Rich - Aren't these 5-speeds awesome? I love mine! There aren't too many of them around. About what RPM are you feeling the hesitation? I believe that I have felt a slight hesitation around 2000-2400 rpms. It wasn't really noticeable though (I thought it might be the computer trying to learn on the fly by advancing timing until it senses pinging or something). It certainly doesn't happen regularly. If you can repeat it over and over again, I would be concerned. I also don't accelerate fully unless I have good reason (this thing drinks enough gas without me helping it). Unless you have a wheel slipping, I don't believe that the Auto-4WD will kick in. I doubt that you have a wheel spinning in 2nd gear. I haven't found any snow/slush to drive in yet to see how the Auto-4WD engages.

Tim