Traction?

Greetings All.... It's been awhile since I've last had the pleasure of this forums expert advice.

My 1989 Thunderbird, Standard 3.8 I believe was the first year Ford introduced the independent rear suspension in the Thunderbirds. I got stuck in a little snow yesterday. I was trying to figure out which tire I should dig out, but it seemed like both tires were spinning, "not at the same time though". For some reason, I always though only one tire would spin in a case like being stuck in snow.

My questions are, for this particular vehicle, will both tires attempt to spin in poor traction conditions? And, is it possible to improve the traction of a rear wheel drive vehicle? Is there a certain brand of tire I should invest in or are there any other products that may help?

Thanks

Bridgestone Blizzaks. Check out Tirerack.com

It depends on what axle is in your car. I have a feeling that you have an open differential, in which case only one side would spin. Take a look in the doorjamb under AXLE on the tag and post the number and or letter code, and we'll see what you're working with.

I agree on the blizzaks, they're awesome snow tires. Seems to me sears had a version that looked a lot like the blizzak only a lot cheaper. Worked just as good. Have to check into that.

but it seemed like both tires were spinning, "not at the same time though".

it could be because of the IRS...one tire spins then the other is dragged along...that also happens to mine in the rain with an oped diff, which is fun. i make a slow turn then slam on the gas a little and one tire spins then the other you can feel it. also i doubt you have trac loc.

Thanks for the advice guys. overl0rd, I think I found the number and letter code you were refering me to. Under "AX" is the number "5" and under "TR" are the letters "TRRKK". So I believe the information you were looking for is 5 TRRKK. If that doesnt make any sense to you, let me know and I'll check again.

My mechanic used "positive traction and semi positive traction" terms. Is this the same as "open and locking differental"?

Finally, are those Blizzaks tires for all seasons or are the mainly for snow? I'm gonna check out Sears website and tirerack.com, thanks again.....

Thanks for the advice guys. overl0rd, I think I found the number and letter code you were refering me to. Under "AX" is the number "5" and under "TR" are the letters "TRRKK". So I believe the information you were looking for is 5 TRRKK. If that doesnt make any sense to you, let me know and I'll check again.

My mechanic used "positive traction and semi positive traction" terms. Is this the same as "open and locking differental"?

Finally, are those Blizzaks tires for all seasons or are the mainly for snow? I'm gonna check out Sears website and tirerack.com, thanks again.....

Ok great, 5 means the car is equipped with a 3.27 open differential. I've never heard positive traction and semi positive traction. The "TRRKK" is a trim code, just tells about colors and options.

The blizzaks are intended primarily for snow.

Thanks again overl0rd. I just need to know one thing. What exactly is a 3.27 open differential? I have a fair knowledge of cars, but when it comes to differentials, I wouldnt know one from the other.

Oh, and has anyone ever checked out the "spikes-spiders" at http://www.spikes-spiders.com/
They look simple enough to put on your tires, but I'm curious how durable they are.

Thanks again overl0rd. I just need to know one thing. What exactly is a 3.27 open differential? I have a fair knowledge of cars, but when it comes to differentials, I wouldnt know one from the other.

Oh, and has anyone ever checked out the "spikes-spiders" at http://www.spikes-spiders.com/
They look simple enough to put on your tires, but I'm curious how durable they are.

An open differential transfers power to one tire, while a limited slip or locker transfers power to both wheels evenly. A limited slip will mechanically disengage while going around a corner to avoid nastys since the inside tire spins faster than the outside and when locked together will spin at the same speed causing loss of traction. A locker for the most part locks the drive wheels together like if you welded the spiders up in an open diff.

3.27 refers to the gear ratio. For every 3.27 turns of the pinion gear the ring gear will turn once. I've been lucky so far, my 96 had a 3.27 LS and my 86 has a 3.08 LS.

sounds like an open differential wouldnt do me much justice if say i'm stuck in snow. is the transfer of power to the same tire at all times, or will the power alternate between tires? I'm sorry if these questions I'm asking sound, well stupid. But this is the first time anyone has ever educated me on this particular aspect of a vehicle....