How well do 4x2 work in the snow?

[IZwack]

This thread really isn't about driver or driving style - it is about drivetrain. And I still disagree that a locker is better than an open differential as it applies to most drivers. Being stuck at a traffic light not being able to get grip is nowhere near as scary as getting on an off ramp and having that Aussie locker slide out due to unforseen road conditions - the red light doesn't put your life at great risk. I can guarantee that anyone can drive a set of open differentials better (hence safer) than a locked differential on snowy roads - its all due to what unclemeat explaned. And an open differential still makes a huge difference on the highway because highways tend to be wet and slushy - conditions where an open differential will still be safer than a locker, especially when changing lanes where there is slush in between. Driving too fast, driving style and so on - those are variable that depend from person to person so all we can really discuss from a technical perspective is differences in drivetrain design.
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EDIT - furthermore, the term "limited slip" is a misnomer, it is more like a "limited grip". In other words, it is "locked" until there is enough force to overcome the friction between the clutch plates (that is applied by the "S" spring). So its not like it freely rotates and then locks when the differential slips - it is actually locked until the "locked" plates are overcome by the external force. Snow and ice limits this external force (aka "grip") which means the differential is more likely "locked" - which means the axle will want to go straight instead of turn.

 

[ExploringNC]

Good set of tires, extra weight and safe driving you should be fine. If your talking about deep snow and long winters then I'd go with a 4x4 but the occasional snow/ice keep the 2 wheel drive and just drive smart.

I drove a front wheel drive for several years in the Detroit area and it was great in the snow. Only time I had trouble was with clearance or sitting at a stop on ice. I would pass many 4x4's in the ditch that thought because it was a 4x4 nothing could stop them and they would drive like it was a summer day. A 4x4 with locked front and back will not slow down any better than a 4x2 open. I also agree with IZWack about the locked rear, that is a wreck waiting to happen. A locked rear that is not in 4 wheel drive will send you spinning in a heart beat.

 

[Currency]

My explorer has the 3.27 L/S as well. My 4x4 is also awal until I win the lottery.

So this means I should park my explorer and drive around in the 97 grand prix with traction control that got stuck only twice do to the low ground clearance/loss of traction?

I got it out last year, Never left the drivers seat either so it is pretty good I guess.

Once was on railroad tracks, was driving along side them and attempted to make a turn/hill and slid back onto the tracks, The grand prix just so happened to be as wide as the tracks so all four tires was spinning on frozen metal.

The other time I was just lucky enough to hit two ruts coming out of an alleyway and dropped the front end on the sub frame

But I got out so it's all good.

Where I live at they do not believe in plowing the roads until the snow stops. Around 6 inches last year but a few years ago we got three feet. The type of winters where it rains, freezes, snows, rains, freezes and repeat

 

[unclemeat]

Snow is relative. Is it a powery foot or a slushy inch.

 

[Mbrooks420]

How much snow do you get per year? How much ice? How well do the road crews handle it? 2wd sucks in slippery conditions, especially from a dead start, or incline. Around here 2wd would leave you stranded, or staying home during the worst weather.

 

[Currency]

How much snow do you get per year? How much ice? How well do the road crews handle it? 2wd sucks in slippery conditions, especially from a dead start, or incline. Around here 2wd would leave you stranded, or staying home during the worst weather.

well it really depends. Everyone is saying this will be a bad winter. Bad as in the front end loaders at junk yards not even cracking the ice. not fork lifts but the larger ones used for picking up and moving cars around.

Sometimes we only get a few inches, Sometimes more. I can never really say for sure. But where I live.... Dead end road, I have to go up hill then stop at a stop sign on the hill, or drive up the mountain they call an alleyway which the car lot behind my house has attempted to drive 4wd's up it before just to end up sliding backwards down it.

Nov 8th-11th = Rapid temperature changes. Storm moves east, with heavy rain or wet snow. Frigid cold air follows.

Jan 8th-11th. Heavy snow spreads in from the west, 7"-14" possible.

Feb 8th-11th. Major storm brings heavy snow, with accumulations of 8"-15".

That is from the farmers almanac weather. It right 99% of the time. So I will be stuck in Jan for sure

Seems a little bit of everything from a slushy inch to a powdery foot and then some. Maybe hard packed by Feb.

the city street department won't do jack until the snowfall stops. Last year we got some which they never done anything to that six inches.

 

[Mbrooks420]

In your case with moderate snow/ice and inclines, 2wd is going to be painful. 2wd plus stop and go, and especially involving even small hills is a deal breaker.

 

[Currency]

Yeah it could be pretty fun, But either way I do hope to have my 4wd fixed next month at the longest. Have a few other issues but hope to fix my radiator leak with a new replacement radiator around the same time.

If not I just won't ride around with my 14 month old in case something bad just so happens

 

[Potomac30]

I've always heard that 4 wheel drive lets you go further into the woods before you get stuck. In snow, they go forward better than a 4x2, but they stop the same. And stopping is at least half the battle.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Stopping is moot when you are stuck at an intersection due to minor incline. I guess until somebody else can't stop and hits you.

 

[kert0307]

Stopping is moot when you are stuck at an intersection due to minor incline. I guess until somebody else can't stop and hits you.

That's why you don't floor it you ease on the gas so you don't spin right away. This is more of an issue of being an educated driver.

I agree with Iz, 2wd with a locker or limited slip is tough in the winter. I will only put my explorer into 2wd now that it's locked if i want to mess around in the winter, I will not drive it in 2wd, it is way to easy to have the rear whip around unexpectedly.

Think of it this way, take a 2wd truck with an open diff and try to do doughnuts in a parking lot in the winter, more than likely it will be the inner wheel that will break first so you will not slid around too much unless you get some speed up. Try the same thing with a limited slip, or locked truck and it is like night and day, you can whip it around with little effort.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Starting in an icy intersection, especially if it is uphill, can be tough no matter how easy you are on the pedal. Being a good driver doesn't overcome the lack of a front drive.