No grip severe loss of traction

[Slipstream]

Seeing if anyone might have an idea of why my '96 240 constantly kicks the rear end out. My tires have about 60% tread, needs a front end alignment. But in any wet weather, even at speeds of 15-20mph on turns even from red lights, the car will spin out. It's to the point that I won't drive it on wet roads. Not sure why I lose so much grip.

[pepesilvia]

you need wider and better all-weather tires. Perks of having a RWD, 2.4 liter car that only weighs 2,700 lbs with most weight in the front. It happened to me a lot too, but i bought wider wheels and better tires. Also, if you put some weight in the trunk (spare tire or battery relocate etc.) should help a lot.

[Slipstream]

I think right now I'm running 205/55 16. How much wider would you say for front & rear. I still have stock se rims on it.

[pepesilvia]

I think i had the same size tire on my SE wheels. it was pretty fat on the tire if i remember, and it always lost traction. you probably couldn't fit a wider tire onto it, but you can definitely buy better rain/ all weather tires and add weight to the rear of your car to help.... Or purposely make your car slower

[Vidra]

Maybe your rear differential is welded from a previous owner?

[pepesilvia]

Maybe your rear differential is welded from a previous owner?

I thought about that too, but the OP would definitely know if he had a welded diff because the wheels would squeak like crazy when he turns slowly on dry pavement.

[Slipstream]

It may be. Not sure what all the previous owner did to it. It has a salvage title from a fender-bender that made the passenger airbag go off. I know my 95 never handled as bad as this one does in wet weather. I don't easily scare, but it's made me pucker a few times.