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Got to try my 4wd for the first time in snow.

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Old 01-22-2012, 05:54 AM
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Got to try my 4wd for the first time in snow.

I think my tires my maybe a little wide for snow performance. It wanted to track left or right depending on which side had to track thru thicker snow. I don't have the steering stabilizer shock absorber on, maybe it will help? I found out that it will shift on the fly 2hi-4hi as long as the hubs are locked, is this a bad practice?
Old 01-22-2012, 06:05 AM
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From your pics they look like 31x10.5, right?
Old 01-22-2012, 06:10 AM
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Originally Posted by thedrewski86
From your pics they look like 31x10.5, right?
Close 30x9.5, wheels were on the truck when I bought it in May.
Old 01-22-2012, 06:13 AM
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Huh, mine are 10.5 and they are eatin' this Chicago snow up like crazy! I would think 9.5 would be doing even better.

Mine shifts just fine on the fly as well; I just do it when I come to a stop like a light or stop sign. It never complains.

Clean 88! I love those older models.
Old 01-22-2012, 06:20 AM
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Get a steering stabilzer on that. I have 12.50's on mine and don't have that problem all that much. Then if that don't work, try inspecting the tie rod ends and all other steering joints. These trucks being IFS are always going to have some sort of "bump steer", but shouldn't feel uncomfortable.
Old 01-22-2012, 06:47 AM
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I have a stabilizer for it, it is an aftermarket up grade and looks like I will need I need a modification to fit. I Guess I should have just got a direct replacement, it matches the shocks I installed.
Old 01-22-2012, 06:59 AM
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Procomp? If so, no mods needed. I got the same one. Just got to be careful to get the travel right. To make sure you have full left and full right.
Old 01-22-2012, 07:03 AM
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I have no problem on 31x10.5 getting through snow here in the PNW. The pulling happens on mine sometimes too when one side is in slush and the other on snow or unequal depths of snow. I've just also chalked it up to the tires getting unequal amount of traction creating the pulling or drifting.

I run 32 PSI for daily driving in winter.

Last edited by rworegon; 01-22-2012 at 07:05 AM.
Old 01-22-2012, 02:54 PM
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I have a little time off work to get the stabilizer on. Hopefully before it snows again so I will know it worked.
Old 01-23-2012, 08:09 AM
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I'm riding on Cooper Discoverer ST's. They're a good all around tire and thus far I'm very happy with them. Currently running 31x10.5, as I'm on stock gears and have a 60mi/day commute. I'd prefer something a bit taller, say 33" and skinnier even, like a 9.5 or 8.5. Sucks that there aren't many manufacturers that make them.
Old 01-24-2012, 12:56 PM
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You can shift on the fly up to 50 mph.
Old 01-24-2012, 02:22 PM
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It's always going to pull side to side a little in uneven snow and it will get worse in heavier snow and slush. A steering stabilizer will help but only if your idler/pitman arms and inner/outer tie rod ends are in good shape.
Old 01-24-2012, 03:23 PM
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SOTF at 50 thanks for info.

I will check the front end for looseness tomorrow, the weather has been Spring like lately.
Old 01-24-2012, 04:33 PM
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If the snow you're going through isn't the same on each side... it's always going to pull to whichever side is thicker. It's like driving down a dry road and hitting a puddle. Resistance/friction = pull to that side. That's just physics. If your truck drives straight in even conditions, all is well.
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