Wheel Hop

[BMancin]

I experienced a fair amount of wheel hop while driving through the East Coast snow (20 inches) last week. Primarily on starting. Once I got rolling, all was okay. I suspect the 6speed power transfer on progressive springs may the reason why. My 03 is a dually w/4WD.



Any ideas on the best way to eliminate this problem? I was considering a plow installation, but at this point, would need to resolve this problem first.



Any tips on driving 4WD dually in deep snow would be appreciated.



Thanks,

 

[Prairie Dog]

I've experienced the same thing in the rain around here. I think it's because of the longer springs. At any rate, it gets better after you get about 2k on your tires. They seem to hook up better after that.

 

[Peterbilt379CJ]

It is not the front axle. It is the rear axle that is hopping around and only because the rear springs are long and have a low spring rate.



If you want to solve the problem it is pretty easy. You can -

buy a set of traction bars from rancho suspension. they bolt right on.

 

[Rosco]

The easiest fix is to put some weight in the rear. If you want to put a plow on you will need some ballast to offset the plow anyway. I use tube sand from Home Depot as weight when I plow snow.

 

[Badunit]

I didn't notice any unusual wheelhop with mine but it's a 2500 not a DRW 3500. Sure was fun to get to play in some snow for a change.

 

[moorepowercoatings]

I get wheel hop in 2nd 3rd with a damp road and if there is any irregularity in the road even 4th under wot. I have on 4500 miles, isn't any better.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Originally posted by Peterbilt379CJ





If you want to solve the problem it is pretty easy. You can -

buy a set of traction bars from rancho suspension. they bolt right on.

Just a word of caution on the Rancho bars. I used to have a set on my '01 4x2 and they didn't work worth a darn. Also, I would be surprised if they are available for 03s. The set for the '02 required drilling the frame, so keep this in mind too.



Vaughn

 

[e-man-da-warranty-man]

I also had a very minor hopping problem. Adding weight does cure it. My Ram has issues when towing losing traction taking off from stop lights! I tow a 24 foot enclosed race trailer with 4000 lbs of 60's american muscle car and tools. It likes to squeal the "meats" in second under moderate throttle! Man I love torque. Never, I mean never ever will I tow with a gas truck again!



p. s. I've had mixed expirience with Rancho bars. They work, but limit ground clearance, and due to thin tubing can bend quite easily.