how is it in the rain on the street? im in the same boat i got the runner for my wife to use during the week and i play with it on the weekends. just dont want her to end up in a ditch.
My fiancée doesn't even notice it's there except when parking,turning, etc. and that's only because it clicks as it binds up anticipating it's need for full engagement if you were to peg it (step on the gas) to grip and rip for traction.
She has driven in the rain the snow and never had an issue, without even changing her driving style. It has never bothered her one bit and she is one to voice her opinion. She actually feels safer having it for the extra traction when needed since when it rains in the desert everywhere is flooded with mud rivers going across the streets and it's like a slick clay with people getting stuck everywhere and she just cruises right on thru not worried if she will get stuck.
Also our Spartan has never done the loud thud or bang just the regular clicking when turning.
I have pics and vids of different terrain and sections of rocks,hill climbs, loose gravel, mud, ruts etc that I have done with no issues maybe the occasional back up realign myself and give it another go or to give it a little more throttle but all things I wouldn't have made it through without it.
Still my only downfall and it's only been a few times is stopping in washes with deep soft sand I just have to look/pick a spot with some rock or some hard pack to stop on. But as long as I'm moving even rolling I'm fine...But regardless a quick yank and and I'm on my way.
Your wife will be safe and most likely will like knowing she has that extra ability/security knowing she can make it through you can feel it grabbing and digging in when you need it, it's pretty cool little piece of machinery.
What's funny is when I put it through its paces doing some technical sections or trying something new I had'nt done before with it not knowing if she still has more to show what she's capable of, being a (Spartan Locker) ever since I installed it I always think of that movie 300 "This is Sparta" as it engages and we just rip on up or through it ...Lol funny I know.