What are the basics of increasing traction on my F250?

[robroy]

Good morning!

Since my F250 will have a whole lot more engine than it will traction, I'm curious to learn the basics of increasing traction. Since the truck's not on the road yet I'm asking in advance (since it's possible that I'll like the traction it has just fine).

Here are the things I already know about to increase traction:

1. Adjust air pressure in the tires to some ideal level (do you run the pressure low for increased traction?)
2. Install wider wheels/tires on the rear
3. Place something heavy over the rear axle, like sacks of cement. Should this be over the rear axle or right behind the cab?
4. Install a limited slip rear end
5. Put lighter, less stiff springs in the rear (which I'm not inclined to do)

What are the other main methods folks use to increase traction on a Bumpside?

And is it possible to have the best of both worlds, meaning a truck with all the traction it can use without sacrificing its ability to "be a truck?"

Thanks!
Robroy

[Happy_Camper]

Big tires, with the correct width rims, and a limited slip type differential will really help.

This would be a great opportunity to do some research on front springs for a 6 cylinder truck.
I understand from the other threads, that you haven't really given much thought to the front springs (Just kidding please don't kick me ). OK, so I understand you *not* wanting to mess with all the hard work you put into the front end (which really looks great btw).

Can't speak towards traction in a bump, but on other 2WD trucks, I've had really good luck with BF Goodrich T/A KOs. They don't last very long, but have some pretty good traction. A 285/75R 16 is about 33" tall, and has a tread width of about 10" when mounted on a 8.0" to 8.5" wide rim. They are D rated, so you loose a bit of capacity, and they "sing" going down the road.

As for weight, A 35' Toy hauler loaded up with dirt bikes, and pizza would be an awesome choice for additional weight on the rear end. I'll bring the coolers! Probably get some real good traction that way. Otherwise, I'd hold off on throwing things in the bed unless you really need to. If the road is smooth, strap the weight back by the tail gate. If it's rough, strap it over the rear axle. The rear springs aren't going to let the truck squat under power anyways, so you might as well take as much advantage of weight distribution as possible. You can always make up lead weights to fit inside the rear bumper.

[1971ford]

thats a toughy, in my '71 f250 we can never get the rear tires to stick with the 429 up front. But they are really low on tread too. like said before, wide tires, limited slip and weight would really help. I think the further back the weight the better, like above the axle.

[thebannister8]

how cool would you look with early 80's traction bars

1) Adjust air pressure in the tires to some ideal level (do you run the pressure low for increased traction?)

2) Install wider wheels/tires on the rear

3)Place something heavy over the rear axle, like sacks of cement. Should this be over the rear axle or right behind the cab?

4)Install a limited slip rear end

5)Put lighter, less stiff springs in the rear (which I'm not inclined to do)

1) ..yes...too low can cause tire damage though..

2) yes

3) yes and my guess would be right over the tires...maybe you can pop a wheelie .. i'd suggest a giant cab cage to protect you from your traction devices as they cannon ball forward when you hit the make it stop pedal

4) i'd say true posi, but kinda funky for daily driving

5) i have absolutely no idea

[Alvin in AZ]

http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/bumper1.jpg
322 pounds of lead and hardware worked for me. ;)
Being where it is, it takes 120 pounds off the front tires. :)
And adds 442 pounds of effective weight to the rear tires.

I just removed the two inner weights the other day, going to be
picking up and hauling a windmill gear box that's been guessed to
weigh about 500 pounds.

First time they've been off since I put them on there. :)
66 pounds each.
5/8" shaker screen bolts so they'd match the original bumper bolts.

Nothin gets stuck in the sand any easier than an empty-bed-pickup.
...especially if it's only got one wheel drive. ;)

Homemade, dumb ditch digger brand, traction bars...
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/zerks.jpg
Tools needed- 16# sledge hammer and a 3 foot hunk of 136# rail

Alvin in AZ 360FE T18 9inch with Traction Lok

[Pro-Street/StateTk]

Robroy

I know you said ( Basic ) , But a few members said ( Big rear Tires ) heres a Link to a thread that I go step by step how I ( Pro-Streeted ) a 77 and a 65 ,

I have some Pics of my old 77 and some Pics of the Leafs Moved inboard ,it is pretty easy I think and works very Good ,the wheels are ( 14 in. Wide ) and I

Can still run stock wheels at any Time , with a simple wheel tire swap !



( Link to my Write up )>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
http://www.fordification.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2847


Wally Womack

[fireguywtc]

Well Robroy, I just seen this after responding to a similar post and question. I am wondering what are your goals for your truck? That will give us the best suggestions on what things you might want to do to increase traction.

[1971ford]

you could always do what i did, mount a 32 gallon fuel cell (250lbs full) behind the rear wheels

there will also be two 35" spare tires on each side of it later. traction here i come

[Alvin in AZ]

you could always do what i did, mount a 32 gallon fuel cell (250lbs full) behind the rear wheels lol
there will also be two 35" spare tires on each side of it later. traction here i come 8)

Cool. :)

BTW, dent-sides can fit the "thirty something" rear tank from the full size Bronco under the bed.

----------------------

Right after putting lead in my bumper I was driving home late one night on the freeway and hit
a dip in the road and it felt cool as anything! :) The pickup didn't "nose-dive" into the dip and
then come "flying" out of it like usual, it was a strange sensation of taking the dip like a dirt bike
or Baja truck would. Like I said, it felt cool as anything. :)

Before I did my "lead in the bumper thing" I had filled my (under rear tank) spare tire (235/85-16)
with water and it weighted 210 pounds (75 with just air) and made a noticeable and positive
difference. :) But it'd been off there for a couple years before I got around to making the lead
weights.

Strange stuff, this. ;)

If "roundie-rounder" racers can use weights, and toe-out and "not square with the frame" rear axle
placement and all sorts of stuff to help 'em win.

So can I, just to make my pickup handle like I want. ;)

Alvin in AZ