I live in new england (Connecticut) its been really warm here no snow yet. However last year it didnt hit till bout january than it just wouldnt stop.
This is my first year with 4 wheel drive, I know you certainly dont wont to drive on pavement... good way to brake things. (ive learned from experience) So my question is: At what point is it ok to drive in 4wheel on the street??? during the snow is obvious, however there are times when the roads are plowed yet still kind of on the slippery. I DO NOT WANT TO BRAKE MY 4wheel. nor do i want to be driving in two wheel slip and dent my truck and have it be too late.... so at what point in winter is it O.k to drive in 4 wheel on the street?

 

4x4 can be put in when you feel its safe. its not a matter of when should you, its a matter of how comfortable with or without it. i usually put about 500-600 poinds in the bed of my truck for plowing, and i usually dont have to put it in 4x4 until i start plowing, and then sometimes i dont need it.

we get more snow than you up here in NH, so driving conditions are a bit different when there is snow.

the other morning we had a dusting of snow/ice, and i couldnt go anywhere without 4x4, but as soon as i got going i didnt really need it anymore. as soon as i got to work and had to stop to turn onto a road i couldnt move, thus needing it again.

so in summary, if you think you need it in 4x4 then thats when you put it in. when i know there is going to be snow i put my plow on, back my truck in and put it in 4x4 and shut her off for the night, that way its ready to go in the morning.

 

You will be fine when driving straight its when you turn and feel the wheels binding. That usually a sign the tires are getting too much traction to be using the 4wd. If your sliding or slipping use it otherwise don. Remember you dont have any more control over slowing down or slopping with 4wd... Thats where you see people get in accidents after blowing by you in a snowstorm.... 4wd gets gain control while accelerating as well as maintaining a constant speed somewhat. we get a fair amount of snow here in Buffalo...I still dont know why my employer gave me a Toyota camry to drive in it all winter...

 

Not necessarily. (sp?) I can slow down better in 4wd when it's slick. The '77 GMC I had was full-time 4wd but wouldn't stop even if my life had depended on it, if I didn't have it locked in 4wd. The front wheels would immediatly lock up and skid. When locked in the I'd stop on a dime.

 

NP203 transfer case? I am going to bet that your rear brakes were either out of adjustment, or not working at all. With the full time case, when the fronts stop rolling, (sliding) with the rear brakes not working as they should, the rear tires now spin TWICE AS FAST, and stuff you into whatever happens to be in front of you. (direct experience here.... 79 Chevy fullsize blazer with the 203)

4x4 WILL help you get going, as all four tires are trying to push you along. It will NOT help you stop. It may make a VERY slight difference, if the brakes are adjusted absolutely perfectly, but, most folks 'assume' that since their 4x4 pulls out on crappy roads nicely, it will stop nicely too. These are the folks that you find in ditches, after passing you on bad roads.

 

I know my Dodge will stop a little better, for whatever reason, when in 4wd. Not saying it is night or day difference though.

The '77 had the NP203. It would lock the fronts on wet roads, let alone snow covered or icy.

 

I will agree if you take your foot off the gas it may slow down a bit better due to even drag on all four wheels but besides that...I guess it all four wheels are locked it the same drive when you allp braking action to one or more some of that would be transferred to other wheels. But yeah most of the all wheel and 4wd vehicles that crash are due to owners having false confidence it the vehicles stopping ability.

 

Thats my thoughts also. IMO, it helps but not to an extent that it'll make it a tank. And what I was saying earlier is just from my personal expirience with my vehicles and the condition they were/are in.

 

Put it in 4WD whenever you feel it's safer to do so, take it out when you feel conditions don't warrant it's use. Other than on solid, dry pavement there really is no stead fast "rule" on when you can and can't use it.

You'll "engine brake" better when in 4WD (which you'll also do by dropping down to a lower gearing) but as far as the brakes themselves stopping you, being in 4WD is no different than being in 2Wd...

 

My mom's old '97 F250 gasser had better brake control when in 4wd too.