Bad night Friday night. Got to Aetna about 10pm...had a good time while we were there. On the way out, my buddy in his Explorer was following me. I was straddling some seiously deep washed out ruts (6 feet or so). I made it thru unscathed, but just as I was coming to the end, I heard a horn. I looked back and his headlights were at a 45* angle. Went running back and as he was working it out, slid to where he was almost completely on his side...probably about 25*. No weight on the left side tires and his truck is unlocked.
As he was trying to rock and get some momentum, he was just raking the side of the truck against the rocks and tore off his PS mirror. After trying and trying to get out, we hear a SNAP...either a hub or axle breaks. He can spin the front DS tire forward, but not backwards. Then, all of a sudden, while the tires were stopped, the transfer case blows open. TWo huge cracks right where the rear driveshaft connects...so fluid is pouring out.
Its to dark and dangerous for me to back back into the ruts, so while contemplating what to do, a lone 4 wheeler comes by. I have one chain, but its not long enough to reach my truck that is parked at the closest safe distance. he goes back to camp, gets 2-3 more chains and comes back, with a buddy...so this time, I have 4 guys guiding me blindly backwards over these ruts to where I can get to him. Pulled him out without issue. I continued to pull him the rest of the way out until we hit the downhill trail.
He ended up limping it home, but at about 35mph while listening to all kinds of weird popping in the front. I ended up not getting to bed until after 4am...what a night!!! Definitely see the need for a winch!!!
My folks and brother are in town and the LSU/Bama game starts @ 5...
