Posi rear problems in the snow

[surfsup]

How could an open rear perform better in bad weather? I couldn’t believe how well this car drove in snow with the new rear, when the car was a 2.3 with the open rear it sucked when it snowed

[82 GT]

Originally Posted by surfsup

How could an open rear perform better in bad weather? I couldn’t believe how well this car drove in snow with the new rear, when the car was a 2.3 with the open rear it sucked when it snowed

A posi rear that loses traction in either snow or rain is going to make you do donuts......not good
Ever see a car with posi traction do a burnout on dry pavement....car goes sideways, fishtails and all sorts of crazy stuff.
Imagine that in the snow or rain....when you don't want it to.
An open rear is going to spin only one wheel and the car will remain straight which is good for poor weather but bad for the drag strip.

[rwhite65]

I have seen this topic argued so many times on my truck forum, that it kills me. Since this is the first time I have seen it here, I will say my opinion.

Yes having both wheels spin on ice, snow, or rain will make the car do crazy stuff, mainly not track straight. Yes the open rear will tracks a straighter path with only the one tire spinning. Both of these above items apply to drivers with an inability to learn the machine being operated.

I have had numerous experiences with 4x4 vehicles and still own or operate 3 of them. Two of them have a locker/or posi of some sorts and one has an open differential. The two with a posi/locker are mean animals in the snow. The open diff vehicle is a wuss in 2wd.

There is nothing more aggravating then being stuck, only to get out of the vehicle and find that some of the tires of a 4x4 are unobstructed and should have the vehicle moving, if that tire would spin.

Personally, with the way our winters can be (although not lately), I want all 4 spinning hence the 4X4, I will gladly deal with any drivability issues.
Ryan