[Pyrotechnic]

It's not as bad as it sounds. There's a differential in the transfer case that transmits power to both front and rear axles, but lets them run at different speeds so you don't get binding on pavement. Think of it as all wheel drive. GM designed these trucks for the street and countless numbers of them have been street driven with this transfer case for a long time now.

When you get in the dirt, you lock the differential in the transfer case and then the front and rear axles are locked together for true 4x4.

There are some kits to remove the differential and make it a part time case, or you can switch to an NP205.