What all should I look into to "prep" for winter?

already replaced T-Stat, wires, plugs, (cap and rotor looked almost new) completely cleaned radiator, replaced lower hose (old one was sucking into a triangle when revved) replaced alternator (love lifetime warrantys) replaced pcv, and that all i can think of....anything else you guys do for winter/deep snow? i was thinking 300lbs of sandbags in the back but i dont know how well these trucks do in the snow, my old chevy needed about 1000lbs in the back (threw all the snow in the back from the street and driveway and all that packed down and made it drive like a tank)

 

Have your battery load tested and start using winter blend washer fluid now if you aren't already.

I usually put 700 in the back of mine as ballast for the plow and even with the plow off and it still sucks in 2wd running non studded snows.

 

I don't know how much snow you get in NE, but if you get a lot, get some studded snows. They make a huge difference for a 2wd truck and is the best winter investment you can make. Studded snows with a few hundred pounds in the back and you will be ok for the most part, depending upon how much snow you get.

 

Don't forget to keep a good shovel in the back incase you have to dig out some snow to get to solid ground. And you could lower your tire pressure some. If your tire likes 35 try 25. Just remember to fill it back up if you go high speeds. Tire chains are always nice to have. A locker, LSD would help too.

 

Winter is here! Pushed in a drift at the front door of my office this morning with the grill of my truck just so I could walk through it! my favorite time of year is upon us!

I do alot of pulling people out in the winter, so I carry 2 25' sets of chains and a tow 25' tow strap (with out metal hooks on the ends!!!!!! if you dont know why, ask), aluminum scoop shovel (not a little plastic travel pos), jumper cables, small tool kit, extra pair of winter gloves, extra hat, hand warmers, scraper brush, and 4 pieces of 12" long 2x6 lumber. Im that guy who gets a kick out of driving around seeing what I can pull out during the blizzard! haha

Should probably have a survival kit with candles, first aid, candy, water, etc but I dont do alot of traveling in the winter.

As for the studs.... I say no. Dedicated winter tires will make a HUGE difference, but unless you live in an area where you drive ON snow/ice all winter long, and almost NO pavement/city driving/plowed roads studs are worse. Studs create little to no traction on pavement.