XLT 4x4 regret
03-07-2019, 08:56 AM
#21
Senior Member
An apples to apples comparison is my 2008 1500 2wd with winter tires to my 2017 f-150 in 2wd with the same brand winter tires. The 2008 got around way better I thought maybe they changed the compound in the tires as they spin to easy. Same weight layout and everything. It's weird to me but I was passing people with fwd and 4wd with the 1500 all the time. The F-150 I have to put in 4wd a lot to get the same confidence. Not sure if it's suspension related or not, maybe I just got crap tires this go around.
03-07-2019, 09:30 AM
#22
Senior Member
First of all, if I wanted to spend more money to get heated and cooling seats that don't work, a leaking moonroof and leather seats that are loose or wrinkled and a host of other problems that seem to hit the high end models I would have gotten one.
that way I could have gotten the 4A option. For me, the electronic locking rear is a piece of crap compared to the old limited slip differential. On a wet road or intersections piled high with salt and cinders the locking rear is great if you're going straight at the intersection, turning left or right not so much. I agree with the OP that Ford did us no favors with this setup.
that way I could have gotten the 4A option. For me, the electronic locking rear is a piece of crap compared to the old limited slip differential. On a wet road or intersections piled high with salt and cinders the locking rear is great if you're going straight at the intersection, turning left or right not so much. I agree with the OP that Ford did us no favors with this setup.
03-07-2019, 09:45 AM
#23
Senior Member
I guess I don't understand what everyone is complaining about. Through high school and college I drove a 1990 Mustang 2.3L with a 3.73 open diff, year round. Winter time I would swap on the snow tires and put 50 or 100 lbs in the back and I never once got stuck.
Prior to this truck, I had a 2009 Ranger. With 4WD it was fine, in 2WD if it was the slightest bit slippery that truck wouldn't go anywhere even with 200 lbs in the bed.
This is my first winter with the F150 and I've been perfectly fine with it. I've used 4WD maybe 3 or 4 times this winter, when the road was really messy. I'm not gonna say I love the default open diff, but I've had no issues getting around.
I've also witnessed the traction control working as it should, backing up in my driveway when it had snow on it (it's a slight incline). I was actually able to make rearward progress in 2WD, if I'd been in my Ranger it would have just spun until I put it in 4WD.
Prior to this truck, I had a 2009 Ranger. With 4WD it was fine, in 2WD if it was the slightest bit slippery that truck wouldn't go anywhere even with 200 lbs in the bed.
This is my first winter with the F150 and I've been perfectly fine with it. I've used 4WD maybe 3 or 4 times this winter, when the road was really messy. I'm not gonna say I love the default open diff, but I've had no issues getting around.
I've also witnessed the traction control working as it should, backing up in my driveway when it had snow on it (it's a slight incline). I was actually able to make rearward progress in 2WD, if I'd been in my Ranger it would have just spun until I put it in 4WD.
03-07-2019, 09:54 AM
#24
Senior Member
You can hope, wish, and dream till the cows come home. Doesn't change a thing. You know/knew the facts going in, and should understand the weather conditions anytime you drive. So?
Do I wish an XLT had the 4A option? Sure! But it doesn't. Deal with it or upgrade, or buy from mfg'r X.
Do I understand what I'm getting into heading out on a cr@ppy winter day? You bet. Be prepared BEFORE you get into trouble.
Man-up, people. Sheesh already...
Do I wish an XLT had the 4A option? Sure! But it doesn't. Deal with it or upgrade, or buy from mfg'r X.
Do I understand what I'm getting into heading out on a cr@ppy winter day? You bet. Be prepared BEFORE you get into trouble.
Man-up, people. Sheesh already...
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rliles1 (03-07-2019)
03-07-2019, 11:10 AM
#25
Persistance Is A Bitch
Thread Starter
Well, stopped by my local favorite 4x4 shop and bounced the Lariat transfer case swap to XLT. There are hardware, wiring and most importantly, computer issues. Not really a feasible thing to do.
I do think running winter dedicated tires is the route I will go. I really like my F-150 3.5 ecoboost and reluctant to give that up. Probably get more aggressive with the 4x4 switch and learn to live with the steering wheel feedback.
I do think running winter dedicated tires is the route I will go. I really like my F-150 3.5 ecoboost and reluctant to give that up. Probably get more aggressive with the 4x4 switch and learn to live with the steering wheel feedback.
03-07-2019, 11:21 AM
#26
Senior Member
I think the only situation I have ever run into 'issues' (nothing that stopped me) was around town the city has decided to leave half of the lane covered with ice and the other half cleared down to pavement. Making right hand turns on that is like the worst case scenario for an open dif. Doesn't stop me but is a bit of a pain, not sure if 4A would even save that though.
03-07-2019, 11:23 AM
#27
Well, stopped by my local favorite 4x4 shop and bounced the Lariat transfer case swap to XLT. There are hardware, wiring and most importantly, computer issues. Not really a feasible thing to do.
I do think running winter dedicated tires is the route I will go. I really like my F-150 3.5 ecoboost and reluctant to give that up. Probably get more aggressive with the 4x4 switch and learn to live with the steering wheel feedback.
I do think running winter dedicated tires is the route I will go. I really like my F-150 3.5 ecoboost and reluctant to give that up. Probably get more aggressive with the 4x4 switch and learn to live with the steering wheel feedback.
https://www.f150forum.com/f118/anyon...4a-xlt-366903/
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Weather Man (03-07-2019)
03-07-2019, 11:27 AM
#28
Senior Member
Haven't had issues in my XLT, and I don't have snow tires. Anyway how fast are you hitting the turns at intersections, and your comparing apples to oranges with "well my so and so handled better" yeah because it probably weighed 500 lbs more than the aluminum bodied XLT.
Last edited by Boostr; 03-07-2019 at 11:30 AM.
03-07-2019, 11:29 AM
#29
Senior Member
I think the only situation I have ever run into 'issues' (nothing that stopped me) was around town the city has decided to leave half of the lane covered with ice and the other half cleared down to pavement. Making right hand turns on that is like the worst case scenario for an open dif. Doesn't stop me but is a bit of a pain, not sure if 4A would even save that though.
03-07-2019, 11:47 AM
#30
Persistance Is A Bitch
Thread Starter
Decided to order a set of HELO HE909 rims with Blizzak DM-V2's. I really like my F-150, so hope these do the trick with being a little more aggressive with the 4x4 switch. This will of course guarantee we don't see another flake of snow for the winter! 