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Hey all - I'm in Nashville, so we don't get snow often, but when we do, almost all roads are untreated and unplowed. We also get ice, but NOTHING does well on ice.
The most snow we ever get is pretty much 5"; the problem isn't trying to power through four-foot snowdrifts, but it's slick conditions when it first starts, and then more slick conditions when the snow gets packed down by other vehicles.
My XJ: 95 4.0, AX15, NP231
6.5" lift, 8.8 rear LSD with tightly packed clutches
Front is open D30 with a HP44 w/locker coming soon
35" MTZ P3s
Warn winch
My truck: 2013 Sierra 1500 crew cab, 5.3, 4WD
Stock
32" Hankook Dynapros
Yesterday I had to drive to a town maybe 20 miles away - since we got 6" of snow, it took 4 hours each way. I chose to take the truck after loading the bed down with firewood.
So what's the better vehicle for this? XJ is much lighter and the tires are no doubt better for snow, but truck is much heavier and has always done well. Yesterday the truck did well, just minor sliding if I tried to turn too fast; one time I got stuck turning around on a narrow closed road and got the front wheels off the edge of the road - thankfully an XTerra yanked me out with my recovery strap. Jeep advantage would be the winch, but it really wouldn't have helped me there except to pull me further off the road!
The Jeep has more ground clearence, but that may not matter. However, it's smaller size my be an advantage though. If you have to get somewhere on ice chains will provide the traction you need Xj on South Pass
Well I think you could make an argument for both vehicles.. me I'm partial to my XJ. Before moving to southern TX... I lived in Flagstaff, AZ which is at 7,000 ft. above sea level and gets plenty of snow in the winters.
Part of the equation will come down to your own experience. For me, I grew up in the Rocky Mtns of Colorado...so winters were always deep snow and ice. But I've driven on those kinds of roads most of my life at least in the US. When I lived overseas, not so much lol.
We learn to drive in the environments we live in. 5" of snow isn't much for someone like me...but for someone who rarely sees that much it may seem like a lot.
My XJ is not a crawler... it's fairly stock aside from a mild 2.5" lift and slightly larger 235s. It has the D30 up front and D35 out back with a factory LSD (which is very handy on bad winter roads or off-road) with the AW4 trans Then it just comes down to your tire selection.
So with the front axle engaged and in 4 Low... I never had an issue even on solid ice. Just remember no matter what vehicle you're driving... slow and steady, no quick movements in the steering, gas, or brake and you should be just fine. I've used that technique countless times in the past on solid black ice (the worst kind)
Good advice all around! I lived for 20 years where we'd get 4 feet of snow at a time, and believe it or not, driving seems more dangerous here. Snow doesn't usually get slippery, but man, it gets slippery down here. Looks like I may order some tire chains - WHY NOT
Good advice all around! I lived for 20 years where we'd get 4 feet of snow at a time, and believe it or not, driving seems more dangerous here. Snow doesn't usually get slippery, but man, it gets slippery down here. Looks like I may order some tire chains - WHY NOT
Well especially if it's that "slushy" variety...driving through that is like tryin' to catch a greased pig
UPDATE - took the XJ out today instead of the truck and it did fantastic. Felt like it was glued to the road!! Lost traction for very briefly maybe twice - got off the gas and it came right back. I think the Heep has established itself as the preeminent winter weather vehicle! The truck does a good job too, but just felt like the XJ had much more grip. Granted, conditions are different today, but I'll be firing up the ol XJ next time for sure
Also, apparently I did a good enough job flushing out the heater core last year - I was worried that when it's 10 degrees out, the heat would never get hot enough to appease the old lady but had to turn it down after a half hour or so! THIS OL HEEP AINT DONE YET IT SEEMS
I also live in Nashville. I’ve been out playing and pulling others out with my xj the last two days. Never once did I come close to getting stuck or losing control. in fact, the opposite. It was hard to break loose and have fun. Haha
i am lifted 4.5 inches with 31” ko2. I also have a little extra weight with a steel winch bumper and steel rear with tire carrier.
Yeah buddy!! In the XJ again today and having zero trouble even on some sketchy hills. Have you ever seen Matt's Off-road Recovery on YouTube? He's a guy in Nevada who pulls people out for a living and used only an XJ until this year. He pulled ALL kinds of vehicles, even big ones, out with that thing. Lifted and 35s but stock motor until recently. Sand dunes, deep snow in winter, all of it - makes for a great watch.
As I drive all over town today I've been thinking more about this, and as usual, the ONLY points of contact any vehicle has with the ground are the tires. So absolutely makes sense that the mudders on my jeep would do better than the pretty tame ATs on my truck! Let me tell you I am NOT at all disappointed as it gives me a great excuse to drive the jeep when it snows
I think also what contributes to the xj s grippy nature in snow is the way the transfer case locks in 4wd. Not great for pavement but really makes the jeep feel locked tight in slippery and loose situations.
I think also what contributes to the xj s grippy nature in snow is the way the transfer case locks in 4wd. Not great for pavement but really makes the jeep feel locked tight in slippery and loose situations.
There's a major reason your XJ is better than your pickup in snow, and I'm really surprised nobody has brought it up.
Weight distribution.
Throw several sandbags in your truck, over the rear axle, you'll see a big difference.
That makes a big difference for sure, I have a HD rear bumper with a spare tire carrier and a 35" tire on it and I can go most places in 2wd where my truck would need 4x4, however in 4x4 they both do pretty good.
01-07-2022, 10:49 AM
Which is better in snow: my XJ or my truck?
