new to 4x4

[sinjin]

i recently bought an 09 siverado crew cab with 4x4, it has open differentials and manual 4x4 range selection lever. my question is, for normal street use in snow will this veh do well for me or does it need posi or lockers? i have never driven a 4x4 before and i hope that this veh will serve my purpose as is, or should i have got the 71 package? thank you for any insight and suggestions ,sinjin

[vncj96]

Welcome to the site. Where are you driving in snow? Up in canada, the U.P., MN or New England? What kind of driving are you speaking of, normal everyday snow or hitting snow drifts while four wheeling. For the most part you will be fine. I live in MN and while I have the weight of an older suburban on my side I have NEVER even used my 4WD since I bought it in 05. The only time I have is four wheeling. But if I had ordered/bought a new truck I would have ordered it.

[sinjin]

i would be driving in northern michigan on primary and secondary roads, nothing exciting just general driving in deep snow once in awhile before the plows get out,

[vncj96]

You will be just fine.

[bigburb]

I would think you would be fine for that. In my 90 burb, just like vncj96 said, I never have to use 4wd unless im goin off-road in the snow. Even sometimes then I don't need it, and I have open front and rear ends, and my 'burb has gone some surprising places when I'm wheeling in the snow. So I don't think you should have any problems in your '09 on the regular streets!

[zubbiez]

welcome to the site...........

[zachb91]

my 05 tahoe went through 2 feet 3 feet 4 feet the got stuck in 6 feet of snow lol

[2COR517]

Open diffs are generally safer in the snow than posi. Put a little weight in the bed behind the rear axle and it will drive much better.

Just remember that 4wd helps you get going better, but you still stop like a 2wd.

[sinjin]

i was thinking that, i had an 99 s10 with a rear posi diff and with weight in it i was usually making corrections to keep it straight on the slippery stuff,

[MrShorty]

For the kind of driving you describe, driver skill/experience is going to be a lot more important than posi/no posi or even 4wd vs. 2wd.

Just remember that 4wd helps you get going better, but you still stop like a 2wd.

I'm usually not one for simply repeating something, but I'm going to put a x2 on this statement.