safe to use 4x4 high on the highway?

[ddarko]

I have very good tires but in 2wd on slick roads my back tires spin real easy . This is my first winter with my used 2001 Explorer Sport . It seems to be light in the rear end because even taking off slow the rear wheels spin so I have been shifting to 4high till I get moving and then shifting back to 2 wheel drive . This seems to work well for me but I don't know if it is hard on the transmission . I had a Chevy S10 Blazer before this and rarely used 4x4 . I don't know if the Explorer is lighter in the back end then the Blazer I had or why the rear tires spin so easily in 2wd . Any advice ??? Is it OK to keep shifting back and forth from 2wd to 4wd ?

Exact same scenario for me as well. Entering first Canadian winter with my '01 Sport. I do find that the rear end breaks loose pretty easily.

Rcflyman what tires are you rolling? My old tires were worn and slipped on any damp surface so I bought a set of Dunlop Radial Rover RVXT's. Much better but still a bit too loose in the rear and found myself using 4x4 more than I wanted to in only an inch or so of snow.

I used to drive a cargo van at one of my old jobs and even when completely empty and unloaded it didn't seem to break loose this easily. I'm thinking perhaps the shorter wheelbase of the Sport in conjunction with lack of weight has something to do with it?

 

[RockyMtnHigh]

I see the same thing in my 98 XLT. In 4x4 Auto it is easy to break the back wheels loose before the fronts kick in on snow and ice. I usually just leave it in Auto mode and either start slow, so it does not kick the rear to the right, or nail it to get the wheels spinning and engage the fronts immediately. I still have not figured out how that Auto mode works exactly, but if it is anything like the traction control in my Mustang, it does need to be learned to take full advantage of it.

 

[Rcflyman]

I have Firestone Destination LT tires . The tread does not look worn at all .

 

[unclemeat]

This threat is full of opinions so here is one more. If the surface is slick, ice or snow, I use 4x4 high. I have found that power to all four tires provides better steering and control on slick surfaces. Also power to all four tires provides better engine braking.

If the surfaces are slick spots or mostly wet I use 2-wd. Reducing speed and less gas and brake also help.