First off road with new truck and duratracs

[Squatting Dog]

Awesome Greg,

I was wondering how the new torsen would grip in. Audi runs them on there Quattro cars and the grip levels are nuts. Like you said, almost no fun if you want to be a hooligan.

I think it is leaps and bounds better than 2011.. Just looking for some Missouri clay to play in, to give a fair comparison between 2011 and 2012. Looks very promising so far!

-Greg

 

[Wilson]

this post makes me happy

 

[Squatting Dog]

After 300 miles with Goodyear Duratracs 315/70r17 on my 2012 SCrew. I could not be happier with the performance of these tires.

This morning in a heavy downpour the tires are extremely good compared to the stock or mud tires. The grip on wet roads is awe inspiring, at no time did the truck feel skittish.

My only complaint with these tires, they are picky with air pressure. When pressure is set at 44 psi, they tend to feel bouncy, squirmy in corners. At 50 psi the tires are stiff and almost to stiff and you feel every crack and expansion joint. And it takes away from the Raptors "marshmellow" like ride.

46 psi in rear and 48 psi in front is about perfect. I highly recommend these tires for all non desert Raptors!

-Greg

 

[Big Green Machine]

After 300 miles with Goodyear Duratrac on my 2012 SCrew. I could not be happier with the performance of these tires.

This morning in a heavy downpour the tires are extremely good compared to the stock or mud tires. The grip on wet roads is awe inspiring, at no time did the truck feel skittish.

My only complaint with these tires, they are picky with air pressure. When pressure is set at 44 psi, they tend to feel bouncy, squirmy in corners. At 50 psi the tires are stiff and almost to stiff and you feel every crack and expansion joint. And it takes away from the Raptors "marshmellow" like ride.

46 psi in rear and 48 psi in front is about perfect. I highly recommend these tires for all non desert Raptors!

-Greg

Absolutely agree.. I love these tires and found the 44 to be a bit off as well.

~BGM

 

[Squatting Dog]

I definately love the -12mm offset in rain..Talk about a hillbilly carwash, the rooster tails of water over the mirrors.. I cant even imagine what birdmans -18mm are like..
And as far tailgaters, they slow down or pass REAL quickly.. Lol

-Greg

 

[Maxx2893]

I think the Bird has +18's

 

[Squatting Dog]

Guess I am the only one with the skateboard look... Lol

-Greg

 

[Squatting Dog]

Ventured to the farm this morning before work. Knowing that it rained for two days, the ground would be nice and sticky. Last year in the 2011 scab with stock tires. I was unable to get into the fields before the tires were packed with clay.Once momentium was lost the Raptor would bury the front end and get stuck.
So I was curious how the Duratracs and torsen front end would do. As far as "mud tires" the Duratracs are acceptable.
That is not a bad thing, they are leaps and bounds better than stock tires. They ARE NOT as good as a dedicated "mud tire" (mt/r, super swamper, etc) Their biggest downfall if the tire voids don't self clean without high rotational speed. Sometimes the trail or conditions do not allow you to spin your tires to clean them out. Especially in tight "jeep" trails with the wide Raptor.
I was able to get all the way into the fields and drive around at speed. Once I slowed down or stop it would take a little bit to get the heavy ass Raptor back on top of the goo.
The torsen worked incredibly well transfering the power to both of the front tires. To test it out I stopped on a 5° hill facing uphill. Thinking it was going to be like before where the locked rear end would push the front end into the mud until one of the front tires lost traction. Not so, the front spun wildly throwing nice clumps of mud, pulling the truck up the hill. Very well balanced power output to the ground, and easy controlled. Very nice transfer of power side to side without any feedback through the steering wheel!

Ford got it right, they took an awesome desert prerunner, and made and incredible offroad vehicle in every trail condition. Is it perfect? No, it is heavy (the powerful engine and running gear offsets its weight, somewhat) It is wide, which is great for high speed and stability but too wide for narrow trails. The running boards are nice for street queen and protecting from door dings. They easy pack up with mud on top, and create a nice surprise when you open your door.

I couldnt be happier with the 2012 Raptor or duratracs!

At lunch, when it is lighter outside, I will get some pictures of the carnage! Lol

-Greg

 

[JP7]

/jealous!
All we got here is snow and ice - but your writeup makes me want to head out in search of some mud today!

 

[Squatting Dog]

/jealous!
All we got here is snow and ice - but your writeup makes me want to head out in search of some mud today!

It was a blast! Should have called in sick and spent the day playing!

The nannies suck in the mud, and when they are on it kills the power when you need to clean the tires.

Crab walking up the hill with all four tires fighting for traction was great. Listening to the large clumps of wet mud covering the roof..

-Greg