First Ice/Snow Drive

[StephenThomas]

Got a good coating of ice and snow in my area last night. I've read mixed results here on TDR about how well our trucks have driven in the snow. But I wanted to say that I am COMPLETELY happy with how well my truck handled under poor weather conditions. My BFG ATs gave great traction. My ABS worked great on ice. My "dial a drive" was such a luxury -- flipping in/out of 4HI/2HI was unbelievably EZ and fast. Until now, I've been wondering if I'd be happy with the "dial a drive" -- let me say... I'm big time happy with it -- in fact, I feel a bit spoiled with it now.

 

[ScottBrown]

I know what you mean I live in Alaska have the "dial Drive" I run in 2WD 99% of the time even on ice. If something gets scary I flip the switch . The BFG tires work great on the ice. I still am looking for a directional studless snow tire in the 10 ply range.

 

[Dean Upson]

Scott and Stephen,

I agree with both of you, even my dually is great in the snow with no load. I expect the srw's are even better. The LSD and the dial a drive are both better than my expectations.



Dean

 

[420welder]

I have 2wd with the ASD and can't be any happier. On a snow covered hill on a road I travel almost ever day I stopped midway and it went up with no problem. I know my 97 F-350 would not have made it up the hill.

 

[Tomeygun]

the heilical gear limited slip unit in these new trucks are WAY better then the old crumby clutch type from the 2nd gens



i had quite a fun day in the snow and ice yesterday

 

[MHudson1]

Just for your information, the standard, non LSD rear functions well in the ice and snow stuff. I think I get as much traction in those conditions as the anti-spin.

 

[CLAYTON]

My truck is a tank in the snow. . I actually just got a big f-350 power joker unstuck. I think he felt dumb but it sure did put a big smile on my face

 

[rbattelle]

Mine is as good as previous 4wd trucks I've owned. But my tires are poor in the snow... stock Michelin ATXs.

 

[Briman]

I myself just went from an open to a LSD and there is no way the open is as good as the LSD. The LSD is much better on snow and ice. I still have not run into the one wheel on ice and the other on dry concrete problem yet, but give it time.

 

[WM-300]

Huge Improvement over my 98 Ram

I have a new 2003 that I have put 3000 miles on it so far in a hard northern winter. I am impressed, very impressed. I bought it with the BFG On/Off road tires. When I saw them, I felt sick, not the huge aggressive tread I am used to. I felt they would be a joke. I was wrong !!! The new high tech tires for snow/ice no longer have the deep huge aggressive lugs I grew up with. From what I read, the new technology is with computer designed lugs, lots of sniping etc.



I also was not to impressed with the electronic 4 wheel drive switch, I like a good old manual in and out as my 98 ram had. I too am sold on the new electronic shift. It goes in and out of 4x4 immediatelly, the Ram had long lag times in and out.



I have tried to make the front slide on snow in a hard turn. With any reason in driving, it does not slide. I have a much more stable feeling with the 2003 that I did with the 98.



Now, My only complaint... ... ... . The 4x4 Indiacator light is to small.

2 times now I have forgotten to go back to 2 wheel drive on dry roads. It was only into the village, a mile or so, but DC needs to put a larger indiacator light.



Paul

 

[DChatfield]

I drove from Bird City KS back home to Kansas city via 36 highway last night (460 mi). Heavy snow on 36 highway for about 200 miles. Even with the stock Michelin ATX's I was pleasantly surprised how the 2500 handled, it tracked straight even in 2wd and when traction was questionable I would flip to 4wd and back effortlessly. I was running 45 to 50 mph and with a strong north crosswind posted 21. 8 mpg.

 

[LRoy]

I know it's comparing apples to oranges - but as far as snow traction goes - my srw 3500 w/ the stock Michelin LTX-AT tires is far inferior to my previous Ford Ranger with Michelin LTX-MS (but it's not enough to go back!)



I would love to see Michelin produce the LTX-MS in an appropriate size and rating for the 3rd gens. If they don't, I'll probably give the BFG's a try next year.



I'm very surprised none of the manufacturers have stepped up yet to produce a true snow tire for these trucks. I had heard Toyo did but didn't see one on their website.

 

[MHudson1]

IF I have one wheel on ice or snow and the other is on dry pavement the wheel on the slippery stuff will spin, left or right. However the right rear isthe main driver. Hit the brakes and the other side will pick up. Both wheels on equal slippery stuff both will spin with no traction. I have 1/2 ton vans that will go in stuff that 3/4 ton pickups will get stuck, I think it is more a factor of lower pressure tires and softer springs that will move you more than tires at 70 pounds and stiff springs as a factor.

 

[JHardwick]

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr

we had a pretty heavy snow squal yesterday, ended overnight with an ice storm.



The snow was done when I got home and I had a perfect 1/4" thick shell of ice on my truck this morning.



Guess what?? No defrost!! Could get air out of the panel vents and the floor, but no defrosters!!



Goes in friday with 34,800 miles, lol.



Reminds me of my '99 with a bad fuel pump at 98,000

 

[JHardwick]

oh!

keeping with the thread, the truck has excellent traction, lol.



my only complaint is the rear end does feel a little floaty at highway speeds in the left lane ... ... ... ... . just gotta trust it's gonna go where you point it!



good thing I raced dirt sprint cars, lol, thats a point and shoot type a deal:-laf

 

[ScottBrown]

The only problem I have is when the turbo spools up, it is instant sideways, I did a few little bombs that made that happen.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

The Gen3 is the best of the CTDs I've had on ice and snow driving. I thought the duallies might make it a sidewinding pig, but no way. The LSD works like a dream. I've even been happy with the GY GSAs. Hope they make the Workhorse in 17s soon.



I must say I haven't driven in wet thick slushy snow conditions yet. That can be challenging.

 

[Bunn]

Took my truck out in the woods tonight, snow was up to the rocker panels... .



Handled like a dream, actually it floated like a dream. Scared my pants off when it started hopping though.

 

[PatrickCampbell]

On ice a LSD is not necessarily better in my opinion.



In my experiences, when you hit a patch of ice with an LSD, you're going to go a little sideways, with an open you're most likely going to keep going straight, but just spin out. This is in 2WD.



I was Idaho bound from NJ on I-80 last night and got about 100 miles into PA when I was breaking loose even in 4WD at any speeds above about 20 MPH. The roads were like a SHEET of ice. I pulled over, slept, and turned back today. Still took me about 5 hours to get home (150 miles).



I counted at least 3 big trucks in the ditch and at least 10 4 wheelers.



Also, I hear a lot of people saying that if you can't drive in 2WD, then you shouldn't be driving at all... but I can't disagree with this more. 4WD gives you a huge advantage that your steer tires are pulling. You gotta understand that sometimes the solution is giving it a little throttle to pull it back together, rather than letting off.

 

[KBennett]

Mine handles really well in 4WD and great braking on a slick surface.