So I'm a bit confused. I've searched the threads and seen all kinds of doom and gloom about actually using your 4wd. Since it's winter time here in the Sierra Nevada mountains, I want to make sure I understand what's going to happen if I actually use my car. So here's what I get:

 

1. Don't use 4wd on dry pavement. ok - fine.. makes sense.

2. Don't use 4wd on a hard surface. Umm.. what about ice? Packed snow?

3. if you use 4wd on a hard surface, your transmission will fall out of your car and explode, killing everyone around you. What are the consequences of driving with 4wd engaged on ice/packed snow/etc.

 

Please clarify, I've been reluctant to use the 4wd at all, in fear...

the semantics are confusing you. use 4WD on slippery surfaces only.

 

"hard" surfaces means concrete, asphalt, typical roads so to speak. not ice or packed snow.

 

it's a direct mechanical linkage when it's in 4WD. the owners manual might be insightful too. this is true mechanical 4WD, you might want to read up on 4WD systems, how and why they work and why it's bad to use them sometimes. knowledge is powa!

The only time you don't want to use the 4wd is on dry pavement. I also wouldn't use it in the rain either but anything that has a slippery surface is totally fine. Snow, ice, mud, as long as the tires can slip a bit to keep the tranny from binding, you'll be fine.

thanks for the quick replies, that clears everything up. Sounds like it's time to track down an owners manual on ebay for a 93 loyale with cheese.