Did I ruin my t-case?

[805surfwagon]

Hey folks, I went up to the mountains this weekend and took my 1999 LX470 with 250k miles up a worn dirt fire road. Considering the trail is pretty dusty, I decided to do it on 4 low at low speed (likely my first mistake). Slowly going up the hill, my wheels get stuck and when I gave it more gas, it gave a loud and expensive-sounding grinding. Seemed to come from under the front end, and had a burnt smell to it.

After this oh-s*** moment, I popped it in neutral, took it from 4 low to 4 high, and let gravity take me back down the hill in neutral & 4 high. Noticed that the center diff lock light lit up on my dashboard, but when I pressed the button for the cdl it doesn't go away in 4 low. When in 4 high, the light goes away and the truck works like normal. I'm grateful that we were able to get down off the mountain and even drive up to highway speeds back, albeit very gentle on the road.

I'll try to attach a video where you can hear it happen, but I got nothing else. The transmission fluid seems to be normal red color with no burn smell. Haven't checked the diff fluid nor the t-case yet, just curious if anyone had this issue or can shoot me some advice. Otherwise I'm going to see if my mechanic can diagnose it at the minimum. Thanks!

 

[805surfwagon]

Alright so I had taken the lx for an inspection with my mechanic. Didn't see any metal shavings or chunks in the transfer case oil, nor anywhere else. Did make a remark about the sleeve showing signs of burning (paraphrasing here). But oil levels were good and nothing seems to be broken. Much like many of yall were suggesting, he said I must have not been fully engaged in 4 low. I'm thankful that it wasn't anything catastrophic, and I appreciate you guys for chiming in. Thanks!

 

[prwillard2]

So @prwillard2 the T-case blew up b/c you were trying to pull more than what was advertised i.e. 6500-7000 lbs. I take it that the Ram truck was a lot bigger so it screwed up the T-case..? TIA.

I think the sudden shock of yanking on a chain with such heavy load versus using a kinetic strap is partially to blame.

Yes 100% my fault, the kinetic shock was definitely to blame. I had no idea how to do recoveries back then. I had just bought my LX470 and was told it was invincible. I'm amazed that was all that got shredded honestly.

Ram 2500 was sunk to its axles in mud.

 

[trdcorolla]

Yes 100% my fault, the kinetic shock was definitely to blame. I had no idea how to do recoveries back then. I had just bought my LX470 and was told it was invincible. I'm amazed that was all that got shredded honestly.

Ram 2500 was sunk to its axles in mud.

View attachment 3144069

Were you pulling the Ram going forwards or backwards?

 

[prwillard2]

Were you pulling the Ram going forwards or backwards?

I was pulling the ram backwards, my vehicle going forward. Butt to butt. Very lucky someone didn't get injured.

 

[BnvS]

I was pulling the ram backwards, my vehicle going forward. Butt to butt. Very lucky someone didn't get injured.

So in this case it was probably better to use a winch than use the vehicle (transfer case combo).

I guess you were able to get a T-case and get it fixed. Hopefully.

 

[Patassa]

Never pull out big heavy pick up trucks stuck balls deep in the mud. Leave them there to consider their life choices.

 

[prwillard2]

So in this case it was probably better to use a winch than use the vehicle (transfer case combo).

I guess you were able to get a T-case and get it fixed. Hopefully.

Sure did, got one from a junkyard that had around the same mileage as my truck, works perfectly now.