My 2007 4 runner sliding in street snow

[live4thrillz]

Maybe rim size matters?

From an engineer's view: The larger the rim diameter (and same outer tire diameter) the tire sidewall is shorter. When torque is applied the rim turns, THEN the tire follows it. My theory is that when turning if he hits the gas the shorter sidewall makes the tire spin quickly because there's less "flex" which causes a skid. If there were a little more sidewall, the extra flex would allow the tire to "slowly" react to the rim turning and won't provide a sudden jerk or torque, reducing the tendency to skid. This is merely from an accelerating/turning standpoint.

I used to drive a Mustang and there's a reason why, in general, low profile tires spin more when accelerating. Look at funny drag cars when launching. Their bigger tires (compared to rim size) allow the tire to twist, and more controllably apply torque from the rim. Just a thought! Anyone agree?

 

[ARCHON]

Any luck or decisions on the fix ?

All four tires were uniformly 15lbs over-inflated, a condition that has been remedied.

Now I have to wait until Friday's snow storm to :
a ) get an accumulation enough to duplicate driving conditions
b ) take her for a test ride

 

[alaskaman]

you might want to take an experienced 4Runner driver with you or better yet one of the local dealer service ninjas.

15 over. just how did that happen?

 

[magnumfan]

Re: Maybe rim size matters?

From an engineer's view: The larger the rim diameter (and same outer tire diameter) the tire sidewall is shorter. When torque is applied the rim turns, THEN the tire follows it. My theory is that when turning if he hits the gas the shorter sidewall makes the tire spin quickly because there's less "flex" which causes a skid. If there were a little more sidewall, the extra flex would allow the tire to "slowly" react to the rim turning and won't provide a sudden jerk or torque, reducing the tendency to skid. This is merely from an accelerating/turning standpoint.

I used to drive a Mustang and there's a reason why, in general, low profile tires spin more when accelerating. Look at funny drag cars when launching. Their bigger tires (compared to rim size) allow the tire to twist, and more controllably apply torque from the rim. Just a thought! Anyone agree?

another engineer......finally!

thank you god

j

 

[Even Steven]

All four tires were uniformly 15lbs over-inflated, a condition that has been remedied.

Now I have to wait until Friday's snow storm to :
a ) get an accumulation enough to duplicate driving conditions
b ) take her for a test ride

Just put on your gold chains, let down your mullet, and hop in your Firebird for fun in the snow. :bigok:

 

[live4thrillz]

Magnumfan: Yup...Been an engineer only for a year and a half. I do test engineering so I'm always trying to diagnose problems. Sometimes I get too analytical and find a solution that's only possibly relevant. I've found that even the most rediculous hypothesis is sometimes true, though. Over-inflated tires would also be a possible cause...kinda same theory about the tires having "give" to them.

I'm very new to 4WD and offroading so I'm always looking to learn about this stuff. It's amazing how much better I've gotten at driving in the snow in just over a year. Was cool to be able to go 50-55MPH in a couple inches on the highway! I definitely slowed down on turns and near other cars; I read a post about the reckless 4Runner driver and that's not me.

 

[alaskaman]

aside from the promises of e warfare, I for one (and it sounds like our engineer ninjas) are also interested in the
S C I E N C E
of why home skillet is sliding........keep us up to date.......it's a rare occurrence.

let me adjust my collar, it's a bit warm in here.

 

[alaskaman]

Friday oK then. keep us up to date.

 

[live4thrillz]

Why argue?

Okay,
I understand that everyone is on different levels of understanding, as well as having different egos. But, aren't we here to share our experiences and learn from each other? I find it amusing when someone says something really stupid, but please don't go acting all tough on somebody because they don't know something. IF someone acts like they know everything, while you (and others) strongly disagree, then maybe it's okay to talk a little smack!

All I'm saying is this guy has an issue with his 4runner so let's try to help. I'm trying to imagine how you could be sliding all over at 10mph in 1 inch of snow, but there's a reason whether it's driver, truck, or something else related. Hopefully, he solves the problem because it's a shame that someone is having that bad of an experience with the 4runner.

I too have blasted through ~12-18 inches of fresh powder (light kind on the road) fairly easily, done highway driving in a few inches, and off roading along the powerlines in ~10 inches, so I know it's pretty capable. I don't consider myself a good 4WD driver, but I'm getting better.

By the way: Seriously, if you guys do meet up and duke it out can you get it on camera so we can all see how it ends up?

 

[alaskaman]

I would think that the mods could pull you two boys off one another. I would hate to read about some sht goin' down in NYC on a Friday. C'mon. it's a f'ing forumn OK?

 

[momo.75]

You guys need to grow up. If you can't play by the rules of the forum then you need to find another place........thread is being closed.

1st & last warning about personal attacks.

 

[sharp4runr]

Please see the following rules:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5809

Lets keeps this forum a fun place to visit. Threats to other members will not be tolerated.