gears and snow bad mix??

[shallowreef]

I am at that point in my modding career where i want to install a bigger rear gear. The thing is though that my mustang is my DD. i usually drive that car through anything except when its snowing really bad out because i know then that i will not get anywhere. Anyways, before i go and blow the money for the rear gear i want to see if this is a wise choice or not. I know that when you put in a bigger gear you lose top end speed but your real quick off the line. I was thinking about going with a 3.73, to me a 4.10 seems like too much for a DD in snow. Well theres my situation!

Give me advice on what size i should use or if i should go a different route.


Thanks in advance,

Nick

 

[04GT]

4:10's definitely made my daily drive more difficult in the snow, but only when it was really bad. Like when they road was totally snow covered and I couldn't see pavement.

Even starting in 2nd, I had trouble getting traction.

I added 200 lbs of weight on the floor in the back seat and that helped alot.

 

[shallowreef]

So try the 4.10s or would 3.73 be okay. Because i really love that top end speed.

 

[hognutz]

your tire choice is going to make the biggest differnce in bad traction conditions.

with stock tire hieght

4.10's = 167 in 5th and 112 in 4th

3.73 = 187 in 5th and 123 in 4th

 

[shallowreef]

Thanks hognutz that is exactly what i needed to see!


Much appreciated!!

 

[csledd]

I have 4.10s and rolled in the snow this winter.. wasn't that bad at all, just had to baby it.

 

[mrvax]

I know that when you put in a bigger gear you lose top end speed but your real quick off the line. I was thinking about going with a 3.73, to me a 4.10 seems like too much for a DD in snow. Well theres my situation!

Give me advice on what size i should use or if i should go a different route.


Thanks in advance,

Nick

Nick, trust me, you will not lose top end speed by swapping gears unless you can redline 5th gear which would be over 160mph.

I have to drive in snow and ice. I put 4 40 pound blocks in the trunk (in an old blanket) for traction. Then, with my 3.73's I can carefully make it through some really scary situations. I'd recommend the 3.73's for snow drivers.

 

[langod]

I ran my 2002 with 3.90s this winter. Traction control FTW!

Yeah, that damned green light was on A LOT, but I got where I wanted to go. I wouldn't try to get through anything major, but just take it easy and you'll be OK. Tires will make a big difference. Either get a good set of all seasons (I have Continental ContiExtreme Contacts which are hreat), or get something dedicated like Blizzaks.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Sounds like someone fears the gear...

 

[elite130]

Trust me, get a set of Blizzaks or Ice Guards for your rims, or get a set of dedicated winter snow tires with rims. It makes all the difference in teh world. Even with all-seasons, they don't hold a candle to snow tires. I had a set of (4) 245-45-17 Blizzaks on my '98, and I drove through snow and through the mountains without any problems. It is all in the tires, the driver (how well you can control your car). If you are good, the tires will last you at least 4 seasons.

 

[fluffyrunnells]

go on tire rack....get the chepaest ugliest wheel, and snow tire combo.....they will last you many winters......and you should be fine

 

[Blk01gt_]

Definately go with 4.10's.

I have 4.10's on my daily driver and i live up in Canada, where we have snow on the ground from November to March. I have a set of 16 inch steel wheels with snow tires for the winter, and i can get around just fine. I have only been stuck once in 4 winters, and only needed a push from my buddy in the car with me to get out. I used to put 100 lbs. in the trunk to get better traction in the winter, but i don't even bother doing that anymore.

Go with 4.10's unless you do a lot of highway driving, you won't regret it.

 

[ForPointSex]

With snow tires, you can run any gear you want. This winter, my car was bottoming out on snow and never got stuck. With my regular tires, I couldn't get out of my driveway.

 

[04YELLOWGT]

I got an auto with 4.10 and had stock tires at the time I usualy dont drive it in the winter but looked nice that day so I did well I look out side and its snowing by the time school got out the roads were coverd. Long story short I spun all the way home for 5 miles. I babyed it and still spun badly.

 

[tomustang]

So try the 4.10s or would 3.73 be okay. Because i really love that top end speed.

Since you didn't search (I know you didn't) 4.10s isn't going to drop your top speed

 

[Mike97gt]

I am with these guys the tires is going to make a world of difference, my boss drives his 04 cobra in the snow with blizzaks (sp?) on all four corner.

 

[stangGT97]

good luck reaching 150mph with your stock gears. The highest I ever hit was 140 and it took me like 2 days to get there with 3.55s, I know for sure that 4.10s would have helped. I have since calmed down, this baby doesnt see above 75

 

[myponyrocks]

DONT use traction control in the snow, at least in stop and go situations. You'll get stuck. Drove my 3.73s around for 2 winters now, no issues, just start in 2nd or 3rd and don't downshift... I forgot last year during the first snow fall and got to spin a few times into oncoming traffic.

 

[csledd]

I wouldn't use traction control with anything lol.. in my opinion it never really helped so mines permantly turned off.

 

[myponyrocks]

I only use it on the freeway when its raining, other than that, its off