Diesel Pickups in the snow and those front hooks

timswi · Feb 18, 2014

LD1 said:
Not sure how you were able to spend $1600 on brakes and not even replace the front rotors???

If I wanted, I can do all 4 rotors, all 4 calipers, and all pads on 1 ton and still come in about a grand less than you.

Agree with that...I've done all you mentioned plus a master cylinder and a couple of brake lines and came in where you said.

While I've had a diesel and currently drive a 1/2 ton 4x4 I never once had any driveabilty issues in snow storms with my diesel. The 1/2 ton I have now just went through an unplowed 8" of snow in addition to drifts up hill from a dead stop with the worst possible tires (GY LS2's) and barely spun a tire let alone getting stuck...

When ABS came out, I hated it...Now I have no problem whatsoever with it. The only ABS problem I've ever had was with a 90's wheel speed sensor. It was an easy fix.

Looking4new · Feb 18, 2014

My ABS was an easy fix, too. Just pulled the fuse.

Diamondpilot · Feb 18, 2014

LD1 said:
Not sure how you were able to spend $1600 on brakes and not even replace the front rotors???

If I wanted, I can do all 4 rotors, all 4 calipers, and all pads on 1 ton and still come in about a grand less than you.

I was thinking the same thing. I just put on Ceramic pads and 4 brand new drilled and slotted rotors for $350

Chris

Industrial Toys · Feb 18, 2014

I apologise! I got confused with my Mule tire and lift kit fiasco on my credit card invoice!

Found the bill. A thousand bucks with taxes in. Pads, 1 set $160.00 , Rotors $146.00 X 2, Caliper X 1 $111.00 Labour almost $300.00 (Looks like flat rate, and can't tell the hourly rate)

STILL, not being able to STOP . . . . Priceless!

Now I don't feel quite so bad!

LD1 · Feb 18, 2014

If it stops fine on dry pavement I don't think its a brake issue. Its just a combination of mass and traction.put those tires on anything else of equal mass and the results will be the same.

Industrial Toys · Feb 18, 2014

I do some panic stops on dry pavement just to make sure the brakes work and they always have.

k0ua · Feb 18, 2014

I think you just have some lousy tires... By the way my ABS on my GM (Chevy) truck works very well.

Matt in Virginia · Feb 19, 2014

fwiw,
I have to concur with Diamondpilot on 350s sucking in mud and snow. That said I currently drive a 2003 Ford Excursion with a 7.3 PSD and 4x4 or a 05' F350 Crew Cab Short Bed with a bulletproofed 6.0 PSD and 4x4... All that said I could go places on the farm with my 94' F150 4x4 Short Bed, an EFI 302, and 31x10.50 BFG All Terrains that would sink either of these trucks to the axles. THAT SAID I have also towed 30,000 pounds plus with the F350 on nice dry roads... The way I look at it, and I know you did'nt ask, is that an F250/350 Diesel 4x4 and a nice light F150 4x4 are meant for completely different tasks. Three axle trailer with 10,000 pounds of tractor is F350 territory. GENERAL USE on the farm, and on the road, stick to regular light pickup trucks. My Dad was a Chevrolet Man to the core and he ALWAYS ordered a locking differential right up to his last 2004 2500HD Duramax/Allison 4x4. Granted he had road tractors to pull "real loads" as he often told me. You can "pull the guts out of a pickup with a load that one of my(his) W900 KWs would not even notice.". He was right but most of us, including me, don't have the option.

What I am getting at is that you need not cuss your truck. It has it's abilities AND it's limitations... I'm in the process of looking for a half ton crew cab with a short box and a gasoline V8 as we speak. It MAY wind up being a regular cab short bed. What I will pony up for is lockers atleast in the rear. ARBs fore and aft would be ideal, and with the folks I have to call to pull me out, I may go that route...

I will say that you need to keep the amount of weight tensioned between your tow vehicle or winch to a minimum. Chains, clevis's, and winch wire have snapped and wounded MANY. They now make light weight ropes especially for towing vehicles out of a bog or for use on the winch. The lack of mass does away with the snap back that has ruined tail gates, back windows, and the unfortunate head(look at youtube). I'd personally go with a couple Van Beest Shackles, a synthetic pull rope, and pull rope dampers. A good rated Snatch Strap can also get you out of a jam if you have something other than a CUT tractor to pull with... They work better with a quicker take up.
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Regards, Matt Garrett.