update: traction, or lack thereof

johnb · #1 09-14-2004, 01:55 PM

A few weeks ago I asked about a locker for my 2003, 2500 Hemi SLT 4x4 with an open differential; thank you for the reply, Snafu.

Unfortunately, my truck has the new-for 2003 American Axle 10.5 inch rear, which the aftermarket seems to have completely ignored.

So, I go to my dealer yesterday, figuring the only thing I can do if I plan on keeping this truck is to get the factory anti-spin installed. My dealer can't find part #'s, they're completely baffled. Guess I won't go back for any service that might need to be done in the future.....

I'm awaiting a call back from a different dealer, hopefully it won't cost <too> much.

Anyway, my question, before I go ahead with this, is this: Can any other 2003+ 3/4 ton owners tell me their experience with the factory anti-spin? I've read posts on other boards where people are less-than happy; they have to use the emergency brake trick to get the rear to lock up and get moving.

I don't want to trade this truck for a <gasp> Z71 equipped Chevy, but I need to be able to drive if it snows. As it is now, if it's raining I have to put it in 4 hi to get up my driveway, once the snow comes my guess is it ain't going nowhere unless it gets the anti-spin installed.

Rhetorical question: Why does Dodge not include limited-slip when you order 4 wheel drive? I've seen posts from guys with trucks like mine that get stuck on level ground....

Thanks in advance for any insight.

gimpy3802 · #2 09-14-2004, 03:21 PM

I have a 2003 ram 2500 with the limited slip rear diff with a manual transmission. All summer long I go 4 wheeling on the beach I only got stuck once and that was because I did not lower my tire pressure. Once I lowered the tire pressure I had no problems what so ever. In the winter I go to Maine on weekends and I never had a problem in the snow.

The biggest problem I ever had was going up my uncleâ€™s steep driveway that has loose gravel. The rear tire would spin like crazy, but I fixed that by adding some weight in the bed.

I am sure if I had off road or all terrain tires this would not be an issue at all.

johnb · #3 09-14-2004, 04:02 PM

Thanks Gimpy, that helps to ease my mind.

I have an automatic tranny, but if anything that should be easier to drive in the snow.

Now, if the dealer would only call back with an estimate......