I prefer 2WD trucks. Less to go wrong and much cheaper to buy and maintain. With a bit of knowledge and experience your can do everything a 4wd willl do with a 2WD. Great video
@@Arctic_Adjuster Back when men were men and trucks were trucks everyone got around just fine in there 2WDs. It’s okay. Justify your 4wd somewhere else. They have a use. But it’s not necessary
What I'm saying is I can drive from WA to Texas and go a bunch of places on the way for $641 and sleep in the back. In a 4WD the cost is at-least 750 probably 850. and in a full size pickup closer to 1200 to 1500. There is no way to do this with a 4WD. You can't. You don't have the money to do it period. So yes a 2WD can do more, it goes further for less.
Your other reply is cut off and hidden but I will try to say regardless. An electric vehicle is on a schedule, if I'm in a gas vehicle there is no scheduling and fueling up takes 5mins or less. It's a non event. You also can take a more direct path especially with a high MPG vehicle because it has to take less stops so that's another factor. A trailer on an electric vehicle reduces the range of the electric vehicle even more. I will use my ranger as a modular stealth sleeper maybe not permanently but it is something I want to do with it. Right now I'm building some extended wood walls for firewood and debris hauling and it is one of the cheapest vehicles to do so with, it's cheaper than the VW rabbit because the bed is significantly bigger. I don't understand why people always tell me VW Rabbit maybe because its the only way to one up me talking about the ranger because to me it's not even comparable without a bed close to 6ft long which is waaaay more useful for hauling stuff that humans do, but upgrading to a full size pickup for some one who isn't constantly doing contractor type jobs isn't always worth the cost. For me it wasn't so I switched from a 75 350 gmc to the Ranger.
Your comparison of your big truck vs your Ranger isn’t an even comparison. Your tire contact patch is just slightly larger on your F350 but the weight of the truck is probably double. I agree 100% with the rest of your video. Great content
Good stuff Chad. I don't know if the 4WD affects the big truck operating in 2WD, but I think you are spot when you mention weight. In my experience, the weight of trucks like an F-250/350, or 2500/3500, especially with the added weight of a diesel, causes the issue. And man, if it's a dually...be prepared to spin! I have seen a guy in a beautiful, new Ram 3500 4WD dually get "stuck" on wet grass and slight incline. He eventually got up the hill, but not without tearing up a lot of grass, and nearly having a full temper meltdown!
Thanks, Chris! I've seen that too with a dually. Which - seems counter to what you would think, right? It seems like more tires should equal more traction. But I think the additional width of two tires wide gives it more flotation than dig?
I'm extremely happy to hear this I have a two-wheel drive Toyota tundra 2006, i love my truck and didn't want to get a new truck, I'm going to be living in Colorado springs, can I have a buddy that swears I need to get a different truck because I need four-wheel drive for the snow, but as i read more into it, putting snow tires in the rear and adding weight definitely help!!! Even people say its better then a 4wd truck. That is extremely pleasing to hear.
I live in Colorado Springs. You aren’t getting around in a 2wd truck when we get hit with the bad storms; too many hills. However, most of the time you’ll be fine.
@@tythemusicteacher I'm also in Colorado Springs, you are wrong, l've never been in a storm here in 10 years that I couldn't get around in 2wd, stop lying
You’ll be fine brother, don’t listen to people saying you need 4wd, unless you have a mountain home with a steep driveway you are fine. Or a steep driveway in general.
I'm in Idaho, and have been driving my 87 Ranger in the winter...its a bare base model, 2WD with the 2.9L V6. Does fine in the snow/ice...just need to have some weight in the bed, otherwise because its such a light weight truck it don't wanna go anywhere LOL. Don't have snow tires, apparently none of the damn tire shops think people need 14" tires anymore. 4WD might get you moving but it isn't going to do anything to help you stop because you were going faster than you should have been in the first place....the 4WDs and AWDs are the first ones in the ditches every time it snows. We had a foot of snow about a month ago, and the only problem spots were in my own driveway, the roads are pretty well cleared off or at least packed down....I just start off in 2nd gear when its slick to keep from spinning the tires as easily. The problem with my driveway is on the exit of the circle drive is a slight incline, no big deal until the damn snow plow comes by and throws all the snow into my driveway....so I just go out the other side so I don't have to try and go through the snow plus the snow from the plow and up the hill LOL.
Growing up, we owned a 1987 Chevy S10, with a standard transmission, and my dad would rather drive his 1979 K5 Blazer than to drive the S10 because the Blazer had 4 wheel drive. Despite the fact he was really good driving a stick. I guess he never felt as confident on the road during the winter driving it. 😊 I had a 1995 S10 with an automatic, but didn't drive it very much during the winter. I preferred my front wheel drive 1993 Pontiac Grand Am. That's pretty much my experience driving on winter roads, but growing up here in the south, we didn't have to worry too much about it. But we usually did get one big storm every winter. ❄️❄️❄️❄️ Thanks for sharing, Chad!
I have an 87 long bed Ranger 2 wheel drive 5 speed with the 2.9L V6...love driving it regardless of the weather....the only trouble is, being a bare bones basic model its so light weight I gotta put some weight in the bed so it'll get enough traction in the snow/ice LOL....other than that it does great.
Good Morning Sir, YES WE CAN ( I had a Dodge Ram Van B 350 1984 ) and It was doing very good in winter time but I had some tricks ( very good winter tire, heavy in the back for adding weight on the rear diffenrencial ) 👌👍😇💪 2 wdr have a better fuel effenciency than a 4 wdr 🧐👍👍 I often start on 2nd gear on ice 🧐👍👍Keep Warm Sir Cheers 😇👌🍻
Used to use a ranger worktruck and it was 2wd manual. Mostly had no issues in snow, but 4x4 would make me feel more confident during those big snowstorms
Absolutely. I live in Maine and have driven a 2wd Dakota in 24" snowstorm to work. Good studded tires, some weight directly over the axle, and driving safely as per road conditions will get you basically anywhere.
I have always had 2-wheel drive we don't get much snow in west Tenn but when we do, they do not grade the roads to often I have always made it fine driving in snow we mostly get ice then we stay home.
