Yes they do.

 

You should be fine running 4x4. That is what it is there for. Just don't try to run it on dry pavement and try to turn. If the pavement is slick (from rain, ice, snow or whatever), you are fine.

 

I ran mine all day here Mon. morning while the ice was on the road. Stopped to pull 5 people out of the ditch as well, 2 Mustangs, 1 Colorado, 1 F-150, 1 Ranger. Just leave yourself plenty of room

Michael

 

I use mine on the freeway all the time in the snow,here in the Great White North,though I only go about 50 mph,but its a 60 mi drive to work and back,its just to help prevent the back end from spinning out and give more traction since I still have the stock tires,eventually I will get some BFG all terrains like my brother,he never uses 4x4 with those on,but watch out for the sharp turns on dry pavement like the others say.

 

Here is a winter driving tip for guys with automatics. When coming to a stop sign slip the gear shifter in "N" to help take the power off the wheels. Try it when you are stopping on icy roads. You will be amazed at how much quicker you can stop.

Works in trucks or cars BTW.

NO CRUISE CONTROL ON SLIPPERY ROADS!

 

... or how much more control you have when decending a steep driveway...

 

I routinely drive in adverse weather conditions and, although AWD is better on the highway, I've also put thousands of 4WD highway miles on several different 4WD vehicles. Don't worry about it and use the feature whenever you want. Just keep in mind that the tires need to slip a bit to release drive train tension and as long as the tires can slip once in awhile you are OK. If you feel things binding up, shift out of 4WD. Yes there is more wear on drive train components like U joints and transfer case chains, but not much (yes these components are always turning regardless, but with no load in 2WD).

It is even less of a concern now that shift on the fly transfer cases are common place. If the traction is good, just slip it out of 4WD and let your drive train unwrap, then back in when conditions are poor. These modern cases can easily slip in and out of 4WD at highway speeds with no problem and little wear.

One of the big advantages to using 4WD all the time is that it will pull you through a slushy between lane track where otherwise you'd be sideways. When changing lanes apply a bit of power and stay off the brake.

And as others have said, 4WD is not going to stop you any quicker. Don't let the additional go traction lull you into a false sense of security.

As far as ice, use 4WD, there will be differences in traction from spot to spot that 4WD may help you find on anything but an ice rink... and in that case the only thing that will help, I think, is tire chains or ice studded tires.

 

Ive been using my 4x4 the last few days with all the ice. I havent gone much faster then 55-60 mph, mainly because it is still icey and I want to be cautious. I did get on the highway Sunday without 4x4 and had some sliding issues at only about 15 mph. Turned on the 4x4 and instantly noticed a huge difference. I feel safer with it and I definately noticed a cotrol difference.

 

Ok,, now here is a subject where I can speak with some real authority. We get some pretty adverse weather here compared to some of you fellows. First off, it wont hurt anything other than you fuel mileage to run in 4x4 all winter, I know of several people that stick them in 4 as soon as the snow hits. Your truck will, and I have proven it over and over, stop quicker in 4wd. Even with our advanced antilock braking systems, there is a bias, more to the front less to the rear, when in 4wd that becomes equal, which really helps out in snowy, icy conditions, try it out in a parking lot. You are still, as many have mentioned, not invincible. I personally will not use 4wd in parking lots or anywheres it is not really slippery, due to driveline wrapup during tight corners, if it is slippery or snowy, one tire will slip and you wont have any problems. 4wd is the greatest thing on ice, if your rearend kicks out and you are in 4wd, give er some fuel, the front end will pull the backend back straight again. It takes some practice to use a 4wd to its full potential. I could go on and on, Also I allmost forgot, the neutral trick is the answer if you are going around a corner and the front end starts to slide, just throw er in neutral, all of a sudden you will feel it start to turn, just like that

Kevin

 

I use 4wd when I'm driving in the mountains in colorado at speeds up to 55-60mph. When going up a steep grade it makes a huge difference, otherwise I'd be fishtailing all over the place.

 

That is what its for. Listen to the remarks by coldcase, morkable and others. I keep my speed below 60 for safety. It does make a difference on ice and snow. During winter in Montana I spend alot of time in 4wd and no problems (put it back in two on dry roads). I've had Dodges, Fords and Chevys up here and no problems with the 4wd in any of them yet from driving in these conditions. I know my CTD hardly binds at all compared to my 97 PSD. That thing started to bind up quick during turns and patchy conditions.

 

take it from someone who drives on ice most of the winter, put your truck in four wheel drive when you think you need it. keep the speed under 70 mph and you will be fine in 4x4. you can slow down a little better in 4x4 if you shift down and use the brakes less, using brakes will lock up the tires where shifting down should not unless you shift down too fast. the best thing to do when you know it is icy is SLOW DOWN, better to be 10 min late in this life than 10 min early in the next.

 

Thanks for all the advice.
I know about the braking or lack of. I ran about 45 and had no problems, except for all the other idiots trying to do 60-70.
Thanks again.