Aussie/Powertrax on icy roads?

[AKHNTR]

Anyone running Aussie or Powertrax on icy roads a lot? Looking for handling characteristics for on road mostly. Have a stock open in the ranger now, and would like to improve the on road traction if possible. Thanks.

 

[Ritsui]

Is your Ranger 4WD?

I would not lock the back of a 2WD driven on icy roads. With 4WD, it's not bad... but you end up depending on power in the front to keep the back from skating in turns.

For a DD, a limited slip will work better for most drivers. I've been considering replacing my Aussie with a manual locker specifically due to the handling on ice. I've gotten used to it, but if I didn't go off-road I would have switched back to open diff or LS long ago.

 

[corkey]

i drove my 96 Explorer XL control trac on 35's with an rear Aussie as a daily driver here in Canada all winter, in ice snow , on ice roads,and in some of the worse conditions possible,
all i have to say are good things,, it really helped out a bunch,, once you get used to which way the rear will swing when the wheels spin it's all good,, cause it will do some little dances on ice , but not to severe if you're paying attention,,

 

[LONO100]

I run Aussies on a 2wd trac in ice and snow and as long as you understand that your diffs are no longer open, its not bad at all. Of course you'd be better off with 4wd in the snow and ice, but I've managed fine as well in my locked 2wd trac. If you are 2wd and locked, just don't gas it while in the middle of a turn and tour chances of fish tailing it are out the window.

 

[01STrunner]

I run Aussies on a 2wd trac in ice and snow and as long as you understand that your diffs are no longer open, its not bad at all. Of course you'd be better off with 4wd in the snow and ice, but I've managed fine as well in my locked 2wd trac. If you are 2wd and locked, just don't gas it while in the middle of a turn and tour chances of fish tailing it are out the window.

Hey Lono, I'm leaning towards getting an auto-locker for the rear. How's the noise level (clanking, etc.) and is there any tire chirping around corners? Also I can't remember were you LS or open?

 

[AKHNTR]

It's a 4WD. Sorry I didn't specify...Thanks for the input. Probably look for a stock LS from a parts truck.

 

[LONO100]

Mine was open 4.10, there is some ratcheting and chirping, but I only hear it when I'm making tight turns in parking lots. Not too loud either. If you have the coin and expertise, go for a switchable locker, but in my opinion, for the money an Aussie or powertrax are awesome. You're 4wd too so you're rig should handle business with a locker in the back.