Help me figure this out!!!!

[XWIND11]

Ok here the issue...

Yesterday I was out had a great time on the boat go to put it on the trailer and the truck I just bought just to pull the boat started spinning tires and had to get a guy to help pull me off the ramp, but while it was spinning I notice that one wheel was spinning not the other so my question is should i sell this truck or should I get possi traction put on it if that will help the truck is a 1998 dodge ram 1500 quad cab with the 5.9l motor in it 2WD it pulled the trailer down the road nice about 70 with only 1800-2000 rpm. I just put tires on it I wonder it that could be the problem also the wheels are goodyear wranglers MT/R 245-75-16 durawall puncture resistance. ask the guy at the tire place are they good for towing but you know they just trying to make a sell.

Any help will be appreciated I hate to go to hassel of trying to find a new truck.

Newbie

 

[Jeepster04]

Re: Help me figure this out!!!!

The MTR tire is a tire designed for rocks. Usually an aggressive tire like that wont be the best tire for on road driving under wet conditions. Not bad, just not the best.

If you have the money to buy another truck then have at it. Personally I would get something like a Detroit True Trac. I dont really like the typical Limited slip differential with clutches. Theres a possibility your truck already has it but its already worn out.

 

[Beeched]

Re: Help me figure this out!!!!

That sounds like a good solution. If it were me, I would get a 4wd with manual lock hubs. That way if you don't need the 4wd you take the front end out of lock in. There might be other times that you might want the 4wd. Not sure when that would be in Florida, but in Wyoming it is a necessity. I have never used mine on a ramp but may find a steep or slick one that 2wd just wont work.

Just one opinion in thousands. Whatever you end up with, be sure to enjoy it.

 

[Landscaping Wiz 808]

Re: Help me figure this out!!!!

Hi XWIND11 - You didn't mention what type and size boat & trailer you're pulling. You can install an air locker on the rear that can be used at the ramp and whenever else you need some extra traction. Just an idea.

BOB

 

[rbh]

Re: Help me figure this out!!!!

Yes the one thing about a greasy ramp is you need good traction and a 4x4 is certainly a nice option
rob

 

[HappierWet]

Re: Help me figure this out!!!!

Here's another question.....How much tongue weight is there? Can you move the boat further forward? And how steep is the ramp?

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Help me figure this out!!!!

If you really like the truck a true trak or detriot locker would be a viable solution about 400 buck if you do it yourself.
The way an open differetial works is torqe is transfered to the wheel with traction, but only the amount of torqe that can be generated before the tire spins, if one tire is on ice and one is on dry pavement the dry tire is only gets that amount or torque and your usually stuck right there.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Help me figure this out!!!!

That should be plenty of truck to pull with, just a traction at the ramp issue. As sughested already, the limited slip clutch may be worn out, or you could install the Air Locker... 4X4 is a nice option, I have 2 4WD trucks, but I have not taken either of them to the ramp as my boat has sat for a few years. I have always had 2WD trucks previously and had no problems... I think your tires might have been an issue. If you can, select cleaner ramps until you can increase your traction...

 

[dwco5051]

Re: Help me figure this out!!!!

I had two different 2WD pickups that I used in the past with slide in campers to tow with. I solved the problem of greasy ramps during the fall and spring when the resevoirs were drawn down by mounting a hitch ball on the front bumper. A little bit of a hassel to change over before launching but I never got stuck. Pulled several people up the ramp with it also by hooking a chain on my front hitch to their rig while I was still on the level at the top of the ramp.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Help me figure this out!!!!

You may just need a little more tongue weight, can you afford to move the winch post up a couple inches, you could always have someone stand on the tongue just to see if it would actually help before moving it.

 

[XWIND11]

Re: Help me figure this out!!!!

Hi XWIND11 - You didn't mention what type and size boat & trailer you're pulling. You can install an air locker on the rear that can be used at the ramp and whenever else you need some extra traction. Just an idea.

BOB

thanks for reply its a 20 ft renker cuddy cabin i weighed it at the truck place and boat and trailer weighs 4450. is the airlocker cheaper than the detroit thing he was talking about.

 

[XWIND11]

Re: Help me figure this out!!!!

Thanks for all the replys thats why I love this site......

I figured the tire was some of the problem they just look so good on the truck also how could I tell if my truck has the posi traction and just worn out? the boat weight is 4450 i dont know tongue weight.

