So I figured it out, loading pictures that is. 
It was 4 wd from the time I hit the snow till it cleared off coming down the east side. My Outdoorsman has 4WD or 4WD low range. I do not understand what you mean by 4WD Auto.Did you run in 4WD auto?
4WD Auto is an option that is on the higher end trucks. It basically runs in 2wd mode until it detects slippage then engages the other wheels. You can run in this mode on dry pavement. Not every truck has it.hmm my Laramie has 4WD auto, 4WD lock and 4WD low and 2WD. I assume auto tries to engage quickly when it detects wheel slip but not sure on this. I also don't know how reliable that would be in the snow or if it is more for driving through mud etc.
I was sure that is what 4WD Auto was. In 1973 I purchased my 1st new first new truck, A Chevy 2 door 1/2 ton 4WD with the stick on the floor for shifting and 1 for 4WD. The next one was 91 Ram Cummins and all have been 4 WD as I did a lot of mountain driving and still do. Thanks firemist & zoomie.4WD Auto is an option that is on the higher end trucks. It basically runs in 2wd mode until it detects slippage then engages the other wheels. You can run in this mode on dry pavement. Not every truck has it.
4WD locks all four wheels together, it has the best traction in slippery conditions but you can't run on dry pavement.
This is a simplistic answer, there are a few much longer threads discussing 4wd auto and 4wd lock.
Sounds like the streets in Spokane WA but I prefer the mountains as the scenery is much better.It must have been fun taking it on mountains! Sure beats all the city driving I do, the closest I get to driving on mountains are times where i come across horrible bumpy roads that the city has neglected for years![]()
While driving in 4WD (lock) did you feel any bumping or grinding or any other indication of stress on the transfer case, tires etc..?It was 4 wd from the time I hit the snow till it cleared off coming down the east side. My Outdoorsman has 4WD or 4WD low range. I do not understand what you mean by 4WD Auto.Is that like all wheel drive that kicks in when you start to lose traction.
It's not that big of a deal. The real problem with being in 4wd lock on dry pavement is when you turn. The wheels are locked together and when you turn the wheels on the outside of the turn are going further than the wheels on the inside of the turn. If you were in a dry parking lot driving in 2wd in a straight line, then switched to 4wd lock, you wouldn't feel any difference. When you turn you will feel the tires bind and slip on the pavement. If you do this on loose gravel or snow it will do the same thing but the road allows the tire to slip easier so there is no binding.While driving in 4WD (lock) did you feel any bumping or grinding or any other indication of stress on the transfer case, tires etc..?
I am finally understanding that my 2015 Outdoorsman (if it ever gets here) will come with 4WD lock and NOT an auto mode. I am trying to not let it distress me but I cam concerned about mixed driving on highways that go back and forth from snow packed to dry and keeping it in 4WD lock.
Thanks so much for the reply. I guess I am still struggling with my choice of the Outdoorsman vs. Laramie or higher.It's not that big of a deal. The real problem with being in 4wd lock on dry pavement is when you turn. The wheels are locked together and when you turn the wheels on the outside of the turn are going further than the wheels on the inside of the turn. .
I had an Expedition with the auto transfer case, honestly, I like to know that the the truck is in 2wd when I want that, and it's in 4wd when I want that so I really don't find this an issue at all. If my right hand is on my knee when I'm driving, I literally only need to extend my index finger to hit the button. I'll click on 4wd when sitting at a light in any kind of slippery condition to get a good launch then back to 2wd once I get going.Thanks so much for the reply. I guess I am still struggling with my choice of the Outdoorsman vs. Laramie or higher.
Have you been in situations where you have felt that the true locking transfer case (44-44 I believe) is better than the clutched / auto transfer case (44-45)?
I like almost everything about the Outdoorsman (HD suspension, larger payload for my lightweight pop-up camper, 17" wheels, etc...) but this transfer case issue has really got me wondering if I ordered the right vehicle for me.