I had to join when I saw this post! My 2001 4x4 Ranger does the same thing. First time I noticed it, it was snowing. The last time it wasn't though. It feels like the wheels are hitting an icey spot and then gripping a dry spot.

 

Ok so this is interesting... This thread has been up for quite some time now and more and more people are relating to the issue..

But..

We don't know what is really going on with our beloved rangers...

I tried to count the amount of times that slipping happend the other day but I lost count... I'm about to go pick up some sled parts, it's a blizzard out there right now, so i'll try counting - just for the heck of it.

 

I think all yours guy's issue is the LS when you drive and it senses your braking traction on the snow or ice the LS kicks in and moves your other wheel then when you hit dry pavement then it jerks or whatnot.But i have a ? for all the people that are having the problem are you in 4WD when this happens or 2WD just wonderin and i have a 1999 ford ranger xlt and its not a LS and when its really snowy out and im in 2WD it acts like the same thing cause my wheels spinning then its hits dry pavement and jerks my truck cause my whell was still spining but when its also really snow and i put it in 4WD and i don't have a problem at all.

 

i dont have that problem.. i was gonna guess u-joint.. but thats a complete guess...

 

nah u joints go out with hella vibration most the time..i have a 03 4x4 and think you guys are crazy lol where im from we get tonnes of snow and ice and the reason i can think this is happening to you all is..you all have LS? open diff? if its LS then the second wheel is kicken in if not then well your open diff 1 tire is spinnin..keep in mind how light our trucks are it doesnt take that much snow ice water anything to make it lift a lil in are already super dooper light rear end..that or get your foot outta the gas haha.. i know what your talking about though and its just the tires spinning from losing traction..get some mudders with big lugs so you can hear them spin and go try it bet youll hear the tire spining..

 

Well hopefully it's not a real bad thing... kinda sheds some light on everything...

 

I too wouldnt rule out its tie slippage, even though you say its not then I dont see why it wouldnt do it on non icey roads too. (atleast near as often)

 

nope, i dont have a ls.. one wheel wonder

 

As far as I know the truck does not have LS. I bought it used but have the window sticker and don't see it listed. I don't know what 'open diff' is either. But I described it as being 'like' when you hit a patch of ice and then tires grab. That happened recently and what is happening is harder, not a lot though. And it has happened to me on dry pavement.

 

I would take it to a tranny shop sounds like a bad torque converter or clutch.

 

On so many vehicles?

 

any only on snowy roads

 

.... the plot thickens.

 

LS means theres almost like a clutch pack in the diff when the tires start to slip up the clutch packs engage which locks the other wheel to gain traction..

Open diff..there nothing but a pinion and some gears..1 tire only turns no matter what you do..unless you do some welding! lol

and if its doing it on dry pavement then get your trannys torque converter checked out like tom was saying..somethings screwin up that shouldnt be and it could be just a a problem ford has had think of how many trucks are made..everything cant be perfect..