Or go with the new Dodge PowerWagon with the dash operated lockers on both front and rear.
Bill Kerfoot WBCCI/VAC #5223 1973 Dodge W200 PowerWagon 1977 Lincoln Continental 1979 23' Airstream Safari Orange, CA http://www.tompatterson.com/VALgallery/index.php?action=displaycat&catid=21 Rick Kunath wrote: >[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > > >>thanks much. how important is 4x4? is this one of those "always on" >>features? >>I have never had 4 wheel drive but I have heard that it helps to control the >>truck while hiway towing..?? >> >> >> > >It's a part-time 4wd system, and as such can't be used on dry pavement, >so it won't do anything while highway towing. But, I'll second Hunter's >recommendation to get it if you can. Grass and mud in parking places are >easy to handle if you have 4wd, and you'd be surprised at how often >you'll actually use it. Engaging it *before* you get stuck is a really >good idea. > >Another good option is a limited-slip differential in the rear. Get a >gear-type if you can, as the "Positraction" clutch type limited-slip >units lose their ability to act as a limited-slip after the clutches >wear. If you've got more than 20,000 or 30,000 miles on a clutch-type >differential, your "Positraction" ability is pretty likely minimal. They >also require wheel-spin (so you're already half-stuck) to work, and only >work at slow speeds. The gear types like the Torsen and Tru-Trac don't >have this problem. I've got a lot of miles on my Ford supplied Torsen, >and it still works as well as the day I drove off the lot. I don't care >for the feel of the Detroit Locker type of disengagement axles. The gear >type like the Torsen applies traction control at all speeds even around >corners, and is nice and smooth in it's action, even at a crawl. Even a >brand new "Positraction" type clutch unit can't do that. Remember to >pick an appropriate axle ratio. > >I see from taking a look at the Ford Fleet info that the F-250 and F-350 >are only available with a clutch-type ("Positraction") limited-slip >differential, or with an open differential. The F-450 and F-550 are >available with either the Tru-Trac or the No-Slip differential. The >Tru-Trac is a smooth gear-type unit and is operational at all speeds >even while turning, while the No-Slip is a quieter version of a Detroit >Locker type that disengages the lock during a turn (not as desirable.) I >don't know if the gear types are available as a special order, but since >I am also looking to replace a leased truck this spring, I'll be taking > a closer look. I know that Ford will sometimes build up special >vehicles. I had my last truck modified as per special specifications for >me prior to purchase. I don't know if this is generally available or >something limited just to the Detroit area. I do know that the changes >were done at the Ford factory shop. > >A clutch-type limited-slip option is better than none, but I prefer the >more capable gear type units. I'll probably have another Torsen >aftermarket unit installed if I can get it, or something similar, from >Ford directly. > >I tend to want to push the envelope a bit and run late into the season, >so sometimes I see snow. I am not retired and still have fixed deadlines >so I can't always do the optimum thing and sit out bad weather. 4wd does >help if you have snow or slush on the road, but driving under these >conditions isn't something you'd want to do if you could possibly avoid >it. You have to make your own call on safety and your driving abilities >and experience. The Thanksgiving Holiday here was an example of this. We >had unseasonal snows here and you might have found yourself stranded >somewhere without 4wd. Safest would have been to sit tight, but I'd >still rather have the option. > >Rick Kunath >WBCCI #3060 > > >To unsubscribe from this group, go to >http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/AirstreamList/ and unsubscribe. To suspend >delivery while traveling, simply change the delivery option to No Mail-Web >only. > > > > >Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] To unsubscribe from this group, go to http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/AirstreamList/ and unsubscribe. To suspend delivery while traveling, simply change the delivery option to No Mail-Web only. Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AirstreamList/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
