Changing "Anti- Spin" differntial to an open rear....opinons?

[fkovalski]

This new truck with it's anti- spin differential is absolute crap in the snow! I know that this is not the best set- up for winter driving, but I never thought it would be as bad as it is.



I would like some feedback on changing out the factory differential to an open rear. I think I would have the dealer do the work to keep the warranty intact.

 

[RustyJC]

Regardless of how bad the anti-spin differential might be, why do you think that a peg-leg truck would be better? I had a 1996 3500 2WD dually with an open differential when we lived in Ohio - it almost made me lose my religion during the winter. #@$%! #@$%!



Rusty

 

[JMingledorff]

You think it sucks now... make it open, you will then pay any amount of money to have it put back in. If you really really want you could get a selectable locker... like an ARB, then you could have it open, get stuck, lock it and be on your way.

 

[fkovalski]

... why do you think that a peg-leg truck would be better? ... .

Rusty

My '01 (which was more of a truck than this one will ever be... but that's another story... ) had the open rear. It had the Mich M/S tires (more of a street tread) and it did much better than this one! The new one had the BFG off road tread (similar to the KO's) and it is just awlful!



The problem that I am having is trying to get out of my driveway... Keep in mind: no problems w/ the '01... There is a small swail (for water to drain accross the drive where it meets the road. If I drive out (uphill) to get out, the front tires hit this slight "divot" and it halts the truck momentarily to then allow the rear tire to slip sideways further into deeper snow. I have tried to "hit" it faster going out and depending on conditions I may make it.



I am basing my questions on this topic because of past experiences (and no problems. )

 

[fkovalski]

You think it sucks now... make it open, ...

Again- I am basing my thought on the fact that the last one had no trouble... . could there be some other factor that is affecting the snow handling? (i. e. slightly longer wheelbase of the '05?)

... If you really really want you could get a selectable locker... like an ARB, then you could have it open, get stuck, lock it and be on your way.

I was hoping to keep the warranty intact as much as possible, but this may be the most viable option.

 

[MRosinski]

I love my anti-spin, it allows me to plow alot of driveways in 2wd. Especially doin a burnout you dont want no one tire fire.

 

[JCleary]

My '01 (which was more of a truck than this one will ever be... but that's another story... ) had the open rear. It had the Mich M/S tires (more of a street tread) and it did much better than this one! The new one had the BFG off road tread (similar to the KO's) and it is just awlful!



The problem that I am having is trying to get out of my driveway... Keep in mind: no problems w/ the '01... There is a small swail (for water to drain accross the drive where it meets the road. If I drive out (uphill) to get out, the front tires hit this slight "divot" and it halts the truck momentarily to then allow the rear tire to slip sideways further into deeper snow. I have tried to "hit" it faster going out and depending on conditions I may make it.



I am basing my questions on this topic because of past experiences (and no problems. )

I think your problem lies with your tires. My Michelins (when I had them) were much superior in snow than any BFG I have had. (AT's and MT's).



I would not give up my lsd for an open diff. I had a '98 Land Rover Discovery with permanent 4wd before they added electronic traction control. I got stuck on the side of the road because two wheels (left) were on ice, and the others were in 4" deep snow. Open diffs suck, even with 4wd. I couldn't even get out by locking the center diff. I had to get pulled out by a Ford. Yuck!

 

[JasonCzerak]

We have yet to get any "REAL" snow up here in MSP just yet. but the 2 times thus far is snowed where I was (detroit, and MSP this past week), the 2WD traction of the nitto terra grapplers have been very good.



I would have to say better then the BFG KO's on my 93' XJ. yeah, apples to oranges for the jeep vs truck. but... ... .



I don't use 4x4 much at all unless I deside to make a VERY quick move some place. Around turns, It's always disenguaged unless there is LOTS of snow on the ground to have something slip.



Yeah, it's easy to put any posi car/truck into a drift, just be quick with your hands and drive out the drift and you'll be fine.



Other wise, stay home. I don't need you next to me on the roads durning snow

 

[fkovalski]

I think your problem lies with your tires. My Michelins (when I had them) were much superior in snow than any BFG I have had. (AT's and MT's)... .

Really! I would not have thought the tires to be the issue! Especially going to a less agressive tread! I'll have to ask the tire "pros" on this on and to may be look into new boots!

... Other wise, stay home. I don't need you next to me on the roads durning snow

That is kinda' tough to do in my neck of the woods. I live in an area (10,000 feet) where everyone drives SUV's... . kinda' do need it here in the winter.



EDIT: I look outside right now and it is DUMPING!!! Got 12- 14" in the last two days and there is a winter storm warning in effect till Saturday.

In most parts of the counrty when an area get this much snow it makes national news... Here... well, it's just another day in paradise

 

[BHolm]

Just put it in 4wd. This is assuming you were not already in 4x4. Some folks have a terrible aversion to using the 4x4 option they paid for. They have made it so easy to shift in and out I don't know why people are still afraid they will hurt something.



The other thing I would do, if feasible, is to add some weight back there. I have 7, 60lb sandbags in back, makes a big difference.



