I'm looking for suggestions/opinions. I have a 2wd 2.9L 5 speed. she was borrowed over the weekend and was returned with an earful of how lousy she is in the snow (he got her stuck like 3 times) then I was offered 1000 to do what i had to (or could afford to) to make her better in the snow. but I dont have a clue (I've never had a problem with her in the snow) where to start.

 

About the only thing I can suggest is studded snow tires, or
chains, and put some weight above the rear axle in the bed.

 

If you haven't had any trouble with it, why do you need to do a bunch of stuff to it? The guy borrows your truck and comes back complaining about it??

Yes, you can make it better in the snow. Good tires and solid weight in the back can make any 2wd truck pretty good in the snow IF YOU KNOW HOW TO DRIVE IT. Since you didn't have trouble in the past I would say that you don't need to do anything. It works for you and how you drive it as is.

It not your fault he got it stuck 3 times if he doesn't know how to drive in the snow.

 

Couldn't have said it better my self.

In our blizzard winter of 96 I drove 40 miles every day to school and work (rural area), and never got stuck once, and I was driving a 92 2wd ranger with a 4 popper 5spd with nothing more than 4 sand bags.

Oh yeah I passed alot of 4wd's in the ditch, and I never missed a day of work or school either.

 

The driver is by far the most important factor in how a vehicle handles in severe weather. A bad driver in a 4X4 is just as likely, if not even more so, to end up in a ditch or embedded in another vehicle than someone with a 4X2. 4X4 can often boost the confidence of the driver far beyond the capabilities of the vehicle in any given situation.

That being said, improvements can be made to any vehicle to help with severe weather driving. Good snow tires can help a lot. Studded tires are great, but several manufacturers are making studless snow tires that are almost as good, and don't tear up the roads as bad when there's no snow. Adding weight in the back is a big help also. Just make sure that whatever you use is secure, so it doesn't become a projectile if you get in a wreck. Keep the gas tank as full as possible. More gas = more weight. Carry a good set of chains. Practice putting them on when it's not snowing. Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition and your washer fluid is ready for the cold. But probably the most important thing is don't get yourself in a position to get stuck three times in one weekend.

 

My Ranger is a 2.3 w/ 5 sp. and I don't have to much trouble with the snow. I do have 200# of sand over the rear wheels but NO snow tires. This morning we are having widn up to 50moh gusts and snow at the rate of 2-3 inches per hour.It took me 1hour 20 minutes to get to work, usually a 40 minute trip. Most of the time I could only see about 25-30 feet in front of the truck. Yeah the wheels spun here or there but I made it. The driver matters just as much, if not more than the vehicle.

 

Much agreed. I think maybe some people jump into pickups and expect them to handle like their frontwheel drive sedans. They're used to driving in a vehicle with much different ride and performance characteristics. I kick around in a '93 Sable which is a very good car in the snow, but I don't drive it like I drive my Ranger. When lousy weather comes around, I have a different driving mentality and strategy with each vehicle.

 

I love to read these posts & replies. I was absolutely fascinated when I first discovered how well my 2WD Ranger does in foul weather.

 

So nobody thinks its worth it to put a l/s in her?(this is what i was expecting to hear) I have 200# of sand across her rear axle already. And Its probably a good idea to take him up on the offer and at least get snow tires as I'll be driving about 40 miles each way to school come fall.

Sorry guys I could never be that mean to anyone....its just not in my nature.

 

You could put a LS in it, but why do it when you don't have any trouble already?

I'd think about tires and a couple more sand bags first.

 

Yup. Toss another hunnerd/hunnerd fifty pounds or so in the back and get yourself a set of 4 skinny snow tires (narrow is better for snow; smaller contact patch means more weight concentration and hence better traction). They may not look all that "macho", but what looks better? Being stuck or getting home safely?

 

LS is not the magic cure you are thinking it is. It has limitations to. But if he's buying for it... ya!

 

I've never gone for the macho thing with her....its a female thing. Clean or sweet yes, macho...never.
As for the snow tires I was looking at Blizzaks (sp?) but I have to get some rims first.
AS for the l/s I didn't know if it would be worth it or not, I just kind of expected to hear that as a solution. Hate to spend his money on things I dont need.

 

Things are much clearer now. I had assumed it was somebody who happened to know you and just borrowed your truck.

My original comment that he should go to a different place without snow was the wrong thing to say.

 

Sorry guys (?) I probably should have made it more obvious I'm of the female gender (not that it should matter). Nothing against anyone here, I've just been places where guys are jerks cause I'm a female with a truck.
Anyway thanks for the input , i have one more question....I'm not saying I want one (or will let him buy me one for that matter) but have any of you seen or used a powertrax? Its a locker that is supposed to slip in turns. I was looking for l/s last night and i saw them listed. It sounds like a good idea, I'm wondering if they are as good as the promo for them. I'm a little concerned over how long a drive it will be to school starting in fall, half of the distance are back country roads. Would an l/s or a powertrax be beneficial in this situation? (I know the principle of how they work just not sure what they are best suited for other than off road) Thanks for your patience.

rr90