I ran dads truck for a total of about 80 miles in four wheel drive towing a 7500lb. trailer at speeds as high as 70 or more. Do these trucks have some kind of fool proof disengage setup in an event like this?

several of us have done it (i knwo i have) at least once...if it hurt it, it wasn't bad...still running good 70k miles later.

X2 Wow you must be special Nick doesn't post in just anyone's thread.):h

My brother did the same thing with his 7.4L gasser for about the same distance before it fried the front diff. He was in the hills though, so if you were not in a windy road, you are probably OK. His trailer was also a bit heavier than yours at about 10K. I would change the fluid though just to be on the safe side.

Many ahve done it w/no problems, dont worry about it if something happend youd pry know by now. It might ahve wore some components but unelss your running 4x4 a lot 4x4 aint usually someting that breaks or wears out on these trucks.

I know of TONS of customers at my dealer who have this by mistake, some worry and change there fluids, most don't and never have a problem.

Once a month I purposely put my truck in 4x4 to run the system. I don't use 4x4 much at all except in the winter. The only thing that gets engaged in the 4x4 is the front driveshaft as far as I can tell. The hubs and front axels are always engaged, aren't they?

I can't imagine you did much, if any, damage. If you were traveling 70mph, you were most likely going in a fairly straight line as well. I would think the system is fine.

I would pay more attention to the dash lights, especially the one that has the little picture of the two axles and four tires. Shouldnt hurt it though, i have driven mine 40-50 miles before in the winter with no harm done.

I have mine in 4x4 most of the winter. I'm talking months at a time. Never any problems. These trucks are tough.

I would pay more attention to the dash lights, especially the one that has the little picture of the two axles and four tires. Shouldnt hurt it though, i have driven mine 40-50 miles before in the winter with no harm done.

no dash light with push button 4x4

GM really should provide a clearer notification when the vehicle is in 4WD. That little symbol just isn't enought, especially when it is possible to accidently push the button and put in in 4WD.

Im surprised the girlfriend hasnt put it in 4X4 turning on the dome light yet. Yea the lighted button is weak and in a poor location on the LMM.

So its GMs fault for our ignorance, maybe we should just pay attention? Way to pass the buck guys.:nono: :nono: :weld:

So its GMs fault for our ignorance, maybe we should just pay attention? Way to pass the buck guys.:nono: :nono: :weld:
Good thing for you you have a disclaimer in your sig...I thought you were serious for a sec:p:

So its GMs fault for our ignorance, maybe we should just pay attention? Way to pass the buck guys.:nono: :nono: :weld:

One thing I have learned over time is to never underestimate my own ability to overlook/forget things. Accepting this limitation has served me well, so I try and idiot proof everying :D

So its GMs fault for our ignorance, maybe we should just pay attention? Way to pass the buck guys.:nono: :nono: :weld:


Right On ..........................

Straight line isn't damaging at all. The front diff is open, and there's a lot of binding and stress if you don't have any tire slip (not to be used on high traction surfaces). As long as you weren't making a lot of tight turns, you probably didn't hurt it at all.