Change the rear end, 1wd just isnt going to cut it. That will fix alot of problems. My work truck is a 4cyl 2wd 5-speed ranger and I havent had a problem as of yet. I have 8 40lb bags of dirt in the bed plus the tool box with about 50lbs of junk in it.

 

I have owned numerous vehicles with one wheel peel and they were rear wheel drive. I never had a problem except in the deepest snow. The secret is the proper tires, weight over the wheels, and how you drive.

JMC

 

I know what you mean about driving habits JMC, but for me the problem isn't once I'm moving or driving straight, it's getting moving that's the problem, and mainly on my street which never gets cleared and a bed of ice sits under where I park. I just assumed that all season LT's would have been good enough, but I guess if I'm gonna keep this thing I'm gonna do three things: 1. change the gears 2. look into an AT tire 2. add more weight in the bed.

The other thing I hate is the way it looks when I put so much weight in the bed, the springs go way down and it looks even MORE 2WD than ever. Plus, the mileage really sucks then! (but that I can deal with)

 

You meen change the carrier to limited slip right not change gears?remember also there is really no perfect tire for ice just ones that help,thats why they have studs in some areas.little throttle helps also with the ice to get moving.

 

Chapdog:

I thought I knew what I was taling about, but now I'm not so sure. When you refer to the carrier, what do you mean? I thought all I needed was to was have the gears changed inside the rear dif, no? (as you can tell, I'm no mechanic, sorry dude). I have it wrong then?

 

If you are going to open up the rear differential to change the gear ratio form your 3.08:1 to some other ratio then I would if money permits change the carrier from an open (one wheel spin) to a limited slip (both wheels spin). Only changing the gears will only aggravate the problem as they will deliver more torque to the only wheel that is spinning.

JMC

 

Thanks, JMC. Last question, is that a heck of a lot more expensive? Because you're right, it doesn't make very much sense to go up without making it a true LSD.

 

New they should run about $300.00. You are looking for a limited slip for a Ford 8.8 differential with 31 splines. Traction-Lok is the Brand in the Fords. It is sometimes referred to as a Trac-Lok. I cannot comment about the GTA but in my area there a few local guys that set up differentials for a few hundred dollars + parts.

JMC

 

ford racing sells them for $215 http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts...rtKeyField=221

i would get someone who knows what they are doing to install

 

I've been driving 2wd trucks for years, and finally picked up my fx4 this winter.
Snow tires made a big difference on my last 2wd, but honestly dude, trade it in for a 4x4 if you can. There is no comparison. You'll love plowing through the snow banks we have all over the city.

 

That's way too funny, because I always feel like such a wuss complaining about the snow in Toronto, but this year really has been a crazy winter eh? I think that even if I had a driveway for cry'in out loud I'd be complaining a LOT less, but I'm cursed with downtown street parking. Take a drive around downtown and most of the streets haven't even been plowed yet. I know, I know, wuss... but I think I'm stuck with my truck for at least another couple of years. But someday....ahh....someday....4X4!!!!! ( I can't wait )

 

I would definitely recommend doing a limited slip if you are staying with the 2x4. I'm not too positive about snow, but I have heard in mud it makes a huge difference, so I am assuming it should help alot in the snow