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.

are trucks like this really that different in the snow?

 

When I have my truck in 4hi I don,t have any trouble with it at all. And I've been in some good snow this winter with it. Although I have brand new goodyear AT/S's right now. My last F-150 had goodyear wrangler AP's which really stunk but still did very well when in 4hi. I also noticed my new f-150 does better because it has limitted slip. Dose your truck have LS and which goodyears do you have because I've heard that the RT/S's are not quite up to speed in the traction department easecialy when half or more worn out.

 

I know how you feel Hunter!! I purchased my 03 FX4 Screw brand new, first snow and I was spinning out (2X4) on the smalles of inclines. After 3k, I coulndt handle it anymore, went to the local tire shop and traded the stock tires in. I got a set of meaty 33X12.50-17's put on the stock rims. They have alot more traction, and of course look way better. I have been in 10 inches of snow, (and busting through 3ft drifts) with no problems.

Hak

 

After reading my post, I will expand.... In two wheel drive I was spinning out, no need to put it in four wheel drive on plowed roads. I even had some traction problems in four wheel drive, again on plowed roads. The stock tires seemed ok in 3-4 inches of snow. I would highly recommend siping your tires (current ones, or if you buy new ones).

I seem to have lost what I was trying to say....

Hak

 

HAKU,

what kind of tires did you put on ? (brand and model number)

 

They were from Les Schwabb, Radial SXT Mud terrain. I think they are made by Avon.. And no not the makeup people.. I have 5k on them so far, and they still look brand new. Minimal noise at highway speed, and they fit perfectly, with no rubbing. I actually have lots of room left.. They gave me $40 trade in on my tires, which put the price at $143 per tire including mount, ballance ect.
This reminds me that I need to rotate them..

Hak

 

It may be your tires.
Try puting a couple hundred pounds in the back (or a canopy on) and see if that helps.
Mine works just fine--------->

 

I have the same truck as you with the topper. Except mine is red. If you are going thru snow like that with ease then i has to be my tires. I do have the AT/S Goodyears (better than the RT/S) and it still sucks.

you don't think cuz my truck is RED instead of black do you? I really wanted black... .j/k.


Does anyone think it's cuz of the FX-4 package? does that make it worse in the snow?

 

Nope, mine is the FX4. Its the tires, of course I had the RT's.
Get those ATs sipped, amazing difference in just doing that.

Hak

 

I put 300 lbs of sand over the rear axle when going cross country in winter (SoCal to Denver and back). Helps a bit, I have 3.55 LSD and 4x2. It'll still fishtail if I goose it on ice, LSD just switches back and forth between wheels - it goes straight "on average" when fishtailing but it really freaks out the people behind me ;-)

Even with all the weight and the LSD, it won't go up a moderately steep icy driveway. Have the stock BFG Longtrails 285/60R17.

Pick up trucks generally aren't noted for good winter traction.