First question..

When it's 10 degrees or colder and I start my truck it makes an awful screech / grinding sound for the for 2 or 3 seconds. Every vehicle, new or old that I've owned has done this. I know it's probably just due to the cold temps but I'm wondering what exactly causes it and if there's anything I can do to help at all?

Second question..

I'm RWD with a non limited slip and oem hankook tires. We get a lot of snow here and I've had a hard time. What have you guys done to get the best traction possible with a RWD truck? Sandbags, studded tires? Also, I noticed the other day when I almost got stuck and was giving it a lot of gas trying to get out the ABS and the Ebrake light came on for a bit. What's with that?

Thanks in advance for any tips, responses or advice.

 

cant help you with 1st question, but get a set of bfg a/t, regear and install ls.

 

I've got sandbags, about 8 of the 80 lbers, along with my 800 lb toolbox. Thats roughly 1500 lbs of weight in the back. I have 4.10's along with a factory Limited Slip. I've never had a problem -- ever! Even with the crappy Hank00ks...

Not sure about your first problem.

 

How much do you think it would cost to have the limited slip differential installed? If it's a lot, I doubt I'll do it.

1500 lbs? wow, does that make the rear sag a lot? I'm going to try 200lbs over each wheel and maybe put some studded snows in the back. If that doesn't work, I'll trade this in and finance a 4x4 ha. I live in Vermont and we seen to be getting storm after storm. I live in Burlington (which is VT's largest city) and the roads are not even slightly good. I can't make it up the slightest incline. Loved this truck in the summer... Now that winter is here part of me wishes I hadn't traded my 2008 GMC Canyon 4x4 for this.

As far as my first reply, no one has this issue? I just sounds like a dry start. Or, I dunno, it's just when the temp is under 10 degrees. As I said, ever vehicle I've had has done it when it's super cold. My previous truck, the 2008 GMC did it even with 8 miles on it the first time I started it.

Thanks for the tips guys. Now Ijust need to find sandbags somewhere.

 

If they are legal in your state, get a set of studded snow tires. You can find sandbags at any lumber yard or home improvement warehouse.

The screech is probably an accessory trying to spin up or belt slippage or the fan clutch. Dry starts don't screech, they tap or click.

 

Not really... believe it or not it sits perfectly level.

The weight of the toolbox is distributed evenly over both axles because it is dead center on the truck... remember, I got a long bed, so it makes it sit perfectly in the middle. The sand bags are distributed over the entire rear end. I got 2x4 planks holding everything in. I plan on building a box for them at one point, so when I'm loading crap in the back, it doesn't interfere with it too much.

I did take them out today to load the back of my truck up with a couple heaps of snow to move them to my buddies' house down the street where he uses it for his snowmobile jumps.

 

With my OEM 235/70/17 Hankooks, 3.55 gears, and limited slip, I had a snow issues. Several times I felt the tires slip & spin for a quick couple of seconds, but the limited slip did it's job and got me going. I also felt the truck slip & skid a little with split second, hard braking. It skidded to a stop, but still stopped. What did the trick was just putting on some chains.

When I went from OEM Hankook to 255/75/17 Goodyear Wranglers, I didn't feel any slipping, and didn't have to use my chains.

I now have 315/770/17 Hankook w/ Ford Racing 4.10 gears. No problems at all. I still carry a chains. Actually, I now have Go-Claws. But I have not needed to use them yet. With the new tires & gears, coupled w/ the OEM limited slip, I haven't lost traction yet.

If you're thinking of adding limited slip, you may as well do your gears at the same time. While you're at it, add a Mag-Hytec differential cover. Cost for parts? Start with Jegs & Summit Racing, and see what the gears & limited slip will cost. Then find a reputable shop & get a quote on parts & labor, or just the labor. Market rates vary.

 

By the way, the OEM tires are usually highway tires. Consider getting A/T OR M/T tires for winter snow driving.

 

Thanks to all for the advice. I will look into getting an LS differential. Prices seem to start around $470-ish. Although, I'm really not looking to spend that much, I'll start with sandbags and maybe some winter tires. I had a 2002 Ranger a few years back with the non LS, no weight in the back and some good winters and never really had an issue. I currently have absolutely nothing in the back right now so I think that's my main problem. Ha I've been stuck in one section of town for a few days because I'm too scared of getting stuck on the hills going out of town.

What effect would changing the gears have? Is that something that would really help a lot?

 

I recommend a Detroit Tru-Trac... or an Eaton would work too... The Ford ones seem to *ok*... But if you are going to spend the money, might as well put something good in.

The gearing will help out a lot. You know how you have to ride the clutch in reverse now? Well forget about it... with stock tires and 4.10s, just drop the clutch, and it is like an automatic to an extent (hint hint hint... don't stop! lol) so you don't have to ride the clutch. Which really helps in two areas: Towing and clutch wear. Plus, it allows you to apply the power of the engine to the wheels in a much more controlled manner, but giving you insane torque in the process. Which is what you want in a truck, right?

4.10s and a LS with the 5 speed makes this truck a fun truck! Especially since yours is a short bed... trust me, it will be awesome!

 

Thanks a bunch Manual.

Sounds like it would help greatly. I'll check the installation prices and if they're not too bad, I'll go for it.

I decided the fiirst thing I'm going to do is get a nice set of studded winter tires and sandbags. I'll go from there. I'm going to get a set of extra wheels too (obviously so I don't have to switch tires off one set of wheels) maybe the stx wheels or something nicer than the xl's.

Anyway, thanks again for the replies. Hopefully the tires and sandbags will help. If not, I'll get the locker.

 

Also, I'd like to add about the start up sound..

It's more like a zipping sound. Only happens when it's below 10 degrees and it only lasts for about 1 second right when the engine cranks over. Also, I have read a lot of other forums and noticed lots of different cars do this. To be honest, every vehicle new or used that I've owned has done the same thing.

Just curious if any other F150 owners in cold climits have experienced this?

 

Yep... both my '99 and '08 have done this... Not quite sure what it is... but I do know for a fact that the 4.2l takes a LOT of juice to kick over for whatever reason.

 

Even though it's happened to every vehicle I've owned, it's good to hear other F150 owners have experienced the same thing. I know nothing is worng, It's just good to know I'm not the only one.
although, I will say the sound is kind of annoying. I was going to bring it to the dealership but I know they'll just tell me it's normal and it'll be a waste of my time.

New studded winter tires tomorrow and sandbags.. hopefully that'll help a little.

 

More info/proof:

https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...-cold-out.html

Like I said... completely normal.

Come on now... just get those tires and sandbags and enjoy your truck!