As for tires, in my experience it is extremely hard to beat the BFG AT KO for winter use. This tire IS a snow tire, it carries the industries snow/ice tire rating. The Michelin M/S is also a great tire and works well in the winter due to lots of siping in the tread. The BFG Rugged Trails, that come standard on some trucks are just OK IMO.

 

[fkovalski]

... The BFG Rugged Trails, that come standard on some trucks are just OK IMO.

OOPS... My bad... I do in fact have the BFG Ruggerd Trails as the factory package.

Just put it in 4wd. This is assuming you were not already in 4x4. ... .

I do infact have the truck in 4WD to and from work these past few days (and always in the winter to get out of the driveway)



Yes, adding weight to the bed has crossed my mind. I am going to do this soon. (maybe the lbs. and REAL tires might help me out greatly!)



Just snapped a photo outside my office window:

 

[JCleary]

Rugged Trails are terrible. AT KO's are much better, but by far the best snow tire I've had is a Michelin Cross-Terrain.



The Michelin has lots and lots of siping, which gives you more traction in the snow. Smaller tread (like street tread) will retain more heat and have more biting edges to melt and grab the snow, as opposed to an open tread design like a MT.



Narrow tires help a lot in the snow. I hate my Toyo's when everything's white outside.

 

[opjohnny]

If you were in an off camber situation I can see where the anti slip would snap the truck sideways when a peg leg would keep it going straight. It is fun if you want to do that, not fun if you don't. The selectable locker in the Jeep Rubicon is anti-slip when it is not locked in the back. So you would be in the same boat. I am not sure about the powerwagon. I agree with the tall and skinny tire working better in the snow.

 

[TowPro]

the front tires hit this slight "divot" and it halts the truck momentarily to then allow the rear tire to slip sideways further into deeper snow.

Sorry to say this is a symptom of a Limited slip that is working! With an open rear only one wheel spins, and the other will act like a rudder keeping the truck from sliding down the crown in the road (or off the driveway). When both spins, the back of your truck has nothing holding it on the crown of the road and it rolls down the crown (or hill) sideways like a ball.

 

[fkovalski]

Sorry to say this is a symptom of a Limited slip that is working! With an open rear only one wheel spins, and the other will act like a rudder keeping the truck from sliding down the crown in the road (or off the driveway). When both spins, the back of your truck has nothing holding it on the crown of the road and it rolls down the crown (or hill) sideways like a ball.

Yep!



With my '01, the traction would transfer back & forth (on the rear tires) to each side as the other slipped. I never got stuck in that truck!



Just as you described, I end up digging myself deeper trying to get unstuck! I cannot chain up in this situation as I would have to have the tires rolling (not spinning) to get ONTOP of the chains. I end up shoveling a bit then "stuffing" the chain inthe path of travel to get the least bit of traction to move forward. Very Frustrationg... see. . I cont evn spel im so MAD :-laf

 

[Nate]

EDIT: I look outside right now and it is DUMPING!!! Got 12- 14" in the last two days and there is a winter storm warning in effect till Saturday.

In most parts of the counrty when an area get this much snow it makes national news... Here... well, it's just another day in paradise

Yeah is all depends on where you live. Living in Maine, just about every year we would get at least 2-3' overnight. They don't even cancel school for that.



I'm in Idaho now. We got like 1. 5" yesterday and they had us come in work late. And today another 2" or so and I got off work at noon. Pretty lame, but I get paid the same anyway, so may as well be at home

 

[fkovalski]

. I'm in Idaho now. We got like 1. 5" yesterday and they had us come in work late. And today another 2" or so and I got off work at noon. Pretty lame, but I get paid the same anyway, so may as well be at home

:-laf :-laf :-laf ... Yep... . we have an informal 6" powder rule at work... (cough,cough) might have to catch some POW in the AM... . IF I CAN GET OUT OF THE DAMN DRIVEWAY (frig'n POS 3G with anti spin craaapppp!)



Sorry... pass the prozac :-laf

 

[Nate]

Yeah 14" isn't all that much. Living in Maine, I've woken up to 3' and one time back in 92 or 93 we got 4 feet. Just about every year though at least 2-3' overnight. They don't even cancel school for that.



I'm in Idaho now. We got like 1. 5" yesterday and they had us come in work late. And today another 2" or so and I got off work at noon. Pretty lame, but I get paid the same anyway, so may as well be at home

 

[madduck]

Why not invest in some real snow tires?? My summer tires are the BFG Rugged Trails and they do terrible in any snow. I have about 8 hundred pounds in the back and a BOSS plow up front and with the snow tires I have never gotten stuck. Love it when we do get a good dumping of snow and every one is creeping along and I just cruise right on by.

 

[fkovalski]

Why not invest in some real snow tires?? My summer tires are the BFG Rugged Trails and they do terrible in any snow. I have about 8 hundred pounds in the back and a BOSS plow up front and with the snow tires I have never gotten stuck. Love it when we do get a good dumping of snow and every one is creeping along and I just cruise right on by.

I am starting to think think (hope) that it is the tires that are the problem. Do you have the Anti- spin in the truck of which you describe? What are you using for weight? If the Rugged Trails are your summer tires, what do you run for plowing (or are you getting to good results from the extra weight?)



thanks,

-frank.