Traction at the ramp

[Silvertip]

Re: Traction at the ramp

Having tires with a "grippy" tread is also necessary. Bald or highway tread tires are next to worthless on snow, ice, and yes, snotty ramps. Installing a locking differential is a heck of a lot cheaper than buying a new vehicle. Junk yards are full of vehicles like yours WITH the locker. Replace the entire rear end. Perhaps the salvage yard would give you a fair price for the old unit.

 

[Chas0218]

Re: Traction at the ramp

The poor guy just wants to know if his truck will pull the boat out not how to install new locking rear end carrier. I have a 4000lb pro line cuddy cabin. I run about 450lbs. of tongue weight. I have a 4wd Silverado with the 5.3 and 3.73s, that I have yet to use the 4wd to pull my boat out of a ramp that has a 40-50% grade (40*-50*.) Long as you have the proper tongune weight you will have no problems. Yes my truck has an open rear end (non-locking.)

 

[Dennis G]

Re: Traction at the ramp

Thanks for all the feedback. I'll get some appropriate tires on the rear and get tongue weight adjusted and I should be good to go.

 

[ricohman]

Re: Traction at the ramp

I've always had 2wd tow vehicles. Just have decent tires and go easy on the throttle. An ARB air leaker is unneccessary for ramp duty.

I've had ARB's in various vehicles for over a decade now, zero air leaks. And the FJ40 really gets beat to death.
Its all about the install. Do a sloppy job get leaks.

 

[ricohman]

Re: Traction at the ramp

open up your glove box it gives all the specs for that veh in codes. If you see G80 it means it has a locking rearend.
run your vin number on any GM site. or take the vin to the nearest dealer, they should print everything for that veh.
In the manual It explains every number on you VIN? /options

The problem with the G80 (besides throwing their guts out), is you need wheel speed to engage it. And if you have one wheel spinning you have already lost traction. If you have low gearing and a locker you have the best chance of crawling up the ramp without wheelspin.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Traction at the ramp

I had a 2007 crew cab silverado short box with the 4.7 and pulled my 21' tahoe with no problems. I had 4wd but didn't have to use it. I was pulling in and out on concrete ramps with the ripples so I know it will work for you on a good ramp.