's true that if you stay off the gas, you will not fishtale, but thats because you are not going anywhere. I would suggest either a fully selectable locker, limited slip, or just leave them open.

 

its fun going around turns

 

For sure. At least you won't have any abrupt surprises like a Detroit, but this is not the hot ticket for what you want.

 

yes i have and will never ever do it again ; not only does it suck in snow and ice it sucks in the rain

 

The problem with a welded carrier/ locker on ice is that when one tire breaks free it will actually break the other tire free and the truck slips sideways. even an open rear end with one tire spinning and one tire rolling is better because the rolling tire has SOME traction to keep the truck strait.

when you turn a truck with a fully locked axle on a surface with traction the tire on the inside of the turn acts as a pivot and the outer tire skips a little to make up the extra distance. When that inner tire doesn't have any traction the whole truck just shifts in whatever direction its inertia sends it.

 

I wonder if you had studded tires and a welded diff it that would keep it strait.

Clayton

 

it would make it worse in the rain, and slightly better on ice. The problem is that it doesn't take much power to spin studs on ice.

 

Have you ever driven an ATV on ice or snow around corners? Basically, your truck will handle the same way.

 

the 86 has a welded front and locked rear.......... FUN IN THE SNOW!!!!