Chris, it's better to not let it be in FWD mode as the transfer clutch is much easier and cheaper to replace than the front diff. Transfer clutch replacement is about a 3 hour job, compared to about 10 or more billed hours for a diff replacement as the entire transmission must come out.
This was happening on my silver SVX before I pulled out the junk stock transmission and put in the 4.44's.
As long as you are easy on the gas in slippery conditions, It will prevent the front diff from getting any abuse and the transfer clutch from getting any more damage. Just take it easy in the slippery conditions and when money allows for it, go ahead and get yourself a new or new to you complete transfer clutch assembly with the drum and replace it.