Last week we got 9 inches of snow in Southeast Ohio level 3 snow emergency I ran around playing in the snow 90% of the time with just my electronic Locker that was with no weight in the bed my truck is 4x4 but playing in two-wheel drive is funner that's when I realized if I had a two-wheel drive truck with an E locker and weight in the bed I could go almost anywhere I needed. but if u got an open diff its so much harder a posi track or E locker makes all the difference in the world. Great video brother
Did fine with 2wd and all seasons somehow. Id say you can do well with just being a good driver having all seasons with good snow rating and 200-300 bounds of weight over rear axle.
I lived in northern utah for 3 years with a 2wd f150. It was fine. I had to drive up the pass to mountain green for work. Cant remember missing a day. Main roads are always plowed.
30 foot long Cadillacs and Lincoln Towncars ruled upstate New York all through the 60s 70s and 80s. Nothing wrong with two wheel drive but I do prefer a four wheel drive truck.
Oh yes, I remember those big cars having no trouble in the snow! :) I do remember some of them that ran with chains on the rear tires throughout the winter. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.
That is a mint little Ranger! Don't see many around in that shape anymore. I drove Crown Victoria's, and have a 2WD Bronco II back in the day, living in Canada. They were pretty good but there was alot of thought process where you were going, like not parking up hill, or trying to get into a driveway with a steep bank... but for everything else they worked great, just had to get a little run off to get up some hills, and of course a few bags of traction sand over the rear axle... To add to why a 2WD truck performs better than a 4WD does in 2WD, the 2WD truck doesn't have the extra weight of the front axle, driveshaft and transfer case to push, that was always the theory anyway.
Heyhey Chad when we lived in Ohio near you we always had 2WD vehicles and we have had a few here in Alaaka also. Many people here drive 2WD cars and trucks. But almost all of them run Blizzak tires. So it can be done. Take care my friend
Tires and weight in the back definitely make a difference! I had an ancient Chevy van with studded tires for snow, id put on. With two bus wheels and tires in the back, that thing was phenomenal in snow!
Thanks! Just be careful about that loose weight in the back. I've seen cinder blocks fly up and through the back of the truck bed/cab when the truck impacts something. That's a little scary!
Good video. I used to own a '93 Ranger V6 auto RWD extended cab with an extended bed. It was squirelly in the snow (partly because I didnt have studded tires nor anything in the bed to weigh it down back there). To me,vypu aeem to be driving a bit fast for the road conditions, because , though you may be in complete control, if an on-coming vehicle were to spin out of control, at higher speeds, you wouldn't have as much control to defensively avoid a head-on collision. Thats just my thoughts. I'm a 30 year retired VFF/EMT. Stay safe.
Had the exact truck years ago, I miss it! I spent the $ and put a posi rear in it. Then snow tires. The posi was wasted $ cuz the snow tires and weight in rear made 2x more difference than the rear diff. Younger people also seem to have completely forgotten bout snow chains too. At least once a year I put them on out of boredom just to see what I can climb in 2wd. I even have a zip tie set that can work in a pinch.
I've never put chains on a vehicle. I don't think it's permitted around here. But I have lots of experience putting chains on farm tractors and garden tractors. :) Chains on those make a HUGE difference in the snow and mud.
Thanks for watching! I certainly recommend winter tires if you're in a cold weather climate with snow/ice/sleet. Especially with the torque you'll get in that 5.0 V8! It does help to use a higher gear (less torque) when accelerating if possible, so that your tires don't lose grip as easily. And shifting down with the transmission on slick roads is avoided. Here's a video I did about winter tire advantages: ua-cam.com/video/mdZm95bzJsc/v-deo.htmlsi=JTyqJOu6q4RkRVRN
Yes - I believe all these 5 speed Rangers came with an open differential. But - the 2010 and 2011 (and maybe other years of this generation) do have the traction control, which helps.
Absolutely. I can’t imagine trying to drive this little truck around with my summer tires on during a snow. The winter tires make a huge difference. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
@@PurpleCollarLife I live in one of the U.P. snowbelts and have been driving a Focus with winter tires on it for 12 winters now. The tires make most of the difference. Having AWD or 4WD is gravy. I'm really glad you emphasize your use of winter tires in your video.
2WD is way more fun in the snow lol. It makes me more alert and prepared. My Ram does have 4x4 but I hardly touch it. My first vehicle was a 2WD F150 and that had 50% worn all season street tires with 240lbs weight in the back and it barely struggled. Like you said about shifting early, my my F150 was auto so I'd put in in gear #2 and then drive.
Less torque in a higher gear at a lower RPM certainly helps keep traction. I've found that a 2WD does much better in 2WD than a 4x4 does in 2WD. I don't know if it's all that additional weight in the front of a 4x4?
Drove an ‘88 Ranger 2wd, 5spd for 6 winters in New England. No problems at all. One really snowy winter, I didn’t put my 4x4 Silverado into 4x4 the whole time. 4x4 under steer is pretty scary. I’d rather have controlled over steer with a manual any day.
The understeer vs oversteer and difference between handling in a 2WD truck (RWD) vs a 4X4 truck is a great point! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.
That's a great question. I really like dedicated winter tires, with the 3 peak rating. Around here, metal studs are permitted, and make a big difference. But if you don't want to do the studs or can't use them where you live, I've been really impressed with Bridgestone Blizzak tires. I made a video about them: ua-cam.com/video/M4RrSC6TxiQ/v-deo.html
I'm also a victim of the, "Lake Erie Snow Machine" and I absolutely ALWAYS buy 4x4. A 2WD isn't a chance I'd take on the freeway going to work. Smart using studded tires. I run K02s on my trucks and have no issues with 4x4.
I certainly wouldn't want to rely on a 2WD truck as my only option. I know there are people that do it - and do fine. But like you - when the snow machine turns on, I'd rather be in the 4x4. :)
@ ok thanks I bought a 2010 ranger super cab sport it’s 2wd I live in Canada so we get snow I have a 3 inch lift and a set of winter approved all terrain s my truck also has a open diff and tractoin control how do u think it will perform
Having a Fiat 126p (engine and rear-wheel drive), in winter I often started in second gear. On the other hand, when driving front-wheel drive cars with a manual gearbox (90% of cars in Europe) there was usually understeer, so the torque delivery was not that dangerous (except in a corner) - I remember once, when I was young, I lost the brakes in an old sedan (on luckily I noticed it) and I reached home driving without brakes (and driving through a large city) for about 50 km. With a manual gearbox you can do wonders (slide into a corner with half-clutch or stop completely without the brakes), but with age the left leg becomes more and more lazy ;-)
The main difference between your big and small truck in snow is the tires. That's why it works better than big truck on 2wd. Use the same tires on both and then you can compare apples to apples. Ps! I love your clean Ranger!
