Hi All, just found this site to post what happened to me and see if I can get some answers. I will go find the right section to post it all in detail and ask for help / info there after posting this hello but it boils down to this: I had to be towed yesterday to get unstuck with 2 wheels still on dry pavement and plenty of clearance underneath !

I own a 2011 Dakota SLT BigHorn 4X4 V8 5 speed automatic crew cab
The tow truck driver couldn't believe it ..... and the dealer is telling me it's normal

 

Completely normal. a 4x4 is just 2wd if you have open differentials, even a limited slip wont help. I found this interesting video which describes your issue perfectly.


I have this G80 locking diff in my Z71 so at least I have 3wd.

You'll want to be posting in the 3rd gen Dakota section. Welcome to DF!

 

i have a 01 dak had a posi put in. but on glare ice you still dont have much traction. my biggest trouble is the front wide tires push so much snow it is hard to go.

 

Moe...You need supercharger.....

 

Nope, twin turbos, that way with the turbo lag you don't get the snow build up before takeoff

Even though I have not seen snow in well over a decade I am going to talk to a racer about posi units vs electric lockers since its worthless to me like this.

But hey, at least I found a great forum !

 

There are some serious advantages to selectable lockers, be they electric, air, or otherwise powered. Traction when you need it, pleasant behavior when you don't. Just be careful with what you put in the front. Lockers in front axles tend to want to drag a vehicle in a straight line... even when the wheels are turned.

 

Keep use posted on what you come up with, and if your happy with it.

Normally i'm just poking my head in this forum here once in a while... But reading your posts..Feww

If that were my Pops out there getting stuck... I would be frustrated like you also... The meaning of 4 wheeled drive made a turn awhile back I guess.

 

what i need is narrower front tires. i thinking of adding weight next winter to the rear. and better snow tires. my mech says snowtires ware faster, ?? but the snow has stayed a lot longer than most winters.. where is that global warming?????

 

I smell oil after driving my vehicle. Vehicle is wet with oil under vehicle after driving.

 

Find out where it is leaking from, and fix it, before it costs you a motor.