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jdemaris
02-28-2007 12:17:12
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Re: OT - True four-wheel drive on truck in reply to CB in central NY, 02-28-2007 10:14:51
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Just because one wheel spins, it doesn't mean that the other isn't trying (if only a little). Certainly not true 4WD, when one wheel spins there still can be a little - and sometimes no pressure being applied to other. But, for one to be getting no power to it at all, the other would have to have zero traction. I spent years driving on ice covered and/or unplowed roads with Deere-dealership service vehicles. First one I drove was a custom-built IH Truck with posi-traction front and back. It was a death-trap. We finally pulled the posi's out of it. When you're on a slippery road, - let's say with a 4WD, and tires start spinning - one in back and one in front. That also means that you have two tires NOT spinning and they act like anchors to hold you on the road. With the posi's - if you get them spinning, it will often throw you off the road sideways. Yes, they will give you more traction - but I don't think it's worth it. I've got one 4WD drive now with a posi just in the back. If I'm trying to climb an ice covered hill, and both rear wheels start spinning - it will through my rear off the road real fast. I've been on such hills where I could not go - since no matter how easy I tried to go - either I didn't move, or the two tires broke loose and chucked me sideways. I find it much easier driving with standard differentials. If one back tire slips and I really need both rear wheels - I just put on the parking brake - just tight enough where drag becomes equal on both wheels and they both turn. I guess some new trucks and cars have a traction control option that automatically applies the brakes to the wheel that spins - so the other will kick in. I wish they built trucks with hydro-lockers like John Deere did in some tractors. Just engage it - and hydraulic clutch packs lock up all the differentials - only when needed. I live on probably one of the worst winter roads you're apt to find (as a public road that is). We're on top of a mountain and the road never gets salted because it's dirt. We get wind drifts and ice all winter, minus 30F temps at times, and often - stopping when coming down the hill - is more worrysome than making it UP the hill. I've experimented with many kinds of vehicles, tires, chains, locking differentials, etc. I mention this just to indicate I'm not some city guy with a new SUV that rarely drives in more than one inch of snow.
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