While they're not exactly the same brand - the tires I use on the big F350 are also metal studded winter tires. But you're right - since they're not exactly the same - it's hard to compare. Thanks for watching! And thanks for the compliment on my daily driver Ranger. That's a great little truck.
Tires, tires, tires! Good tires are the most important thing. If you tires are not packing with snow, you're not getting your best traction. Snow sticks to snow better than it sticks to rubber tires. That's why mud terrains suck in snow. They are designed to clear the tread. I've pushed a one wheel drive Colorado thru some pretty deep crap for a decade. It seemed that the worst stuff was driving thru an inch or two of snow. Too much to just roll over, but not enough for a good grip. My full-sized 4wd got infinitely better in snow when I added a TrueTrac and changed out the tires. Now I have to to go north of the Saginaw Bay to use my 4wd in the snow.
Tires are key for sure. Thanks for sharing your experience. And you're right - sometimes that thin layer of snow is worse than much more snow accumulation. I know the Saginaw Bay a bit. I travel up there often for work.
Of course it can. Back in the day there were no awd cars, very few all wheel drive or four wheel drive trucks, so people put snow tires and got on with life.
This truck is a little workhorse regardless of the drivetrain. I'd prefer the 4x4 for the piece of mind. These vehicles are easy to maintain and fix so the concerns of the 4x4 system is minimal. Just change the fluids with full synthetic and change often. I recommend 5-6k miles on motor oil, lube the chassis, balljoints, tie rods and driveshaft during this service, for the transmission if it's an automatic 30k miles and 60k for manuals and 30k miles for the transfer case fluid. Diff fluids is 60k miles. Change the brake fluid every 2 years or 24k miles. Power steering fluid every 40k miles. The oil is fairly inexpensive and the labor is minimal.
Thanks! I'm comfortable in the snow in this little truck, even though it's only 2WD. I have the studded winter tires and usually some sand bags in the bed for weight. It's all the OTHER drivers that I worry about. :)
You’re absolutely right about the capability of a 4wd truck operating in 2wd vs a 2wd truck. A 4wd in 2wd is completely useless on the least little bit of snow, mud, wet grass, etc.
you have some very good points and yes, you can get away with a 2wd, I personally have a same year Ranger ext cab FX4 off road 5 spd manual. Likewise I get away with being in 2wd in that truck, but I wanted the 4x4 just for the extra peace of mind, so if needed it I have it and I will say it has come in handy on quite a few occasions, like at the boat launch and blizzard white knuckle driving, honestly now I think about it 4x4 is a necessity for me as I very frequently have to use it just to get out my damn driveway lol.
Sure, a fuel injected vehicle will start in Sub-Zero weather even if it has sat for a while, but that doesn't mean that it should be started when it's that cold out. You should definitely have it plugged in anytime. The temperature is below 10° above zero, otherwise it's just very hard on the engine
That’s interesting. I’ve had engine heaters on my diesel trucks - but never had a gas engine truck that was equipped with one. Are you using an aftermarket engine heater to plug in?
@@PurpleCollarLife most vehicles they are available aftermarket or as an oem accessory, but my Ford Ranger actually come from the factory in Montana with a two block heaters and a battery heater. My Honda CRV also sold in Montana came with a block heater
I should have stated that I drive a 2 wheel drive full size chevy truck. I put about 300lbs over the rear wheels and have dedicated snow tires for winter driving. I learned many years ago to use my tranny on slippery roads. Easy on the brakes.
I have heard both sides of the debate on this - shifting down into a lower gear using the transmission to decrease speed/maintain a slow speed, and shifting into neutral for the brakes. It's an interesting debate for sure.
I own a 2011 Silverado z71 obviously 4wd. In snow i dont need it untill we get 2 feet. I live in Illinois and it has endured many smow storms without 4wd. But ive been in emergency situations where i had to drive fast even in snow and yes thats when 4wd means something and is everything. If you start sliding in 4wd just let off the throttle and she'll stop, at least thats how my Silverado is.
@PurpleCollarLife honestly only problem is they are bad on bear asphalt and if you have a manual easy on the gas because they have so much grip you can fry a clutch easy
You never mentioned what types of rear differentials were in the two trucks. It looked like the four-wheel drive truck had an open differential and that the ranger had a limited slip. That's very important to know because comparing the two in slippery conditions is a very unfair comparison. And by the way, the ranger that year came with either an open differential or a limited slip and again there is a huge difference. That thing would be practically worthless with an open differential. With all your experience you should have known or at least mentioned it
The F350 has a limited slip 3:73 differential. The Ranger has an open differential, with electronic traction control (which does REALLY help). Great question.
Yeah I found open differential dang near useless in the snow but an electronic Locker or a posi Trac makes all the difference in the world if you have a two-wheel drive with an E Locker or a posi Trac and some weight you can go dang there anywhere you need to but open differential done
They're amazing and reliable little trucks! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Every comment, click of the "like" button, and subscriber helps our small channel grow.
Cables on the tires? Around here, you can only do that if you're in a winter state of emergency or on mountain pass roads that require chaining up. On those roads - I don't think I'd want to be in the 2WD Ranger. :) Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.
While i was in Alaska one thing i hate is 4x4 trucks who likes to tailgate and drive fast in a sketchy winter condition. go figure why you only see 4x4 trucks and SUV in the ditch all the time.
Yes - I see that often too. People think that because their truck has 4-wheel drive, they can go flying down the road at normal speeds even in snow and slush. I think that most of the time they learn that's not true, eventually.
Yes, I grew up in the snow belt and had that exact truck for 9 years. Shirt box regular cab 5 speed ranger. You can drive in snow up to a point (6” or less”) and have to do it just so, however, people watching this. This does NOT mean you can drive on the sand on a beach.
