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Good morning,
Finally enough snow to XC ski, probably won't last as NE Ohio winters have been gettting milder for decades.
Got out in '83 245 yesterday, several inches of snow on roads. Were moments when making slow turns that the rear end would "lose it" and wanna swing around.
Am a child of 70s when 2wheel rear drive was all there was, so it's not an unfamiliar feeling, but when there's traffic/rush hour....
Is it just me, aging process, march of technology? Seems like other, more modern vehicles have better grip in these conditions. And I never see anyone changing tire pressure for conditions much anymore.
When dry/summer I like tires hard 36psi, or so rear, 32 or so front. Yesterday to get around safely I had em down to 25 rear 23 front. Not good for gas mileage. We are talking all season Goodyear 185-70s on standard wheels. Tread is less than new.... Just me and my skis in the car, no other load.
I've always appreciated way 140s/240s handle for numerous reasons but one imp. one must be weight dist. of car, way more 50/50 than others I've had incl. one FWD. Is weight dist. much diff. in wagon than in 2 dr./4dr.?
Previous 242 went through some snowier winters, in that car I found solution was two old (heavy) cinder blocks where rear passengers would put their feet.
At least 100 lbs in front of rear axle really helped in that car. Again, extra weight not good for mileage.
Sorry to blab, I guess I'd simply appreciate opinions of those in really snowy areas. Is it really simply a question of tires? Would two in the rear be enough? Are studded tires legal anymore?
Will be moving northward in future and will have to deal with this issue. Esp. as this car is orig from Calif. and has many more miles (km hopefully) to roll.
Frank R.
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83 245, 81 244
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