I just got rid of my 97 Expedition and bought a 2002 SuperCrew FX-4 pickup. My question is, how come this truck is terrible in the snow? i have the stock goodyear tires on it and there is plenty of tread. But the Expy was so much better. It stuck like glue on snow and ice and the Screw will spin out and get stuck.. i know this is a truck with a lighter back end but are they all like this? i am afraid of getting this thing stuck in about 8" of snow..


please lend me your thoughts on this.. thanks.

 

You are 100% correct about the back end being lighter and that contributing to the slippage. If you really plan on going through that much snow, maybe you should invest in some chains. Four wheel drive is great, but I have seen some front wheel drive cars go places that I wouldn't want to drive through. That being said, I do live in Arkansas where there isn't much snow, so I don't have that much experience driving through it.

 

A little extra weight in the back end will do wonders for your traction. Are the tires the exact same type as your other vehicle? They will also make a huge difference depending on the tire.

 

Tires make more of a difference than any other single factor. You have POS GoodYears on that FX4 and that is your main problem.
Get off that wallet and buy some decent tires and your problem will be history.

I swear by BFG A/T, but I hear good things about Bridgestone duelers. Either would be a major improvement over the GY's.

 

If it's just a winter thing then a few bags of Sand or cement from Home Depot for $20 may solve your problem.

 

Don't no about snow, i live in east TN, but they are cutting a new subdivision down the street from me so I decided to do a little 4 wheel'in in the new 03 Screw with RT/S stockers.

Very disappointed in them, they loaded up real bad with mud and would not clean out, it was like running on 4 slicks.

Thankfuly most on my 4 wheelin is on hard packed dirt or land and boat ramps.

If I was off-road very much-- they would be HISTORY.

I'll be doing the BFG thing when these wear out.

LATER,,,,,, KELLER

 

'nuff said.

 

Is'nt your screw a 4x4? I didn't think that you could get the fx-4 package on a 4x2.

 

It's a 4x4 with the FX4 package. But it doesn't matter it's bad in snow in 2 and in 4 wheel drive. I do have the AT/S tires on it not the RT/s but from what i have been reading that is still a problem. I have never been a big fan of Goodyear tires. But the rating in snow at goodyear.com is an 8 out of 10 which you think would be good.

i am wondering if the FX4 package contributes to this at all.

 

I have an 01 Screw 4x4 with limited slip differential and GY RT/s stock tires on the back... and live in the North East.... It did okay in the snow, but I was thinking of going to the AT/s tires next year as well.. Does your new truck have limited slip ... that might make a big difference as well. I was going thru 8-10 ' snow without any problems this year without weight in the back.
not sure what the best road tire is with good winter qualities as well...
best of luck

 

How do i know if it has limited slip..??? it's a 2002 liariat FX4 F150. Will this be marked somewhere?

 

it should be on the actually differential housing, but I had the dealer confirm mine had it before I bought it. Another way to check is to jack up one of the back wheels (rolling jack)... then put it in gear and see if it will pull the jack .... if the jacked wheel spins and no movement , then no limited slip....(keep in 2wd)

 

I have a 2003 Supercrew also, 4x4. With General stock Tires. I find if I go slow and use the weight of the vehicle and then if I have to I use the 4X4. Yes if you have limited slip it helps and yes if you want to lay out 5-6 hundred bucks you can get better tires.

 

I have a 2002 screw 4x4 xlt package with 4 brandy new generals and had no issues this year in the north east driving in as much as 28" of snow(stupid move on my part, but that's a whole 'nother story). Sucka handled just as well as the hummer! As others have said...maybe it's the tires?

good luck,
Scott

 

I live in Northern Ontario; we still have a few feet of snow here.
My 2001 Screw 5.4, 4x4, 3.55 limited slip equipped with a cap has no problems in the snow; even with the crappy Good Years.

The limited slip makes big difference in the snow. However weight does wonders too.(cap)

As to find out if your truck has limited slip, you can look at the original bill of sales or window sticker, it be will listed under options.

If you cannot find either, just get out your ownerships and call ford up and give them your vin #. They will be happy to tell you what options are on your truck.

Regards.


"Still playing with Trucks!!"