Snow and ice with locked rear differential

Dec 22, 2003 1 Replies

I'm currently running a Powertrax No-Slip in the rear of my 97 TJ. I'm wondering what to expect when I try to drive on snow and ice. Fortunately, I live in eastern North Carolina and usually we only get a few bad days a year, but I want to be prepared. I'm also thinking about putting another locker in the front diff. Will this help or hurt "bad weather" handling over my current set up? Thanks for all the advice in advance.................



Rob


A locked vehicle will act very different in snow and especially on ice. With all wheels spinning, the vehicle tends to slide sideways especially in any off camber position. A locked front can cause you to loose steering control in some situations. IMHO the best setup for highway snow and ice is limited slip in the rear and open in the front. With open or limited slip axles, the un-locked wheel acts as a plow to keep the vehicle moving in the proper direction. The only advantage to a front and rear locked vehicle is that if you do get into a ditch (or other trouble) you have a better chance of getting out. They are also better in deep snow (a foot or more).

Don't put a locker in the front if just for snow and ice. They are great for off-road and rock crawling!

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