4x4 is this normal

Shav0 · January 13, 2007

I was in 4HI trying to pull a old stump from the lawn. I noticed that when the tow strap that I was using came tight, I could feel the truck torque up and try to pull it out, however I was on the gas quite heavly and yet the wheels didn't spin at all, neither the front nor the back. Was i just not pulling enough, or would being in 4L be a better solution? I've done a fair amount of off roading and the 4x4 works quite well, it just felt as though the truck would only pull so hard. I would assume that if the stump was stuck that hard it would at least spin the wheels trying to get it out. Im not used to the 4x4 stuff, so im not sure if this is a normal happening or not.

Air Biscuit · January 13, 2007

Can't say if yer 4X4 is working properly but if it wasn't you should definitely see the back tires spinning.

You didn't say what engine you have. I could see the 4.8 or 5.3 possible bogging down in 4hi if the ground was mucky or you really planted the tires. I would be careful about pushing it in that situation as you could have some breakage. If on the other hand you have an 8.1 or a duramax, I don't know why you wouldn't be spinning.

For pulling stumps, you are correct that using 4lo would be a better option. That way you can apply the torque earlier and less chance of breakage. Either way, sounds like you should do a bit of digging around that stump, first.

Good luck.

Shav0 · January 13, 2007

Oh sorry, its a got a 350 in it. And I was also on pavement, which could of been why it didn't spin much, but I just thought that It should of at least spun a little. Like I said, im new to this 4x4 stuff. I wasn't really tramping on it too much, maybe only 2000 rpms...

Btw, the stump still needs ALOT of digging. Turns out its bigger then expected.

95Sierra2500 · January 13, 2007

Whenever you're trying to pull stumps, you DEFINATELY should be in 4Lo...Unless you're a 2wd and don't have it, then put it in your lowest gear and give it hell!!

Of course, the best trucks for pulling stumps are 4x4 1-ton duallies with a diesel and a manual with the granny gear...put 'er in 4Lo, slide the shifter into granny, and just let the clutch out and give 'er a little goose...yanks stumps out like pullin a knife outta butter.

Trouttrooper · January 13, 2007

I'd be very careful pulling stumps with your pickup. They are deceptivelly tough to get out. You can do some serious damage to driveline, transfer case, etc. if you start hammering the gas.

Unless you have a modified engine, you will find it pretty impossible to spin tires on dry pavement in 4hi. Definitly need the torque advantage of 4lo for what your trying to do.

Again, be careful you don't hurt your truck.

Z71Rider · January 14, 2007

I second the other guys comment....be careful with your truck! There's lots of sh#t that can go wrong in this situation, the least of which is breaking your truck. A worse scenario is that the chain/strap/stump breaks loose under extreme pressure and comes right at your face at 60 mph or so. You do not want this.

Stumps are a bitch to get out. If you can get hold of a stumnp grinder from a local rental place, I vote for that. If you've never used one, you're in for some new fun! That sucker will chew through about anything.

Good luck!

Oh, yeah...if you can get your tires to break loose in 4WD (Hi or Lo) on pavement, you're asking for trouble...and it is very hard to do.

Shav0 · January 14, 2007

Thanks. I wasn't hard on the ol girl because I didn't want to damage anything. I pretty much just tried it once and the stump didn't move a inch so we called it a day. Thanks for the help

shav-

Silverado4x4 · January 14, 2007

Yes be carefull pulling stumps with a chain or strap, ive seen a chain break once and go through the windshield then out the back window. If I pull in reverse I open my hood to deflect if something does break, when pulling forward I have put a piece of 3/4" plywood inbetween the cab and the bed to deflect if the chain or strap would break,if straps break no big deal but I had a peice of stump break off with the strap still attached and the stump peice was like a missle flew pass my truck and went right through my wooden fence.

builderpaul · January 16, 2007

Your problem is torque managment. Gms way to make it so you cant damage the truck. This happened to me several times. Do a brake stand you will get the same feeling floored and hard on the brakes but only so much power available. I got stuck at the dump one time pulling a loaded trailer and couldn't get out of a rut. 4L is the answer. The fly by wire trucks are the worst. I got a tune just to get rid of torque managment. Now I can use the power I paid for. I can also do some serious damage if I am not careful but at least I will decide not GM.

pm26 · January 16, 2007

Of course, the best trucks for pulling stumps are 4x4 1-ton duallies with a diesel and a manual with the granny gear...put 'er in 4Lo, slide the shifter into granny, and just let the clutch out and give 'er a little goose...yanks stumps out like pullin a knife outta butter.

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Not true. My M109 deuce and a half (6x6), 16,000 lbs curb weight is a lot better stump puller than any dually pickup. But, I can tell you from my experience, that pulling stumps, especially oak tree stumps with a truck is difficult and can be very deceiving. I was spinning all ten wheels (tandem duallies int he back) in 6x6 Low in granny gear on my neighbor's lawn for a moment, trying to pull out an oak tree stump that was very stubborn and not even that big. Finally it came out, but after about three tries. I did not abuse the truck, but you would not have budged that stump with a dually pickup. I used a 1/2" link high test chain with 9.200 lbs working load limit, attached with a large master link to the truck's rear pintle hook for the job.

The heavier the vehicle, the better stump puller it is.

The best way to remove a tree stump is to dig around it first, cut the main roots, and then it comes out easy. Pine tree stumps are relatively easy, but oaks - ouch!

I would not recommend using your pickups for stump pulling, especially the 1500 series trucks. They are simply not built heavy enough for such jobs. As somebody recommended, renting a stump grinder is a lot better approach.

pm26 · January 16, 2007

Your problem is torque managment. Gms way to make it so you cant damage the truck. This happened to me several times. Do a brake stand you will get the same feeling floored and hard on the brakes but only so much power available. I got stuck at the dump one time pulling a loaded trailer and couldn't get out of a rut. 4L is the answer. The fly by wire trucks are the worst. I got a tune just to get rid of torque managment. Now I can use the power I paid for. I can also do some serious damage if I am not careful but at least I will decide not GM.

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Torque management or not, you need substantial vehicle weight to pull out stumps. Also, heavy frame and axles.

superbee · January 16, 2007

I cracked the frame on a 95 F150 doing this, I then almost flipped a Case IH diesel on the same stump. Answer: Used oil and flames. Came out real easy then!

mxzeatr · January 17, 2007

I can vouch for the strap comming back into your truck thing. I was out wheeling with some buddies in my s-10 and one of them got hung up. So I hooked on pulling from the front, and the strap came off of his jeep, I guess he has no clue what he was doing, and I should have checked. Almost 1800 later for a new hood, grille, rad, and misc other parts including a bug deflector etc....I learned my lesson, leave the tow strap at home, and let them figure out how to get out...I don't get stuck!