With lockers and sand tires that are big enough and tall enough, you can drive on the sand! You have to use a locker and specialty tires just for the sand. Then you take the rear tires off before driving it on the road.
@@Zach-sg5uuI see this every time I go to the beach. Unless that sand is hard packed from being wet, 2 wheel drive anything will not make it on the beach. If you swear by this, I need to see a video
@@PurpleCollarLifeyou be afraid to try putting weight on the tired that drive you huh ur special just don't use an old engine block for weight with out securing it that could shift but your thought process is bas awkward
Can you drive it? Yes. Will l buy one with rear wheel drive again? No way. Only if l had to. Up north l wanna have something with 4wd and preferably locking differential and winter tires. Getting stuck sliding and spinning out to easy. Why take the chance.
I like having my 4x4 for the bad weather days for sure. But probably 75% of the year, driving the little 4 cylinder 2WD Ranger saves me a lot of fuel money, and saves wear and tear on my F350 4X4. Replacement brakes, tires, bushings, bearings, etc - all are much cheaper on the Ranger as a daily driver than on the big truck. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
Maybe you should get a ranger with a longer cab and cruise control, seems like that would solve a lot of issues but a 4cyl manual as well. Hard to find I know but might be worth the change. I think they come with those specs anyway. Might not be to hard to ad cruise control as well but then you would still have the seat issue.
I drove a 2wd, open diff, manual Chevy Colorado for almost a decade in central PA. Just got rid of it last year. 300lbs in the back and Firestone winterforce tires made driving in snow easy
Yeah OK. My Honda fit with snow tires is way better than any 2 Wheel Dr. pick up truck out there. I also have a AWD Ridgeline with snow tires will go through snow with no problem. Where I used to work they only have 2 Wheel Dr. pick up trucks with snow tires on them. They are the most useless vehicle on snow, mud,sand there is. Here’s the other thing if you buy a 2 Wheel Dr. pick up truck it has no resale at all when you go to get rid of it. That upfront cost you pay for the four-wheel-drive you’ll get it back on the back end on resale
Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. You're right that in really bad weather, I'd rather have an AWD or 4x4 vehicle. I was just showing in this video that it is possible to drive a 2WD truck in some snow, if properly equipped (some weight, winter tires, studded tires, experienced driver). As far as the resale value - shockingly this 2WD Ford Ranger of mine continues to go up in value. Many people are looking for a simple, manual transmission, two-wheel-drive truck that get great fuel economy. I believe these will continue to become more valuable because there's nothing made like them currently.
Drove my 2wd nissan hardbody for 15 years in Saskatchewan, You can do it if you prepare but most people dont wanna do the extra effort. Need good snow tires or studded snow tires an id put 300-700lbs in the bed an that truck could go anywhere. Kinda annoys me now that people think you cant. All trucks were 2wd until late 80s mostly anyway
Thanks for watching! I agree that these 2WD trucks can be capable as long as you're prepared and careful. We do use the metal studded winter tires, and I typically have sand-bags in the bed for extra weight. But, like I mentioned in the video, when it's really bad - I prefer to drive the F350 4X4. The bigger size feels safer from other drivers on the roads. ua-cam.com/video/y3LLMYqD9eg/v-deo.html
The plow trucks are constantly out when it's snowing. But often (like was the case a few days last week), the snow was coming down faster than they could get the roads plowed. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
I prefer 2WD trucks. Less to go wrong and much cheaper to buy and maintain. With a bit of knowledge and experience your can do everything a 4wd willl do with a 2WD. Great video
You can actually do more, as in drive a lot further.
@@Arctic_Adjuster Back when men were men and trucks were trucks everyone got around just fine in there 2WDs. It’s okay. Justify your 4wd somewhere else.
They have a use. But it’s not necessary
What I'm saying is I can drive from WA to Texas and go a bunch of places on the way for $641 and sleep in the back. In a 4WD the cost is at-least 750 probably 850. and in a full size pickup closer to 1200 to 1500. There is no way to do this with a 4WD. You can't. You don't have the money to do it period. So yes a 2WD can do more, it goes further for less.
@@Arctic_Adjuster How is that related at all?
Your other reply is cut off and hidden but I will try to say regardless. An electric vehicle is on a schedule, if I'm in a gas vehicle there is no scheduling and fueling up takes 5mins or less. It's a non event. You also can take a more direct path especially with a high MPG vehicle because it has to take less stops so that's another factor. A trailer on an electric vehicle reduces the range of the electric vehicle even more. I will use my ranger as a modular stealth sleeper maybe not permanently but it is something I want to do with it. Right now I'm building some extended wood walls for firewood and debris hauling and it is one of the cheapest vehicles to do so with, it's cheaper than the VW rabbit because the bed is significantly bigger. I don't understand why people always tell me VW Rabbit maybe because its the only way to one up me talking about the ranger because to me it's not even comparable without a bed close to 6ft long which is waaaay more useful for hauling stuff that humans do, but upgrading to a full size pickup for some one who isn't constantly doing contractor type jobs isn't always worth the cost. For me it wasn't so I switched from a 75 350 gmc to the Ranger.
Your comparison of your big truck vs your Ranger isn’t an even comparison. Your tire contact patch is just slightly larger on your F350 but the weight of the truck is probably double. I agree 100% with the rest of your video. Great content
Lovely Ranger! I have been looking for a video of a ranger in snow and this is perfect! Much appreciated
Thanks for watching! I am glad you found the video helpful.
Good stuff Chad. I don't know if the 4WD affects the big truck operating in 2WD, but I think you are spot when you mention weight. In my experience, the weight of trucks like an F-250/350, or 2500/3500, especially with the added weight of a diesel, causes the issue. And man, if it's a dually...be prepared to spin! I have seen a guy in a beautiful, new Ram 3500 4WD dually get "stuck" on wet grass and slight incline. He eventually got up the hill, but not without tearing up a lot of grass, and nearly having a full temper meltdown!
Thanks, Chris! I've seen that too with a dually. Which - seems counter to what you would think, right? It seems like more tires should equal more traction. But I think the additional width of two tires wide gives it more flotation than dig?
I'm extremely happy to hear this I have a two-wheel drive Toyota tundra 2006, i love my truck and didn't want to get a new truck, I'm going to be living in Colorado springs, can I have a buddy that swears I need to get a different truck because I need four-wheel drive for the snow, but as i read more into it, putting snow tires in the rear and adding weight definitely help!!! Even people say its better then a 4wd truck. That is extremely pleasing to hear.
