Pulling someone out of snowbank--did I hurt it?

[AHarris]

I pulled a Chevy 2500 out of a snowbank last night. Using 4-low, I spun the tires quite a bit and had to crank the wheel over to avoid hitting some snowmobiles parked on the other side of the road. When turning, I noticed quite a bit of binding and bucking while the wheels were spinning and maybe a little grinding. Loud "clunk! clunk! clunk!" when pulling the truck out and the front wheels were turned! The road was covered with ice and snow with maybe a couple patches of wet pavement.

Glad to be a good Samaritan, but I think I may have overdone it in the process and gave my truck a very good 10 second arse whupping!

My 14 year old son was with me and watched me pull the truck out. He said, "COOL! Dad that was some SICK trucking!!!"

Afterwards, I function tested 4 hi, 4 low and everything seems to work just fine. No funny noises and only the typical soft whine I hear from the transfer case when moving fast in 4 low.

Is there a chance I might have done some hidden damage to the transfer case or something else, or maybe took years off its life? Or is thus one of those "if you broke something you'd know immediately" kind of things?

 

[AMink]

I think what you felt was the tires breaking from pavement before the joints, shafts, and other $$$ stuff broke. There's a ton of torque going through those big tires in 4L. I wouldn't do it everyday, but once in a while probably won't hurt you.

 

[NIsaacs]

You will probably be fine this time, but like AMink said I would keep it to a minimum. What you heard and felt were the u-joints in the knuckles binding from turning too sharp. I know a lot of people do this to try and get more traction, however I don't think it is a good idea.



Nick

 

[AH64ID]

The AAM 9. 25" front axle is anything but quiet in 4wd with the wheels turned. It's the axle, not the torque/weight, as my brothers 2500 Hemi sounds the same.

By your description all sounds normal.

 

[mwilson]

WHAT????



No picture... ... ..... ????



Mike.

 

[Bob4x4]

You might want to check your front axle shafts
The yokes are known for spreading when under
High torque loads
The binding is normal,clunking is not

 

[AH64ID]

The binding is normal,clunking is not

I disagree, all 3 of the AAM 9. 25" axles in my family have clunked since day one. It happens under power, or coasting down a hill in 4wd with a sharp corner. It's 100% normal when the wheel is turned most the way in 4wd.

 

[Bob4x4]

Good to hear your 3 family trucks clunk and are normal for you

I see a lot more than 3 lol

I also have many desert friends who have gone aftermarket front

Axle shafts to stay alive in the boonies

 

[AH64ID]

I didn't say I have only seen 3, I said that 3 have done it since day one. I have not ridden in a truck with an AAM 9. 25" that didn't clunk in 4wd when fully turned, and that's a lot more than 3 trucks as well. I am certain I could go drive any brand new truck with an AAM 9. 25" and duplicate the sound on each and every one of them, that means its normal. It may not be the best thing for the yolks, and probably why the fail easily, but normal none the less.

Desert use is hard on everything, and you have to build accordingly. I am referring to standard 4wd use.

I haven't driven or been around one of these trucks with aftermarket shafts, but I am going to guess they make the same noise, as I don't think it's from the shafts, but from the diff itself. A different carrier, LSD or locker, may also alleviate the issue but the stock open carrier induces some clunks and slop.

I am sure you have been in/around a lot more 3rd gen's than I have, and certainly some better wheeling (gave that up when I bought the CTD), but for every one I have been around to make the same clunk in the same conditions tells me it's normal. It's not a small sample, and is consistent.

 

[AHarris]

Thanks... in any case, I'll definitely be careful. I also note that the clunking sound I heard was the same as both this truck and by earlier 2007. 5 made since day one when in 4 wd and with the wheels turned sharply on less than completely slick conditions.

 

[wcjp]

When pulling or winching the wheels should be straight. This allows the front axle joints to maintain maximum strength.

 

[AH64ID]

When pulling or winching the wheels should be straight. This allows the front axle joints to maintain maximum strength.

As much as possible yes, but sometimes you just gotta turn or the front end slips.

I don't even like going full lock when now winching or pulling, as small of a turn required when in 4wd.