O/T 4x4 vs limited slip rear end
09-19-2002, 01:12 PM
#11
Registered
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toledo, O-hi-O
Posts: 523
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ps: Boomer
They do make front wheel drive (primary) 4X4's.
Ford Escape, Honda....Toyota...etc......not full frame (uni-body)
and under powered too.
Always thought Front Wheel Drive would suck with boats though.
The wheels would be on dry pavement (most likely) but the
boats hitch load and load transfer is to the rear.....unloading the
front (drive) wheels.
Just a thought............
They do make front wheel drive (primary) 4X4's.
Ford Escape, Honda....Toyota...etc......not full frame (uni-body)
and under powered too.
Always thought Front Wheel Drive would suck with boats though.
The wheels would be on dry pavement (most likely) but the
boats hitch load and load transfer is to the rear.....unloading the
front (drive) wheels.
Just a thought............
Whats that?
09-19-2002, 03:53 PM
#14
Registered
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Conifer, CO
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Turbojack,
It’s what I had about an inch of in my yard this morning, believe it or not. Some of us crazies put sticks on our feet, get hauled to the top of a mountain, then attempt to avoid trees, other skiers, and small woodland creatures while careening to the bottom.
BTW: I’ve been to Houston and lived for a while in Dallas, Humidity, what’s that? (50% humidity is high around here) Also, Tropical Storms/Hurricanes, what are those?
It’s what I had about an inch of in my yard this morning, believe it or not. Some of us crazies put sticks on our feet, get hauled to the top of a mountain, then attempt to avoid trees, other skiers, and small woodland creatures while careening to the bottom.
BTW: I’ve been to Houston and lived for a while in Dallas, Humidity, what’s that? (50% humidity is high around here) Also, Tropical Storms/Hurricanes, what are those?
09-19-2002, 09:35 PM
#15
Registered
4 x 4 is always great to have, just in case. It also takes the load off the truck when you pull up the ramp. The power is more manigable.
My last F150 4 x 4 had traction loc on the front and rear axles. Really pulled on the slimmy ramps.
You're glad you have 4 x 4 when the trailer drops off the ramp, by accident.
My $.02
My last F150 4 x 4 had traction loc on the front and rear axles. Really pulled on the slimmy ramps.
You're glad you have 4 x 4 when the trailer drops off the ramp, by accident.
My $.02
09-19-2002, 09:57 PM
#16
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
several guys already mentioned it, but front wheel drive absolutely sucks for pulling anything UP a grade. You got three problems there: one, the vehicle transfers all of its weight rearward - two, the trailer loads the rear of the vehicle, taking weight from the front - three, the act of accelerating unloads the front tires. All this equals sqquuueeeEEEEEEEeeEEEeEEaaAAaL...
How many Fast dragsters have you seen with front wheel drive?
Next: a 4x4 doesn't require a limited slip axle to pull well. If you have a level ramp and pull down straight, you should not have spinning issues unless you are on an extremely steep and wet grade.
If you are driving a 4x4 with live axles front (not independent suspension), then the natural tendency of the driveshaft rotation to lean the vehicle to the right is shared in the front and rear, and will usually not lift the right rear tire and cause it to spin. This will actually help over a similar 4x4 with independent front.
With that being said, aftermarket limited slip units can be found for less than $250 and up. Clutch-type units are cheapest and will not produce the desired results in most offroad situations. They will, however, give you all you need for a launching ramp (secret: the clutch units hold tighter and tighter as the torque load increases on them). Locking units and Gleason-style worm differentials are by far superior offroad and for dedicated tow rigs. They usually make their presence known with occasional thunks and pops, though. Ratcheting (Detroit Lockers) differentials are truly hard on tires and you will not get your desired tire life when using them.
No front-wheel drive, though....
How many Fast dragsters have you seen with front wheel drive?
Next: a 4x4 doesn't require a limited slip axle to pull well. If you have a level ramp and pull down straight, you should not have spinning issues unless you are on an extremely steep and wet grade.
If you are driving a 4x4 with live axles front (not independent suspension), then the natural tendency of the driveshaft rotation to lean the vehicle to the right is shared in the front and rear, and will usually not lift the right rear tire and cause it to spin. This will actually help over a similar 4x4 with independent front.
With that being said, aftermarket limited slip units can be found for less than $250 and up. Clutch-type units are cheapest and will not produce the desired results in most offroad situations. They will, however, give you all you need for a launching ramp (secret: the clutch units hold tighter and tighter as the torque load increases on them). Locking units and Gleason-style worm differentials are by far superior offroad and for dedicated tow rigs. They usually make their presence known with occasional thunks and pops, though. Ratcheting (Detroit Lockers) differentials are truly hard on tires and you will not get your desired tire life when using them.
No front-wheel drive, though....
09-20-2002, 09:14 PM
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
I don't think you need a 4x4 for towing and launching at all. I pull a 27' boat weighing in at 5000 lbs less trailer. It is pulled by a 2002 Chevy 1500 WITHOUT limited slip. I must say I don't have to tow it long distances. I have no problems with tire spin.....I guess no one knows about the e-brake trick? Push the e-brake down a bit and no tire spin. Its kinda like double pedaling, but doesn't apply brake preasure to the front wheels. Also I have3 a friend with a 38' Fountain, and he launches his boat with a 1981 Chevy crewcab dually 4x4. We have never had any problems pulling it out (without the use of 4 wheel drive), and we've had it on some pretty wet ramps. If you want a 4x4, thats's cool, I just don't think it's a necessity.