I live in Colorado Springs. You aren’t getting around in a 2wd truck when we get hit with the bad storms; too many hills. However, most of the time you’ll be fine.
@@tythemusicteacher I'm also in Colorado Springs, you are wrong, l've never been in a storm here in 10 years that I couldn't get around in 2wd, stop lying
You’ll be fine brother, don’t listen to people saying you need 4wd, unless you have a mountain home with a steep driveway you are fine. Or a steep driveway in general.
2005 tundra 2WD driving in snow in Washington state, my weight is a topper and a cargo top full of tools, not problem at all.
@@dextrome6593 I ended up moving to Texas instead. But I appreciate the feedback
I'm in Idaho, and have been driving my 87 Ranger in the winter...its a bare base model, 2WD with the 2.9L V6. Does fine in the snow/ice...just need to have some weight in the bed, otherwise because its such a light weight truck it don't wanna go anywhere LOL. Don't have snow tires, apparently none of the damn tire shops think people need 14" tires anymore.
4WD might get you moving but it isn't going to do anything to help you stop because you were going faster than you should have been in the first place....the 4WDs and AWDs are the first ones in the ditches every time it snows.
We had a foot of snow about a month ago, and the only problem spots were in my own driveway, the roads are pretty well cleared off or at least packed down....I just start off in 2nd gear when its slick to keep from spinning the tires as easily. The problem with my driveway is on the exit of the circle drive is a slight incline, no big deal until the damn snow plow comes by and throws all the snow into my driveway....so I just go out the other side so I don't have to try and go through the snow plus the snow from the plow and up the hill LOL.
Nice video awesome ranger
Thanks! It's a great little truck.
Growing up, we owned a 1987 Chevy S10, with a standard transmission, and my dad would rather drive his 1979 K5 Blazer than to drive the S10 because the Blazer had 4 wheel drive. Despite the fact he was really good driving a stick. I guess he never felt as confident on the road during the winter driving it. 😊 I had a 1995 S10 with an automatic, but didn't drive it very much during the winter. I preferred my front wheel drive 1993 Pontiac Grand Am. That's pretty much my experience driving on winter roads, but growing up here in the south, we didn't have to worry too much about it. But we usually did get one big storm every winter. ❄️❄️❄️❄️ Thanks for sharing, Chad!
My 2nd pick up was a 87 ranger bought new 2 wheel drive. I kept it 12 years drove in all kinds of conditions. Great truck wish I still had it.
That certainly would be a great truck to still have!
I have an 87 long bed Ranger 2 wheel drive 5 speed with the 2.9L V6...love driving it regardless of the weather....the only trouble is, being a bare bones basic model its so light weight I gotta put some weight in the bed so it'll get enough traction in the snow/ice LOL....other than that it does great.
@wildbill23c mine was a stx short bed cab was bigger with the jump seats. Also 2.9 leaked oil valve covers had good power for that time. 5 speed also.
Good Morning Sir, YES WE CAN ( I had a Dodge Ram Van B 350 1984 ) and It was doing very good in winter time but I had some tricks ( very good winter tire, heavy in the back for adding weight on the rear diffenrencial ) 👌👍😇💪 2 wdr have a better fuel effenciency than a 4 wdr 🧐👍👍 I often start on 2nd gear on ice 🧐👍👍Keep Warm Sir Cheers 😇👌🍻
Thanks @RCAFpolarexpress - those are all great tips!
@@PurpleCollarLife 👍👍😇😇👌👌🍻🍻
Used to use a ranger worktruck and it was 2wd manual. Mostly had no issues in snow, but 4x4 would make me feel more confident during those big snowstorms
Absolutely. I live in Maine and have driven a 2wd Dakota in 24" snowstorm to work. Good studded tires, some weight directly over the axle, and driving safely as per road conditions will get you basically anywhere.
Thanks for watching!
I have always had 2-wheel drive we don't get much snow in west Tenn but when we do, they do not grade the roads to often I have always made it fine driving in snow we mostly get ice then we stay home.
Thanks for watching!
Last week we got 9 inches of snow in Southeast Ohio level 3 snow emergency I ran around playing in the snow 90% of the time with just my electronic Locker that was with no weight in the bed my truck is 4x4 but playing in two-wheel drive is funner that's when I realized if I had a two-wheel drive truck with an E locker and weight in the bed I could go almost anywhere I needed. but if u got an open diff its so much harder a posi track or E locker makes all the difference in the world. Great video brother
It's definitely fun to play in the snow with 2WD!
Did fine with 2wd and all seasons somehow. Id say you can do well with just being a good driver having all seasons with good snow rating and 200-300 bounds of weight over rear axle.
I lived in northern utah for 3 years with a 2wd f150. It was fine. I had to drive up the pass to mountain green for work. Cant remember missing a day. Main roads are always plowed.
That's awesome! Did you ever have to run chains on it?
Just bought ford f150 RWD and it's useless in just 1inch snow 🤦🏽. I guess I have to get studs
This makes me feel so lucky to live in Arizona!!
Thanks for watching! I enjoy our seasons. The snow can be fun. :)
Yeah, but you get the snowbirds from up here coming to you in the winter. They can't drive here in the summer! 😂
30 foot long Cadillacs and Lincoln Towncars ruled upstate New York all through the 60s 70s and 80s. Nothing wrong with two wheel drive but I do prefer a four wheel drive truck.
Oh yes, I remember those big cars having no trouble in the snow! :) I do remember some of them that ran with chains on the rear tires throughout the winter. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.
That is a mint little Ranger! Don't see many around in that shape anymore. I drove Crown Victoria's, and have a 2WD Bronco II back in the day, living in Canada. They were pretty good but there was alot of thought process where you were going, like not parking up hill, or trying to get into a driveway with a steep bank... but for everything else they worked great, just had to get a little run off to get up some hills, and of course a few bags of traction sand over the rear axle... To add to why a 2WD truck performs better than a 4WD does in 2WD, the 2WD truck doesn't have the extra weight of the front axle, driveshaft and transfer case to push, that was always the theory anyway.
