TERRIBLE slow performance in snow

evilunclegrimace · Dec 31, 2019

muttlyboy said:
I’m new how do I post a thread?

You just did. Twice, :waytogo:

DetroitWelder · Dec 31, 2019

evilunclegrimace said:
You just did. Twice,

you made me laugh out loud at that 1....thanks

evilunclegrimace · Dec 31, 2019

DetroitWelder said:
you made me laugh out loud at that 1....thanks

You're welcome, I'll be here all week :jester:

df2x4 · Dec 31, 2019

Well he figured out how to post a comment at least.

muttlyboy said:
I’m new how do I post a thread?

Look in the top right corner of your screen when you're in any of the main forums or subforums (not browsing someone else's thread). You should see a red rectangular button that says "Post New Thread."

Tachyon · Jan 1, 2020

scottydl said:
We got a few inches of snow the week before Christmas, and my Suburban (RWD only) was absolutely horrible getting out of the snowy driveway and onto our semi-plowed street. I tried shifting between lowest gears and reverse to get some traction, but 1 or both rear wheels would just hang up and spin even at slow speed. My gravel drive is slightly slanted (needs more gravel) and I almost slid into the ditch a few times, while the wheels were spinning and getting me nowhere. This was just trying to back the darn thing into the street and straighten up! When I did make it onto the street and apply the brakes, it would slide (ABS didn't kick in because of how slow I was going) and threaten to send me slowly into the ditch on the opposite side. As a comparison, my 2013 Traverse drove in and out of the driveway as if it was dry. No problems whatsoever. We are not talking about a lot of snow, and I've dealt with this every winter in the Midwest so I'm used to the weather. The 'Burb performance just seemed really bad this time.

Is there something I'm missing about the best ways to maneuver in the snow, using specific shifting/braking or any other tricks? My tires are factory size LT's (Cooper Discoverer) and tread is still plenty deep.

Does it have a G80? Look in the build sheet in the glove box. If it does, it may be broken. If not, it sounds like it may have a sticking e-brake on one side.
If it has factory tires, or all seasons or whatever, get rid of them.
I have BFG TA-KO2's on mine and a G80, and it's like a damned snowcat. It goes through anything without even having to switch to 4WD. This truck should embarrass other vehicles in the snow with it's sure footed traction. Something's broken.
Meanwhile, driving style should be like you're balancing a half full bowl of water on the floor. Gentle with the gas and the brakes. If you have a G80, it kicks in when there's a more than 120 rpm difference between wheels so if one wheel slips, give it a touch more gas, if both are spinning let up a little. Sometimes a light touch of the brake while on the gas can help, especially with an open diff.

Anyway, my guess is tires and/or e-brake sticking. There's no such thing as all season tires. It's a horrible lie. They should be illegal IMO. If it snows where you live, get tires with the snowflake logo on them.

Good luck.

b454rat · Jan 1, 2020

I think most people here would know if they have a brake dragging or something hanging up. It sounds like OP has **** tires, and snow that is hard to get traction. I have like new tires on my truck, does pretty good, but in certain snow it sucks. Mainly wet, heavy, slush like snow. Get some good tires, maybe put some junk in the trunk for extra weight/traction.

letitsnow · Jan 1, 2020

Another thought - If the rear drums aren't adjusted, the rear tires might be starting to spin before the front brakes disengage. That kills all forward momentum before you even get started.

Tachyon · Jan 1, 2020

b454rat said:
I think most people here would know if they have a brake dragging or something hanging up. It sounds like OP has **** tires, and snow that is hard to get traction. I have like new tires on my truck, does pretty good, but in certain snow it sucks. Mainly wet, heavy, slush like snow. Get some good tires, maybe put some junk in the trunk for extra weight/traction.

You'd be surprised. It's actually fairly common on older vehicles for the ebrake not to retract completely when released. A stuck e-brake doesn't necessarily mean a fully engaged one. It only has to be enough drag to affect the differential, in which case the vehicle will behave much as the OP described.

As I said, these trucks with a properly working G80 and good winter tires should be excellent in most winter conditions. I've had mine since I lived in the sub-arctic and I rarely even have to use 4WD in any weather. It's practically unstoppable in winter conditions. (actually most conditions).

Redneckgeriatric · Jan 1, 2020

front calipers are notorious for sticking, dragging. the front brake hoses are also a well known issue. but most people know that already, right?

PlayingWithTBI · Jan 1, 2020

Redneckgeriatric said:
front calipers are notorious for sticking, dragging. the front brake hoses are also a well known issue. but most people know that already, right?

Right - just move to the Phoenix area, from October - May like everyone else in the world does, LOL.

TERRIBLE slow performance in snow

evilunclegrimace

Does not always play well with others

DetroitWelder

Newbie

evilunclegrimace

Does not always play well with others

df2x4

4L60E Destroyer

Tachyon

I'm Awesome

b454rat

I'm Awesome

letitsnow

I'm Awesome

Tachyon

I'm Awesome

Redneckgeriatric

I'm Awesome

PlayingWithTBI

2022 Truck of the Year

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