What makes a ranger a FX4 or FX4 Level II?
#26
Care must always be taken with any LSD or locker in slippery conditions, even in rain. You need to adjust your power to the road so the tires will not slip. However you still have two tires driving and will have more traction than an open differential so typically you can get through more situations without getting stuck with a LSD or locker. You just need to learn how to drive with them.
You certainly do no want to stomp on the accelerator pedal when going around a corner in slippery conditions with a LSD or locker because your rear will beat you around the corner.
One thing you can do with a LSD in conditions that cause one wheel to spin is use the parking brake. This applies drag on the spinning wheel which in turn increases the torque needed to turn it. That in turn sends torque to the non-spinning wheel which will get the vehicle moving. This can be tricky with a stick but doable. The problem with using the the normal brake pedal for this is is also applies drag to the front wheels and that is counter productive to getting unstuck. It can work but not as effective as the parking brake.
The Torsen is better at start up than a clutch style LSD and that is an advantage if you are using the rocking method to get unstuck.
You certainly do no want to stomp on the accelerator pedal when going around a corner in slippery conditions with a LSD or locker because your rear will beat you around the corner.
One thing you can do with a LSD in conditions that cause one wheel to spin is use the parking brake. This applies drag on the spinning wheel which in turn increases the torque needed to turn it. That in turn sends torque to the non-spinning wheel which will get the vehicle moving. This can be tricky with a stick but doable. The problem with using the the normal brake pedal for this is is also applies drag to the front wheels and that is counter productive to getting unstuck. It can work but not as effective as the parking brake.
The Torsen is better at start up than a clutch style LSD and that is an advantage if you are using the rocking method to get unstuck.
Last edited by IN2 FX4; 10-17-2009 at 11:08 AM.
#27
A limited slip is better for off roading than an open one, but a locker is where to go if you are serious. But I think L/S's are dangerous in snowy and icy conditions if in 2WD. Here is my example, Say you are driving 50 down the freeway and you come across a hidden icy patch, with a regular diff, the right wheel will start slipping while the left will just trail along in a straight line keeping the truck from pitching sideways. A Limited slip in the same situation, both wheels will end up spinning and the rear of the truck will naturally try to drive past the front. If you aren't on your game you could put yourself into a spin. I have had two rangers that were identical for all practical purposes and my 01 with an open diff, I rarely if ever used my 4WD on the interstate in snowy weather. The 04 with a torsen, Pretty much as soon as I felt the need to go slower than the posted speeds, the 4WD was switched on. without it, the truck felt unstable.
~HJ
~HJ
Care must always be taken with any LSD or locker in slippery conditions, even in rain. You need to adjust your power to the road so the tires will not slip. However you still have two tires driving and will have more traction than an open differential so typically you can get through more situations without getting stuck with a LSD or locker. You just need to learn how to drive with them.
You certainly do no want to stomp on the accelerator pedal when going around a corner in slippery conditions with a LSD or locker because your rear will beat you around the corner.
One thing you can do with a LSD in conditions that cause one wheel to spin is use the parking brake. This applies drag on the spinning wheel which in turn increases the torque needed to turn it. That in turn sends torque to the non-spinning wheel which will get the vehicle moving. This can be tricky with a stick but doable. The problem with using the the normal brake pedal for this is is also applies drag to the front wheels and that is counter productive to getting unstuck. It can work but not as effective as the parking brake.
The Torsen is better at start up than a clutch style LSD and that is an advantage if you are using the rocking method to get unstuck.
You certainly do no want to stomp on the accelerator pedal when going around a corner in slippery conditions with a LSD or locker because your rear will beat you around the corner.
One thing you can do with a LSD in conditions that cause one wheel to spin is use the parking brake. This applies drag on the spinning wheel which in turn increases the torque needed to turn it. That in turn sends torque to the non-spinning wheel which will get the vehicle moving. This can be tricky with a stick but doable. The problem with using the the normal brake pedal for this is is also applies drag to the front wheels and that is counter productive to getting unstuck. It can work but not as effective as the parking brake.