Heyhey Chad when we lived in Ohio near you we always had 2WD vehicles and we have had a few here in Alaaka also. Many people here drive 2WD cars and trucks. But almost all of them run Blizzak tires. So it can be done. Take care my friend
Tires and weight in the back definitely make a difference! I had an ancient Chevy van with studded tires for snow, id put on. With two bus wheels and tires in the back, that thing was phenomenal in snow!
Thanks! Just be careful about that loose weight in the back. I've seen cinder blocks fly up and through the back of the truck bed/cab when the truck impacts something. That's a little scary!
Good video. I used to own a '93 Ranger V6 auto RWD extended cab with an extended bed. It was squirelly in the snow (partly because I didnt have studded tires nor anything in the bed to weigh it down back there).
To me,vypu aeem to be driving a bit fast for the road conditions, because , though you may be in complete control, if an on-coming vehicle were to spin out of control, at higher speeds, you wouldn't have as much control to defensively avoid a head-on collision. Thats just my thoughts. I'm a 30 year retired VFF/EMT. Stay safe.
Any more Ranger videos n do another winter driving video
How much weight do you put in back
Usually 2-3 sand tubes. I believe they're 70 lbs each.
Had the exact truck years ago, I miss it! I spent the $ and put a posi rear in it. Then snow tires. The posi was wasted $ cuz the snow tires and weight in rear made 2x more difference than the rear diff. Younger people also seem to have completely forgotten bout snow chains too. At least once a year I put them on out of boredom just to see what I can climb in 2wd. I even have a zip tie set that can work in a pinch.
I've never put chains on a vehicle. I don't think it's permitted around here. But I have lots of experience putting chains on farm tractors and garden tractors. :) Chains on those make a HUGE difference in the snow and mud.
@@PurpleCollarLife studded tires arent legal here in WI. But honestly its like a free for all last few years, u cant get pulled over for anything
How about 6spd 5.0L V8, with all season M/S tires. If i drove in different gear when the roads are slippery would it help. Great video!!!
Thanks for watching! I certainly recommend winter tires if you're in a cold weather climate with snow/ice/sleet. Especially with the torque you'll get in that 5.0 V8! It does help to use a higher gear (less torque) when accelerating if possible, so that your tires don't lose grip as easily. And shifting down with the transmission on slick roads is avoided. Here's a video I did about winter tire advantages: ua-cam.com/video/mdZm95bzJsc/v-deo.htmlsi=JTyqJOu6q4RkRVRN
Nice, I’m around the meadville area
This is pretty much exactly what I thought it was like, but figured I’d watch a second opinion
Thanks for watching!
Did it living in Indiana, I had a 2wd Tundra. Got me to work n back
You have snow tires and a manual transmission. The best combination imho when driving in snow.
Does this truck have an open differential?
Yes - I believe all these 5 speed Rangers came with an open differential. But - the 2010 and 2011 (and maybe other years of this generation) do have the traction control, which helps.
Winter tires make a big difference
Absolutely. I can’t imagine trying to drive this little truck around with my summer tires on during a snow. The winter tires make a huge difference. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
@@PurpleCollarLife I live in one of the U.P. snowbelts and have been driving a Focus with winter tires on it for 12 winters now. The tires make most of the difference. Having AWD or 4WD is gravy. I'm really glad you emphasize your use of winter tires in your video.
2WD is way more fun in the snow lol. It makes me more alert and prepared. My Ram does have 4x4 but I hardly touch it. My first vehicle was a 2WD F150 and that had 50% worn all season street tires with 240lbs weight in the back and it barely struggled. Like you said about shifting early, my my F150 was auto so I'd put in in gear #2 and then drive.
Less torque in a higher gear at a lower RPM certainly helps keep traction.
I've found that a 2WD does much better in 2WD than a 4x4 does in 2WD. I don't know if it's all that additional weight in the front of a 4x4?
Manual transmission as well.
Yes!
Drove an ‘88 Ranger 2wd, 5spd for 6 winters in New England. No problems at all.
One really snowy winter, I didn’t put my 4x4 Silverado into 4x4 the whole time. 4x4 under steer is pretty scary. I’d rather have controlled over steer with a manual any day.
The understeer vs oversteer and difference between handling in a 2WD truck (RWD) vs a 4X4 truck is a great point! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.
What are the best tires to use in the winter climate?
That's a great question. I really like dedicated winter tires, with the 3 peak rating. Around here, metal studs are permitted, and make a big difference. But if you don't want to do the studs or can't use them where you live, I've been really impressed with Bridgestone Blizzak tires. I made a video about them: ua-cam.com/video/M4RrSC6TxiQ/v-deo.html
Dedicated snow tires for snow. Studded tires for ice
I'm also a victim of the, "Lake Erie Snow Machine" and I absolutely ALWAYS buy 4x4. A 2WD isn't a chance I'd take on the freeway going to work. Smart using studded tires. I run K02s on my trucks and have no issues with 4x4.
I certainly wouldn't want to rely on a 2WD truck as my only option. I know there are people that do it - and do fine. But like you - when the snow machine turns on, I'd rather be in the 4x4. :)
@@PurpleCollarLife ❤️
Dose that have an open rear differential?
Yes- but it is a 2010, so it does have traction control.
@ ok thanks I bought a 2010 ranger super cab sport it’s 2wd I live in Canada so we get snow I have a 3 inch lift and a set of winter approved all terrain s my truck also has a open diff and tractoin control how do u think it will perform
i live in erie and i have a 2wheel drive seccend gen ram its good but id reccormend having some sand bags in the bed
Through some weight in the back. And have a good pair of winter. KO2s or some studded tires would do fine. Especially in the snow
We're really glad that we use the studded winter tires on our Ranger. It makes a huge difference. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
Having a Fiat 126p (engine and rear-wheel drive), in winter I often started in second gear. On the other hand, when driving front-wheel drive cars with a manual gearbox (90% of cars in Europe) there was usually understeer, so the torque delivery was not that dangerous (except in a corner) - I remember once, when I was young, I lost the brakes in an old sedan (on luckily I noticed it) and I reached home driving without brakes (and driving through a large city) for about 50 km. With a manual gearbox you can do wonders (slide into a corner with half-clutch or stop completely without the brakes), but with age the left leg becomes more and more lazy ;-)
Thanks for the great comment!
