i have a 1993 ford ranger it is a 5 speed 4.0 L V6 i was wondering if anyone had any ideas to make it better in the winter in Michigan

 

Weight in the bed, and some decent snow tires.

 

how many pounds do u think i should put in the bed of the truck i already have some decent snow tires

 

I used to have a shortbed S-10 V6 rwd. I found that about 120lbs of salt (3 bags) is good enough for street use. You can always use the salt in your water softener and they are easy to remove or put in the bed depending on weather.

btw, I'm in Howell. Howdy neighbor.

 

id use sand ... wouldnt want something that promotes rust sitting in the bed of my truck

 

id use 1/2 gravel, easier to clean up, and makes killer traction when you need it (if/when u get stuck throw a bag behind your wheels).

Actually, I throw 3x 80lb bags of 1/2 gravel in the back in a wooden frame I made, I also keep a full sized shovel back there, a case (6 jugs) of washer fluid, and of course my extra gas can full of gas (10L) (hey, if you get stranded in the winter, gas = warmth).

Inside I always carry a complete change of clothes, boots, jacket and snow pants, matches and an axe (well, two of em).

BOOSTER CABLES!!!

But I tend to go places I probably should not, especially only in 2wd (ice fishing, middle of nowhere).

Soon to add: heavy duty reinforced diamond pattern tire chains.

 

Yup, bags of 1/2" gravel is a good way to go... I once had a bag of sand bust open on me.. talk about a pain to clean up!!

When I had my 2wd, I built a frame out of 2x4 and had 3 bags of gravel inside the frame so they wouldn't move around. Worked pretty good for me.

 

PUFF!!!

The magic dragon, he can ride in the bed and if you get into some trouble he can melt the snow...because he's a dragon. Plus, he's magic.

This is him, not sure what he charges though. I heard that he lives by the sea, he frolicks in a land called Honah Lee, so he might not want to work in Michigan. Just google "Honah Lee Yellow pages" and you might find a number for him.

 

Wow, Puff' looks pretty beat up, alot has happened to him since I first got introduced to him as a kid.

 

where do you buy 1/2 gravel? i take it the stock tires that came with my 2wd sport will suck? i know we dont get much snow where i live but i go up alot of local mountains

 

I know someone will give me crap for this like last time but I personally put about 8-10 cinder blocks that I rope down.

 

hey as long as you think your tonneau cover back window will protect you in a front end crash against em coming in the cab ... specially since there is a guy on here whos sandbag hit the window and broke it

 

You can find bags of gravel at Home Depot (or similar places). They're about $4 a bag.
And ya, the stock tires won't do very well in the snow, especially on a 2wd...

 

Whats wrong with Wrangler RT/S's? They are great tires!

*Disclaimer*-The road must be dry, and with all Goodyears, they are only Good for a Year

 

I put weight in my bed for the first year. After that I havent put any weight in the bed at all. Given I have 4wd at my disposal, I rarely use it. Driving in the snow has more to do with skill thank anything. Some people cant drive in snow, not even in a snow cat, with out getting stuck, then there are others, like my dad, who could drive anything in the snow regardless of what it is. Infact, he drove his camaro wich used to get stuck in an inch of snow all winter for 15 years.

 

Same here.. I used to put weight in the bed and now I don't bother. And I agree 100%... driving experience has a lot to do with it. Some people just don't know how to drive in snow.
With every vehicle I have owned, I always play around in the snow to see how it handles.. find yourself an empty parking lot and have some fun! If you can learn how the truck handles in a safe area, chances are that if it happens on the road you will be able to control it and avoid an accident.

 

I agree w/ FMD, don't be stupid while driving and don't be heavy on the gas.

 

Snow tires and sand bags. i had a 2wd ranger.... i still got stuck 3 times that winter.... but i also got through alot of spots i would have never made i through with all seasons.

Check out the blizzack DMZ3's or just get a cheap off brand if you dont have money to burn on blizzacks

 

i still use ballast, even with a 4x4. i did use more ith the 2wd truck though. you dont want too much. id say about 250 for a 4x4 and no more than 400 for a 2wd. snow tires on all 4 corners, you have to have stopping and turning traction too. go behind your local mall when it snows, find a large area where you wont hit anything. delibertly slide it and get used to how it handles. a little "playing" will get you familiar with how your truck reacts and lets you get a feel for the snow before you slide into that intersection with oncoming traffic. i always carry a tow strap, jumper cables, and small scoop shovel. happy winter motoring.

 

Trade it in for a 4x4.

 

my '88 2.3 s/c was 2wd and had no difficultys getting around in snow. good tires, proper weight balance,knowing your limits. yes 4wd will do more, but when you do stick the 4x4 it often is stuck even worse. when i go out in the 4x i have hubs locked but stay in 2wd awhile to get a feel for the road and know what im really driving on. you can easily get a false sense of security being in 4wd. plus, just because you can go and turn with no issues (in 4wd) doesnt mean you can get stopped any better.

 

I only use 4-6.Yes it can be dangerous even if tied down , however a well mounted tool box will absorb the impact before they reach the rear window.

 

Anyone ever seen that 'water bed' product for weighing down your bed? it's basically like a water balloon you fill up and strap down to your bed,and has like a 500lbs carrying capacity,so you can still put stuff ontop of it and use your bed.

 

In a front end collision I would much rather have a couple concrete blocks bouncing off the back of the cab than a 500-600 pound block of ice crushing the roof.
Besides , a Ranger doesn't need that much weight for traction .

 

150lbs of sand the first winter I had it, nothing since. With the bit of black ice/slush/sleet crap we get down here, sand didn't really help much.