Hey Sag,
Was in the dealer the other day getting my EGR cleaned out (shocker there huh?) and I told them my truck was 'binding up' while in 4WD even on the snow and ice. They (technician) told me it was because of me having a limited slip diff's front and rear. Does that sound logical to you? I can see the rig binding up on dry ground or ashpalt... but on snow and ice too? This is first time truck has seen snow and ice as it spent its first year down in Arizona way.
I think Bubba answered it. No limited slip in the front, and the binding you feel just may be a front axle shaft U-joint.