I find it hard to believe that it snows in Northwest Pennsylvania. I always thought that the Erie area had palm trees
near Mill Creek Mall......
Those palm trees are fake! :) Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.
I drove many 2x4 work trucks for work. It is very possible in snow with good tires and weight. However, it is much nicer to do the same in a 4x4.
The main difference between your big and small truck in snow is the tires. That's why it works better than big truck on 2wd. Use the same tires on both and then you can compare apples to apples. Ps! I love your clean Ranger!
While they're not exactly the same brand - the tires I use on the big F350 are also metal studded winter tires. But you're right - since they're not exactly the same - it's hard to compare. Thanks for watching! And thanks for the compliment on my daily driver Ranger. That's a great little truck.
Tires, tires, tires! Good tires are the most important thing. If you tires are not packing with snow, you're not getting your best traction. Snow sticks to snow better than it sticks to rubber tires. That's why mud terrains suck in snow. They are designed to clear the tread.
I've pushed a one wheel drive Colorado thru some pretty deep crap for a decade. It seemed that the worst stuff was driving thru an inch or two of snow. Too much to just roll over, but not enough for a good grip. My full-sized 4wd got infinitely better in snow when I added a TrueTrac and changed out the tires. Now I have to to go north of the Saginaw Bay to use my 4wd in the snow.
Tires are key for sure. Thanks for sharing your experience. And you're right - sometimes that thin layer of snow is worse than much more snow accumulation. I know the Saginaw Bay a bit. I travel up there often for work.
Of course it can. Back in the day there were no awd cars, very few all wheel drive or four wheel drive trucks, so people put snow tires and got on with life.
This truck is a little workhorse regardless of the drivetrain. I'd prefer the 4x4 for the piece of mind. These vehicles are easy to maintain and fix so the concerns of the 4x4 system is minimal. Just change the fluids with full synthetic and change often. I recommend 5-6k miles on motor oil, lube the chassis, balljoints, tie rods and driveshaft during this service, for the transmission if it's an automatic 30k miles and 60k for manuals and 30k miles for the transfer case fluid. Diff fluids is 60k miles. Change the brake fluid every 2 years or 24k miles. Power steering fluid every 40k miles. The oil is fairly inexpensive and the labor is minimal.
you may want to leave the wipers up in the air....not on the windshield...then they will not be frozen in ice to the windshield
Thanks!
If you know how to drive and acknowledge that some of your snowy commute will be a little bit sideways, it can actually be fun. Especially in a manual
What I've found: When it snows, a 2wd truck holds the road much better than a front wheel drive sedan.
Thanks! I'm comfortable in the snow in this little truck, even though it's only 2WD. I have the studded winter tires and usually some sand bags in the bed for weight. It's all the OTHER drivers that I worry about. :)
I've got a 4wd pickup but I got about 400 pounds of wight in the back I get around just fine I live in Indiana
Some additional weight definitely helps. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.
You’re absolutely right about the capability of a 4wd truck operating in 2wd vs a 2wd truck. A 4wd in 2wd is completely useless on the least little bit of snow, mud, wet grass, etc.
Thanks!
Chains and be careful absolutely
to help the doors from freezing shut add silicone lube to the seals
Thanks! I'll give that a try for sure.
you have some very good points and yes, you can get away with a 2wd, I personally have a same year Ranger ext cab FX4 off road 5 spd manual. Likewise I get away with being in 2wd in that truck, but I wanted the 4x4 just for the extra peace of mind, so if needed it I have it and I will say it has come in handy on quite a few occasions, like at the boat launch and blizzard white knuckle driving, honestly now I think about it 4x4 is a necessity for me as I very frequently have to use it just to get out my damn driveway lol.
Short answer. Yes.
I’m gonna get an extra pair of wheels and put winter tires on them and keep tire chains on my vehicle. Just in case for snow
Sure, a fuel injected vehicle will start in Sub-Zero weather even if it has sat for a while, but that doesn't mean that it should be started when it's that cold out. You should definitely have it plugged in anytime. The temperature is below 10° above zero, otherwise it's just very hard on the engine
That’s interesting. I’ve had engine heaters on my diesel trucks - but never had a gas engine truck that was equipped with one. Are you using an aftermarket engine heater to plug in?
@@PurpleCollarLife most vehicles they are available aftermarket or as an oem accessory, but my Ford Ranger actually come from the factory in Montana with a two block heaters and a battery heater. My Honda CRV also sold in Montana came with a block heater
@ That’s awesome!
I always downshift with my auto transmission on icy hills .
I should have stated that I drive a 2 wheel drive full size chevy truck. I put about 300lbs over the rear wheels and have dedicated snow tires for winter driving. I learned many years ago to use my tranny on slippery roads. Easy on the brakes.
Thanks!
I have heard both sides of the debate on this - shifting down into a lower gear using the transmission to decrease speed/maintain a slow speed, and shifting into neutral for the brakes. It's an interesting debate for sure.
No, it seems to help with breaking to simply use engine breaking and less brakes!
I have a 99 ford ranger auto 2wd and I just put some sand bags in the bed and drive slower and it does just fine
I own a 2011 Silverado z71 obviously 4wd. In snow i dont need it untill we get 2 feet. I live in Illinois and it has endured many smow storms without 4wd. But ive been in emergency situations where i had to drive fast even in snow and yes thats when 4wd means something and is everything. If you start sliding in 4wd just let off the throttle and she'll stop, at least thats how my Silverado is.
My Ranger is so light even if it gets stuck I can push it out easily, it's like a go cart. also, never got stuck.
That’s awesome! They are easy to move around if needed.
No lie I kill it in my 2.3l 95 ranger in the snow a good set of v bars and your good
That's awesome! I've never used the v-bar chains.
@PurpleCollarLife honestly only problem is they are bad on bear asphalt and if you have a manual easy on the gas because they have so much grip you can fry a clutch easy
I miss my 96 💪😎Ranger 5 speed 😢😢
There are so many benefits to these little Rangers. I can’t believe they don’t make anything like this anymore.
@ I agree 👍
A two-wheel drive ranger is probably the last thing I would take in the snow. I would use a two-wheel drive F-150 at a minimum
Been doing it for 50 years with no problem
You've certainly mastered the technique!
