Question...Improving Traction in Snow for 1998 PreRunner

Hello Everyone,

My wife and I are having to move due to employment. We currently live in an area where it only snows on occasion, however it will snow regularly where we are moving to.

Currently I have a 1998 PreRunner with the full OME kit and 32" BFG All Terrains. My truck is not a TRD model, thus it does not come with a limited slip differential.

Does anyone have any experience and/or recommendations for driving in snow and adding additional traction with a PreRunner. I know how to drive in snow, I would just like some addition input on a way to gain additional traction.

Also, I am considering installing a Detroit Truetrac Limited Slip...anyone have any experience on this.

Thanks for the assisstance.

 

No experience with the truetrac.

But weight is the key to get more traction for rear wheel driving. I barely ever use my 4wd in the winter, only time i use it is when im stuck in the snow or driving through +6" of snow. Sandbags

 

Yes, forgot to mention the sandbags.

 

I would suggest snow tires. Mud tires suck in snow, snow tires are a night and day difference.

 

Im not sure a locker or limited slip will help.It will definitely be fun to drive,until you get sideways and stuck.

 

Yep, thats how we do it in Wisconsin! Worse comes to worst .... or a dog team.... just an idea.

 

So the limited slip would not help with traction or improve driving in snow?

 

With having power to both rear tires the traction is better.T
he rear will then push the front.This will cause you get sideways.If you do a 180 on the road it will be hard to just back up and straighten out with snow and ice.

 

studded tires?

 

No studded tires, just the stock BFG All Terrains.

 

So...it looks like I should save myself the $500.00 and go just with the sandbags and possibly a set of chains.

 

yes. A locked rear end or limited slip can worsen traction in the snow for rear wheel drive vehicles. A good set of tires (tall, skinny and snowflake rated), some weight over or in front of the axle in the bed (don't put weight behind the axle, you want to weigh down the rear without unweighting the front) and going light on the skinny pedal is the best you can do in the snow. Studded snows are great and chains are awesome if you are constantly in deeper snow or unmaintained roads.

 

Sand bags!!! Chains if required by the state for any mountain passes.

 

I like rud tire chains with twisted links. Usually carry a full spare and 100-200lbs worth of tools/sand and you'll be set. My jeep with a spool in the back handles like shit in on snowy roads but great in the deep stuff. I would just weight it down and get a really goo

 

Weight it down and get a really goo......um what?

 

I would get goodyear duratracs and stud them. I've heard they are awesome in the snow and they come predrilled for studs. An LSD or locker will help u get our of snow when ur stuck but can make handling unpredictable at speed.

 

I think I will stick with the BFG All Terrains, not looking to spend much more on tires since I just bought the BFG's. I will get some sandbags and place accordingly over the axle. Also, I will have to invest in a set of chains.

 

I run Nordman SUV (studded) and rarely use my 4WD in Alaska. I have 5 40 lb sandbags over the rear axles too.

 

I've run nothing but BFG ATs on all my trucks since moving out to Colorado and they've been nothing short of very solid on snow/wintry roads going up and down mountain passes for the past 20 years

 

Sorry damn Ihone... Meant to finish it off with really good chains. Or if your in a pinch you can always cut down semi truck chains which are a dime a dozen on c-list. And yes Bfg at's fit the bill nicely in snow.