Well, we got our first snow of the year, and got to use 4WD

My question is it suppose to be harder to turn the wheel, it feels like it is binding up when I turn the wheel to pull into a parking spot or something. There was snow on the ground, but it just felt like I was forcing it. Is this common?

 

Oh yes this is normal.....since the front wheels aren't "free floating" as usual but are connected to the drivetrain, it will constantly try to pull the wheel back strait forward to keep the wheels spinning the same speed.

 

Getting a little bit of snow here as well. I know not to use the 4wd on dry pavement, about how much snow should be on the ground to safely use 4wd? I've only used it to get up an icy driveway so far.

 

You need to remember that when in 4 wheel the front wheels are locked in sync with the rear through the transfer case. The front diff will only work smoothly to a point when you turn the wheels, then everything starts to bind. That's why the surface your on needs to be slick enough to allow the wheels to slide somewhat and allow the diff to work.

 

It is a little un-nerving at first in 4-wheel drive if you've never used it before. What you describe is completely normal.

 

Just enough to make it a little slick.