You never mentioned what types of rear differentials were in the two trucks. It looked like the four-wheel drive truck had an open differential and that the ranger had a limited slip. That's very important to know because comparing the two in slippery conditions is a very unfair comparison. And by the way, the ranger that year came with either an open differential or a limited slip and again there is a huge difference. That thing would be practically worthless with an open differential. With all your experience you should have known or at least mentioned it
The F350 has a limited slip 3:73 differential. The Ranger has an open differential, with electronic traction control (which does REALLY help). Great question.
Yeah I found open differential dang near useless in the snow but an electronic Locker or a posi Trac makes all the difference in the world if you have a two-wheel drive with an E Locker or a posi Trac and some weight you can go dang there anywhere you need to but open differential done
I wish they would make these pup trucks again.
They would sell like crazy! They're reliable, economical, and easy to drive.
I have an 03 Ranger, 2 wheel drive and manual tranny. No a/c either, I love my littlecRanger.
They're amazing and reliable little trucks! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Every comment, click of the "like" button, and subscriber helps our small channel grow.
7:31
I think your ford farted
It does have gas. :)
Use cables. Done.
Cables on the tires? Around here, you can only do that if you're in a winter state of emergency or on mountain pass roads that require chaining up. On those roads - I don't think I'd want to be in the 2WD Ranger. :) Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.
How much weight do you put in the bed ?
Usually 3-4 tubes of sand. I think they're 70 lbs each.
While i was in Alaska one thing i hate is 4x4 trucks who likes to tailgate and drive fast in a sketchy winter condition. go figure why you only see 4x4 trucks and SUV in the ditch all the time.
Yes - I see that often too. People think that because their truck has 4-wheel drive, they can go flying down the road at normal speeds even in snow and slush. I think that most of the time they learn that's not true, eventually.
Yes, I grew up in the snow belt and had that exact truck for 9 years. Shirt box regular cab 5 speed ranger. You can drive in snow up to a point (6” or less”) and have to do it just so, however, people watching this. This does NOT mean you can drive on the sand on a beach.
Thanks! My Ranger does surprisingly well in the snow with my studded winter tires. No sand - I’d be afraid to even try that!!
With lockers and sand tires that are big enough and tall enough, you can drive on the sand!
You have to use a locker and specialty tires just for the sand. Then you take the rear tires off before driving it on the road.
@@Zach-sg5uuI see this every time I go to the beach. Unless that sand is hard packed from being wet, 2 wheel drive anything will not make it on the beach. If you swear by this, I need to see a video
@@PurpleCollarLifeyou be afraid to try putting weight on the tired that drive you huh ur special just don't use an old engine block for weight with out securing it that could shift but your thought process is bas awkward
Can you drive it? Yes. Will l buy one with rear wheel drive again? No way. Only if l had to. Up north l wanna have something with 4wd and preferably locking differential and winter tires.
Getting stuck sliding and spinning out to easy. Why take the chance.
I like having my 4x4 for the bad weather days for sure. But probably 75% of the year, driving the little 4 cylinder 2WD Ranger saves me a lot of fuel money, and saves wear and tear on my F350 4X4. Replacement brakes, tires, bushings, bearings, etc - all are much cheaper on the Ranger as a daily driver than on the big truck. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
@@PurpleCollarLife That makes sense
Maybe you should get a ranger with a longer cab and cruise control, seems like that would solve a lot of issues but a 4cyl manual as well. Hard to find I know but might be worth the change. I think they come with those specs anyway. Might not be to hard to ad cruise control as well but then you would still have the seat issue.
I drove a 2wd, open diff, manual Chevy Colorado for almost a decade in central PA. Just got rid of it last year. 300lbs in the back and Firestone winterforce tires made driving in snow easy
If you pack the bed with snow, it helps tremendously!
Try driving up a hill on an unplowed road with rear wheel drive.
Momentum is your friend. Once you're stopped and have to start on the hill - that can be trouble.
Georgebrost7666 4 wd won’t go up a Un plowed hill either lmao.
Weight in the bed as everyone says, helps a lot. Good snow tires, limited slip & chains if needed for a 2wd works well.
@bostonbruinsfan247 not necessarily driving a 2wd truck takes skill and a 2wd drive with a rear locker will go further than ur 4x4 with no lockers
Lessen the tire pressure!
Yeah OK. My Honda fit with snow tires is way better than any 2 Wheel Dr. pick up truck out there. I also have a AWD Ridgeline with snow tires will go through snow with no problem. Where I used to work they only have 2 Wheel Dr. pick up trucks with snow tires on them. They are the most useless vehicle on snow, mud,sand there is. Here’s the other thing if you buy a 2 Wheel Dr. pick up truck it has no resale at all when you go to get rid of it. That upfront cost you pay for the four-wheel-drive you’ll get it back on the back end on resale
Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. You're right that in really bad weather, I'd rather have an AWD or 4x4 vehicle. I was just showing in this video that it is possible to drive a 2WD truck in some snow, if properly equipped (some weight, winter tires, studded tires, experienced driver).
As far as the resale value - shockingly this 2WD Ford Ranger of mine continues to go up in value. Many people are looking for a simple, manual transmission, two-wheel-drive truck that get great fuel economy. I believe these will continue to become more valuable because there's nothing made like them currently.
Stop on a hill and see what happens lol...😂 A honda Accord with snow tires will out perform a 2wd truck...
Drove my 2wd nissan hardbody for 15 years in Saskatchewan, You can do it if you prepare but most people dont wanna do the extra effort. Need good snow tires or studded snow tires an id put 300-700lbs in the bed an that truck could go anywhere. Kinda annoys me now that people think you cant. All trucks were 2wd until late 80s mostly anyway
Thanks for watching! I agree that these 2WD trucks can be capable as long as you're prepared and careful. We do use the metal studded winter tires, and I typically have sand-bags in the bed for extra weight.
But, like I mentioned in the video, when it's really bad - I prefer to drive the F350 4X4. The bigger size feels safer from other drivers on the roads. ua-cam.com/video/y3LLMYqD9eg/v-deo.html
😅don’t they ever plow the roads up there
The plow trucks are constantly out when it's snowing. But often (like was the case a few days last week), the snow was coming down faster than they could get the roads plowed. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!