I am new to "real" 4WD and was wondering how people use it in the snow. I have been leaving it in 2WD most of the time and switching to 4WD if the conditions are poor. But its always icy, so I've been tempted to leave it in 4WD for the winter.

I don't want to take the mileage hit for being in 4WD all the time, but the truck seems so much more stable that way.

 

If I'm on snow and ice I leave it in 4x4H.....mileage is what it is - safety first and then big grins as you plow through the white stuff! While others around you struggle for traction or get stuck.

 

Only use it when needed or a bit unsure. Leaving it in 4WD for the winter will eat up your drive train components fast and suck down dead dinosaurs faster then you'll like.

 

Nice thing about my wifes explorer is the the 4x4 is automatic. I never actually put in 4x4 until we are in the thick of snow. I wonder why the F150s arent auto 4x4

 

Lariat's and up do have 4A. but i dont really trust it
I wouldnt leave it in 4Hi all the time either. Most of the time our roads are clear enough that you dont need 4x4.
If you are always in the boonies on snow covered roads, yes I could see that, but even then...

 

Safety is the key. I only use it when needed.

 

My lariat has 4A and it works well. 2h most of the time and 4A when there are patchy crap. 4H when it is total crap.

 

With the Pirelli scorpions i leave on 4hi most days. Unless im on a main road that has been plowed

 

Mine is in 2wd most of the time and switch to 4wd when needed.

 

When I did live in the midwest, I had a 87 Ford Ranger 4x4 ST 5 speed (Great truck!)
In the winter I always had it in 4H.
None of this 2wd, then 4wd if it got too slick-crap. Seriously, the truck has 4wd so use it. I remember driving at least 60mph.....or more!
Never had a problem with it.
The F150 is a durable truck, use it unless it's just your grocery getter?!