If your only goal is to not slide through intersections, and you are used to
driving in the snow/bad conditions, then you should already have that part
of the problem figured out. Having a 4x4 truck, or even RWD truck is not
going to change much in the way of how you need to drive to keep from
sliding through intersections.
As far as driving goes, you will HATE the stock LSD. It won't cause you as
many problems with sliding the back end around as you think. My experiences
with my truck in the snow with the stock LSD leave a lot to be desired. As
in, one wheel wonders, as in wondering why you are still sitting in the same
spot spinning one wheel. 4x4 will help with this. I actually run a
Powertrax locker in my truck with snow tires in the winter. I have fun with
it and enjoy kicking the back end out, but have learned the limits of what I
can and can't do before I get into trouble and end up facing the wrong
direction once or twice. BTW, I have a R/T pushing 280-300hp to the wheels.
brian cropp
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-dakota-truck@bent.twistedbits.net
[mailto:owner-dakota-truck@bent.twistedbits.net] On Behalf Of
teseract@moparhowto.com
Sent: Sunday, November 15, 2009 8:18 PM
To: dakota-truck-moderator@bent.twistedbits.net
Subject: Re: DML: Opinions: To Shift into
In article <200911151940.49658.info@zaccaria-pinball.com>,
info@zaccaria-pinball.com (David Gersic) writes:
>
> A tip I picked up last winter if you find yourself stuck on the ice where
> neither rear wheel wants to grip (so the suregrip won't engage) is to use
the
> brakes lightly to get the clutches in the rear diff to lock up.
Good tip! That's the kind of information I was looking for. :)
> > That's why I'd figure I'd be in
> > 4wd a lot as I mostly drive at city speeds and my area isn't known for
> > it's excellent plow or deicing service.
>
> City speeds are what, 30mph or lower? 4wd may help there, especially if
you're
> doing a lot of start-and-stop driving.
My commute is a 2.5 mile drive on 25-30mph speed limit roads to and from
work
through the downtown of a city. There's 11 stoplights (yes I've counted) in
that 2.5 mile stretch. It takes me 12-16 minutes depending on traffic and
red
lights to go 2.5 miles, so my average speed is VERY low. I'm not going to
hit
the plowed freeway at 60mph in 4-high, I like my transfer case in one piece,
thanks. ;)
To clarify:
I work in a position for the local hospitals that *requires* me to show up
no
matter what the weather. I've driven in severe winters for the last 10
years,
with commutes as low as 2.5 miles to 35 miles each way. I've been one of
the
smug 2wd people cruising on decent snow tires laughing at the pickup
truck/SUV
in the middle of a field on bald all-season tires with the owner wondering
how
the heck he got there. I'm well aware 4wd doesn't help with braking. I see
4wd
as a stability enhancer and for assistance with acceleration, especially
making
those lovely mandatory free-lefts at intersections with oncoming traffic.
That
and helping me get to work after we get 2' of snow dropped on us in 24 hours
like last December. Last year my boss had to pick me up in his Jeep.
Embarrassing.
My only goal is to not slide through intersections, into the back of other
vehicles, or to have the rear end catch traction on a icey snow-rut and
fling
the ass end of the truck into the car next to me when accelerating from a
green
light.
MattB
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