The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - 3/4 ton 2wd with weight vs 4wd in the snow which handles better

Neal Molder · 02-10-2010, 11:58 PM

Food for Thought! I grew up in the middle of Saskatchewan Canada and drove a 68 1 ton rearwheel drive and a 69 3/4 ton rearwheel drive in the snow on the farm. On and off road since i was 13 . These trucks are in many ways better than modern 2 wheel drive trucks. because of the coils all the way around. They won't out do a 4 by 4 but unless your going hunting or going out offroad with a 1.5 feet of snow or more, you don't need a 4by4.
The other thing to think about was their wasn't that many 4by4 sold in canada from 68 to 72. Why? Price, reliability, Market i'm not sure why. I just know these trucks of the 4 by 4 variety are rare in canada. Canadians got along fine with the 2 wheel drive for years before the reliable modern 4 by 4s came along.
As far as driving them in the snow a little weight in the back never hurt. decent tires not bald. And of course knowing your vehicles and your limitations never hurts. Best thing to do is take it out on first snowfall of the year out in the middle of nowhere, where you can't hit anything. Then do some donuts. Spin on some ice. Fish tail a little and general get a good feel for the truck on snow and ice. Oh ya and have a little bit of fun in the process.

02-10-2010, 11:58 PM	#6
Neal Molder The Black Pearl Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Brooks Alberta Canada Posts: 63	Re: 3/4 ton 2wd with weight vs 4wd in the snow which handles better Food for Thought! I grew up in the middle of Saskatchewan Canada and drove a 68 1 ton rearwheel drive and a 69 3/4 ton rearwheel drive in the snow on the farm. On and off road since i was 13 . These trucks are in many ways better than modern 2 wheel drive trucks. because of the coils all the way around. They won't out do a 4 by 4 but unless your going hunting or going out offroad with a 1.5 feet of snow or more, you don't need a 4by4. The other thing to think about was their wasn't that many 4by4 sold in canada from 68 to 72. Why? Price, reliability, Market i'm not sure why. I just know these trucks of the 4 by 4 variety are rare in canada. Canadians got along fine with the 2 wheel drive for years before the reliable modern 4 by 4s came along. As far as driving them in the snow a little weight in the back never hurt. decent tires not bald. And of course knowing your vehicles and your limitations never hurts. Best thing to do is take it out on first snowfall of the year out in the middle of nowhere, where you can't hit anything. Then do some donuts. Spin on some ice. Fish tail a little and general get a good feel for the truck on snow and ice. Oh ya and have a little bit of fun in the process.