The Torsen is better at start up than a clutch style LSD and that is an advantage if you are using the rocking method to get unstuck.
#28
#30
My open diff i slid all over the place... a couple of times i was going in a straight line. It sucked. My L/S when i drove it the first time last night in the rain it was almost like it did better.. i even tried to do some doughnuts and it was harder with the L/S. So far im liking this L/S thing way better than L/S...
My old truck 93 ranger 2wd open diff pitched me sideways more times than i can count it sucked in any weather other than dry
My old truck 93 ranger 2wd open diff pitched me sideways more times than i can count it sucked in any weather other than dry
#31
Thats what I was thinking. I have a open diff and last winter when my 4wd was out If I just tapped on the gas with a light coating of snow it would take me sideways a bit.
#33
#34
Is the ride quality of the FX4 stiffer or more luxurious with the other brand of shocks? I know my truck seems very stiff, but I do like it. Did these shocks allow for more payload capacity in the bed? I am kind of looking, if there is a way to add more weight holding capaicty in the truck. I am a general contractor, and am still using a compact pickup.. I know, its about time to find a fullsize but i am looking to just have no payment since I already own my truck out right.
This is why i started this thread :) plus, I just never knew the difference between the two besides the big price tag.
This is why i started this thread :) plus, I just never knew the difference between the two besides the big price tag.
As for spinning out on ice with L/S i did it on an icy overpass on the freeway doing 100, luckily It was 6 in the morning on a weekend and had all 4 lanes to let it spin and keep it away from the concrete. Scary as SH*T tho. My truck with its short wheelbase and l/s in the winter is fun but also scary sometimes in 2wd, which is why it spends most of the winter in 4x4.
Last edited by effexfour; 10-17-2009 at 05:07 PM.
#37
Thats a pretty catastrophic failure right there! Looks like brake stands or spinning tires hard and they finally caught sort of damage. Judging by the cracks it looks like the ring gear tried to continue turning and one or both axle shafts wouldn't allow it (too much or instant traction).
Torsen's a very reputable company, and a Ford 8.8 is no rearend to mock - they're tough. That definitely didn't just accidentally come apart doing 65 down the Interstate driving nicely. LR
Torsen's a very reputable company, and a Ford 8.8 is no rearend to mock - they're tough. That definitely didn't just accidentally come apart doing 65 down the Interstate driving nicely. LR
#38
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It started making some weird clunking noises while backing up one day. I hadn't been wheeling in like a year when it happened. I only had like 50k miles at the time, but at least I got to upgrade OX locker FTMFW!
#39
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Thats a pretty catastrophic failure right there! Looks like brake stands or spinning tires hard and they finally caught sort of damage. Judging by the cracks it looks like the ring gear tried to continue turning and one or both axle shafts wouldn't allow it (too much or instant traction).
Torsen's a very reputable company, and a Ford 8.8 is no rearend to mock - they're tough. That definitely didn't just accidentally come apart doing 65 down the Interstate driving nicely. LR
Torsen's a very reputable company, and a Ford 8.8 is no rearend to mock - they're tough. That definitely didn't just accidentally come apart doing 65 down the Interstate driving nicely. LR
#42
Hey now, I have a '98 with open diffs! I dont know what youre complaining about! haha I'd be in heaven with a newer truck.. also 4.10s. I have 3.73's
#43
Is the ride quality of the FX4 stiffer or more luxurious with the other brand of shocks? I know my truck seems very stiff, but I do like it. Did these shocks allow for more payload capacity in the bed? I am kind of looking, if there is a way to add more weight holding capaicty in the truck. I am a general contractor, and am still using a compact pickup.. I know, its about time to find a fullsize but i am looking to just have no payment since I already own my truck out right.
This is why i started this thread :) plus, I just never knew the difference between the two besides the big price tag.
This is why i started this thread :) plus, I just never knew the difference between the two besides the big price tag.
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