The multimode system uses an open center differential which allows all wheel drive on dry pavement. The standard system does not have a center differential. When it is in 4WD, the front and rear drive shafts turn at the same speed. As long as you are traveling in a straight line (even on dry pavement) there is no problem. The difficulty occurs when you try to turn. When turning, the front and rear drive shafts need to rotate at different speeds as the front and rear wheels are turning at different speeds. The center differential in the Multimode system allows this to occur. In the standard system a slick or low traction surface is required to let the front tires slip a bit to compensate for the differing forces front and rear in a turn. On dry surfaces, the front wheels will still try to slip and may end up hopping a bit. The drive shafts start to bind and heat up. The differentials also take some stress. You feel it as very sluggish and hard stering. In most situations the tires will scrub before there is real mechanical damage, but it does stress the system and result in premature wear. The Multimode system with the center differential lock activated behaves the same as the standard system.

Yes you can shift into and out of 4WD with the standard system on snowy, icey, and wet roads. Nothing will fall out and the system will work fine. If you are traveling in a straight line, you can do it on dry road without a problem. If the road drys up or the snow is patchy, you should shift back into 2WD before turning. The real convenience of the Multimode system is it removes some thought from driving and most Americans don't like to think about their driving. You can just set it in the all WD mode and forget about it. With the standard system, you must apply the system as needed and remember to switch to 2WD as road conditions warrant.

Ron