I have recently purchased a '04 LE Armada 4x4. This is the first vehicle I have owned that had both and auto (AWD) and 4Hi position. I am curious how other Armada owners use these positions:

- in the snow
- for general driving
- is there a penalty for leaving the switch in Auto rather than 2WD when there is no need to use 4WD - i.e., clear, dry roads.

I appreciate your coments on this issue.

i also have the 4x4, i ususally keep it on 2wd for normal regular driving, when raining i slip it into auto, just because i will still take off like an eagle from the dead stop and i dont want it to spin the wheels too much...

4 hi i would use it only if actually going trough snow, or mud nut not just for some little rain or a tlittle snow... my opinion would be to keep it on 2wd and then on auto when you think you might need some more grip...

penalty for leaving it in auto ?? i think the gas mileage gets affected a little bit, cant really back it up but some members here will give their views as well... good luck, congrats on the new vehicle and welcome to the forum.

I have recently purchased a '04 LE Armada 4x4. This is the first vehicle I have owned that had both and auto (AWD) and 4Hi position. I am curious how other Armada owners use these positions:

- in the snow
- for general driving
- is there a penalty for leaving the switch in Auto rather than 2WD when there is no need to use 4WD - i.e., clear, dry roads.

I appreciate your coments on this issue.

-Use 4H off road or in snow that covers the roads. Use auto for light snow, hard dirt, or rain. Use 4 Lo for mud, deep snow, sand, and pulling stumps.
-Use 2wd for general driving
-more stuff is moving=more friction=less acceleration and less mpg.

I use
- 2wd for daily
- Auto for hard rain, snow, ice, dirt, and light mud
- 4HI heavy mud or sand
- 4LO only sometimes when pulling someone out of fender deep mud. For less wheel-spin only, there's plenty of torque in 4HI.

I've pulled out an International 4600 1-ton tow truck that was buried to the bottom of his fender wells in a muddy ditch WITH a car hooked up for towing and I didn't need 4LO.

I agree with all above, but when pulling stumps make sure you don't snatch it out of the ground. Go slowly so that it doesnt snap out and hit the back of your truck.:thumbup:

Auto mode most of the time in bad weather or off roading, otherwise 2wd.

Stumps, been there done that!

Also use 4lo for steep abandoned mining roads. Helps with the decents too for slowing you down and keeps the brakes from getting too hot for long decents.

2WD on dry roads, Auto on wet (not much snow here in Houston) or flooded streets - seems to help in overall grip, especially hydroplaning over standing water.

agree with all the above. 4lo is also for pulling F250's out of the sand and chevys out of snow banks

Thanks to all who have responded. I appreciate all the advice.

I pulled out a small pine (6-8 feet) tree last weekend. Tied that poor little fella to the front two hooks threw it in 4 LO, mostly to save the lawn, tree was half out just idling in reverse. A little more gas and the Mada did not even break a sweat.

I wanted to take pictures, but got a little two excited and missed the photo op. The wife and neighbor were just standing there shaking there heads at me...