i am thinking about moving to arkansas in the ozarks, but in the winter it is really difficult to get around. does anyone know how to get true 4x4, like a quadratrac system without buying a locker ... or a jeep?

 

Just get a Jeep. I say get a rubicon. Then get it lifted. With very agressive tread tires. Just for the winter. But lighter tread for the off seasons.

 

the whole idea is to stay with the truck that i like, and not get a jeep. cant yo get something set up at a rear end shop or something?

 

Ok, I'll bite - what's so good about "other" 4x4 setups that make them better than what we get stock? Sure, a front locker would be a good addition but what else?

My brother has an AWD 4Runner (270hp v8) that also offers hi/low 4x4 with locking center diff and hill descent control. Is that "more 4x4" than my truck?

 

Mine spins all 4

 

get a welder....the cheapest way your gonna accomplish what your trying to without swaping out the differentials

 

mine also only has lsd in the rear an in snow and mud all 4 spin

 

Knowing how to DRIVE in that weather will go much further than any 4x4 system ever will. Unfortunately, most people around here DON'T know how to drive in it. Even in northwestern Arkansas, winters aren't that bad. You need to worry about ice more than snow.

There is a pretty kick-*** off road park in Hot Springs, however most of the trails, even the double-diamond trails, are pretty tight. Jeeps and other short wheelbase vehicles are best there.

 

I agree with that. Having logged tens of thousands of miles off road over the yearsI have seen the best made 4x4's get stuck with a brainless driver or a driver who let his ***** make a decision his brain should have made. Most driving methods are not cut and dry for a specific condition rather true off road driving is done by scanning ahead and being able to "feel" what your vehicle is doing. In high school my father taught me to drive a Jeep on fresh powder without sinking. Big souped up Jeeps who had a bad operator would gun their engine and dig a hole in the snow they could not get out of. I had a 4 banger and would drive at idle in 4 low 3rd or 4th gear all day long, I was even good at waving at the guys digging themselves out of the snow. When I lived in Panama, 4x4 driving was similar to snow driving however, some trails had serious ruts made in them by dump trucks in the dry season but during the rainy season made them rather difficult to navigate because the mud literally gets as slick as ice. One false move and you end up high centered across the center of the tracks.

For a sollution to your problem, look into the Arkansas DOT law about studded tires. I have always found studs give you that extra bite of tractionon an icy road.

 

i argee,all winter i plow the town in 2wd unless i have no choice than i'll put it in 4wd