Will the real Mike Clark please stand up? (was: LSD and/or ABS: to get or not to get)

From: Jason Bleazard (drazaelb@yahoo.com)
Date: Tue Sep 19 2000 - 14:37:41 EDT


Hmmm... seems like we attract Mike Clarks. The new Mike is probably
confused, but there's another Mike Clark who has been on the list for
quite a while now.

As long as we don't see "Hi, I'm a new subscriber, my name is Bob
Trottmann..." No offense Robert, but one Trottmann is enough. :-)

Mike, on your question, I can't be too much help since I have a 4x4.
But I can tell you that I use 2wd almost exclusively all winter long.
 The only time I really need 4 wheel drive is when I'm messing around
parking up on a snowbank or something. I do keep three bags of sand
in the bed for extra weight over the rear axle, that helps quite a
bit. I currently live in Toronto, which has weather similar to what
you describe.

I don't have the limited slip in mine, wish I did. Norah's truck
does, and it does help out, mostly with getting started from a stop.
Sometimes in freezing rain what you will get is two wheels spinning
instead of one. It can cause the rear end to kick out more when
turning, so you'll have to keep those counter steering skills handy.

Neither of us have 4-wheel ABS. I had it on my Neon, and the only
time I really remember being glad I had it was when I was playing in
an empty parking lot (this was in Utah, about 18" of snow on the
ground at the time).

Also, I'm sure you'll hear this several times, but if you can afford
it, go for the V8 instead of the 6. The difference in fuel economy
is miniscule, and especially with the weight of the quad cab, you'll
appreciate the extra power of the 8.

Good luck with your shopping. Let us know what you decide.

--- "Clark, Michael S" <Michael.S.Clark@state.me.us> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I'm researching dakotas and have narrowed it down to a 2wd quad,
> 6-cyl
> 5-spd. I'm considering geting LSD for improved traction in snow
> (can't
> afford 4wd). I live in the northeast and often the snow is more
> like slush
> and freezing rain. Have owned an open diff 2wd mazda 4cyl 5-spd
> (rear ABS)
> for 8 years and done fine, but thought the LSD and ABS would be a
> good
> improvement. Any experience out there? Comments, suggestions,
> what I can
> expect to be different, etc., greatly appreciated! I'm thinking
> two wheels
> spinning in slop (evenly?) may be less easy to manage than the old
> tried and
> true counter-steer, but don't know. Also, how about ABS- worth the
> $$? My
> wife will drive the truck too, and she doesn't like the Mazda now
> (prefers
> front wheel cars.) Thanks in advance!
>
> Mike

=====
Linux: Because a 486 is a terrible thing to waste.
---------------------------------------------------------
Jason Bleazard http://www.bleazard.net Toronto, Ontario
his: '95 Dakota Sport 4x4, 239 V6, 5spd, Reg. Cab, white
hers: '98 Dakota Sport 4x4, 318 V8, Auto, Club Cab, black

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