Thanks Phil, that's what I was thinking. Actually, I've been running around on the ice and little snow on top in 2wd and I get around just fine without 4wd. The truck is very well balanced, IMO. Easy to control.

I understand the lower 1st gear for rock climbing or repelling (lol) but paying attention yesterday, it gets to 12 mph before it really needs to be shifted...is that normal for the 89 5 speed or did someone build the tranny with that?

Thanks for the replies! I need to relearn alot about 4wd, use to know more in the Army, just forgot some basics I guess, drive train was never my thing....I'm an old VW buggy type, lol.