Hey,

I'm a new 05' Xterra S owner and I have a question about using the 4WD in rain/wet roads conditions. I was wondering what is everyone's opinions on using the 4WD in rain and wet slippery roads? I have read it can be a judgment call depending on how much rain, how heavy the rain is, and how much rain is on the ground. What about when the roads are just slippery, such as the beginning of rain when the roads are more slippery than when it has rained for a while? I had a RWD Mustang before this and continually had my back tires spin in place when I had to accelerate out of a stop sign or stop light, or up a hill after I backed out of my driveway. I did not just slam on the gas either, even if I lightly put pressure on the pedal it would still sit there for a few seconds spinning and trying to gain traction. I would like to know if I can use the 4WD in these conditions with my Xterra.

i personally would not use the 4x4 in just rainy situations... now if it was mudy then thats different.... the 4x4 is to be used on low traction surfaces and you will bind and break the driveline by running it on concrete even though it is a little slippery it still will hurt the driveline...

My opinion has always been NO. I've always thought it's a bad idea, too much potential for damage, and 2wd's get around just fine so 2hi should be plenty sufficient, IMHO.

One of my attractions to the Armada is the "AUTO Mode" selection on the "All-Mode 4WD" system that allows the 4WD to operate identical to AWD. I was initially concerned about possible degredation to the true 4WD capability but the 4WD still tractions like a mountain goat. It doesn't make sense to me why they don't incorporate it into the full product line.

If rain means 6" of running water across a silt covered river bed, YES.
If rain means a drizzle and your tires are on a oil patch left by some guy in a Chevy, NO.
You LSD should help you hook up the tires in a situation like that. If you Mustang was an 80's Rustang with an open diff that would explain the big mess lack of traction.

It was a 00' Mustang.