 

[Landscaping Wiz 808]

Re: Help me figure this out!!!!

thanks for reply its a 20 ft renker cuddy cabin i weighed it at the truck place and boat and trailer weighs 4450. is the airlocker cheaper than the detroit thing he was talking about.

They're both the same thing. There are a few different manufacturers, but some of the 4X4 guys on this site will know a lot more about 'em than me. Once they're installed you should be able to pull 4500lbs up the ramp with no problems.

Good luck to you - BOB

 

[BeaufortTJustice]

Re: Help me figure this out!!!!

There should be a sticker (usually in glove compartment or inside door jamb) that shows a bunch of codes that when deciphered, tell you every feature and option installed on your truck from the factory. Try to find a Dodge Truck forum or find a helpful dealer to interpret for you. I did it on a Chevy forum for my Tahoe and a nice GM tech responded with a complete list. Good luck.

 

[bitterboater]

Re: Help me figure this out!!!!

I used to use a 1\2 ton chev. 2wd to tow my boat and occasionally had the same problem as you experienced. The trick my dad taught me was to very gently apply the brakes as you accelerate up the ramp, it slows down the wheel spin and if you have an LS differential it lets the cluthes work on both wheels.

As for the ARB air locker, they are great, they are pricy though. They allow you to have good road manners like your current differential with the true 2wd option if you need it.
The Detroit True-Trac is as stated above basically the same thing w\o all the air lines and compressor to add to the truck.

Spools, and standard Detroit lockers are what you should stay away from, as they work best under limited traction conditions, (mud, snow, ice) and will wear your rear tires much faster than the above mentioned options.

Either the ARB of Detroit can be found at most parts stores, or ordered online. They are also (if not experienced) best installed by professionals. There are some fairly tight tolerences in the differential that must be maintained, to avoid exploding your gears (yes, expolding..no not pretty) at the most inoportune time.

 

[wizbang 13]

Re: Help me figure this out!!!!

To find tongue weight, set your bathroom scale under the "tip up" wheel and crank her up,er,down. Crank the tongue off the ball and voila! Bathroom scale reads tongue weight. If the tongue is light, under 50 lbs or so,by moving the boat fwd. on the trailer,tongue weight increases.May be the simplest fix.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Help me figure this out!!!!

I used to use a 1\2 ton chev. 2wd to tow my boat and occasionally had the same problem as you experienced. The trick my dad taught me was to very gently apply the brakes as you accelerate up the ramp, it slows down the wheel spin and if you have an LS differential it lets the cluthes work on both wheels.

As for the ARB air locker, they are great, they are pricy though. They allow you to have good road manners like your current differential with the true 2wd option if you need it.
The Detroit True-Trac is as stated above basically the same thing w\o all the air lines and compressor to add to the truck.

Spools, and standard Detroit lockers are what you should stay away from, as they work best under limited traction conditions, (mud, snow, ice) and will wear your rear tires much faster than the above mentioned options.

Either the ARB of Detroit can be found at most parts stores, or ordered online. They are also (if not experienced) best installed by professionals. There are some fairly tight tolerences in the differential that must be maintained, to avoid exploding your gears (yes, expolding..no not pretty) at the most inoportune time.

Exactly right, stay away from a standard Detroit Locker or any direct competitor. They are designed to lock your left and right wheel together. While it is the strongest, it is hard on the side axles as one side has to slide as you go around corners. Air locker type is much better on pavement.

 

[rrussell16]

Re: Help me figure this out!!!!

On a Dodge, you can tell what type of differential you have by looking on the drivers side of the axle. There is a white "tape" wrapped around the axle about 6" from the wheel. It will say "open" or "limited slip" and will give you the gear ratio as well.

If it is limited slip and doing the "one wheel peel" you should change the fluid in the differential. Alot of times, this will help to bring back the limited slip. Be sure to add the friction modifier sold by Mopar if you change it yourself. Also, it is a limited slip, you can "slightly" apply your emergency brake and it will help to engage the limited slip feature.

If it is an open differential, follow the suggestions above and buy a locker. The PowerTrax is a great solution to convert an open differential. They are not as expensive as the Detroit Locker and do not lock around corners.

PS...The 9.25 Chrysler rear end is tough. No need to worry about breaking one. I have only seen one guy break one in years of drag racing.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Help me figure this out!!!!

Go to a wrecking yard and find a limited slip diff and replace yours.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Help me figure this out!!!!

Man o man, look at all them high tech solutions to a problem us country folk would fix with a couple of sandbags in the bed of the pickup.

my 02
John