Limited-slip differential, Driving on slippery surfaces, Acceleration – Ram Trucks 2015 3500 - Owner Manual User Manual

Page 556

Advertising
background image

LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL

The limited-slip differential provides additional traction

on snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel, particularly when

there is a difference between the traction characteristics

of the surface under the right and left rear wheels. During

normal driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit per-

forms similarly to a conventional differential. On slip-

pery surfaces, however, the differential delivers more of

the driving effort to the rear wheel having the better

traction.
The limited-slip differential is especially helpful during

slippery driving conditions. With both rear wheels on a

slippery surface, a slight application of the accelerator

will supply maximum traction. When starting with only

one rear wheel on an excessively slippery surface, slight

momentary application of the parking brake may be

necessary to gain maximum traction.

WARNING!

On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip differential
never run the engine with one rear wheel off the
ground since the vehicle may drive through the rear
wheel remaining on the ground. You could lose
control of the vehicle.

Care should be taken to avoid sudden accelerations when

both rear wheels are on a slippery surface. This could

cause both rear wheels to spin, and allow the vehicle to

slide sideways on the crowned surface of a road or in a

turn.

DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES

Acceleration

Rapid acceleration on snow covered, wet, or other slip-

pery surfaces may cause the driving wheels to pull

erratically to the right or left. This phenomenon occurs

554 STARTING AND OPERATING

Advertising
This manual is related to the following products: