How bad did I break it?

TBQH, although I have used the rocking method many times in my life, I find it far less useful with 4wd than with 2wd. The key to the rocking method is to use the natural frequency of the automobile's rocking motion in a hole to increase the amplitude of the rocking (like a swing). The problem with 4wd is that when you give it throttle it tends to dig 4 longer holes rather than pushing 2 wheels out of holes.

I'm not saying 4wd is in any way inferior to 2wd, but I think it requires slightly different technique. You can take your time reversing directions (use the brake as you mentioned). Each iteration try to make longer trenches and eventually you hopefully make them long enough that you can get enough momentum to break free. In tough situations this method can be augmented with some snow shoveling.

 

Dang that’s to bad, how the heck do you blow 2 cvs on a snowy trail, that’s slippery? Sure bouncing it on rocks I could see it crawling in Moab but on a snowy road? If it’s under warranty just say you blew them on a snowy road, just leave out the off-road part.

 

This would be the perfect time to buy RCV axles and not worry about it ever again, of course after the diagnosis.

 

On the other hand, if they don’t break you might just break something more expensive instead.

 

I just blew my axle this week in the snow also. It happens and as others have said, it is the front end weakest link. I hope this is all that is happened to your truck(I doubt it by your description but there's hope).
If so, stick with OEM. I have spent the majority of my 15's life off road and have no reason to consider an aftermarket axle even after 2 axle failures(my fault).

 

Blows my mind that people think high wheel speed is always the answer.

Too much throttle is the best way to break stuff. I've wheeled these trucks in some nasty stuff, they are tough. But stupid amounts of throttle will break stuff.

 

Do you have a front locker? Snap both CVs is wild!
Keep us updated since we can all use a learning lesson.

And take pictures too

 

Sorry to hear. Wish it was Matt’s offroad recovery to see you on youtube.

 

OP did not have AAA.

 

Hopefully it’s just the CV’s. Following for updates.

 

I don’t totally disagree with your sentiment, but we are taking about snow and mud in this case. It’s pretty much impossible and often undesirable to avoid wheel spin in snow and mud. Excessive wheel spin is s not the answer to getting unstuck, but it rarely breaks anything and can be fun when drifting and whipping shitties.

An additional note is that mud terrains don’t clear mud without high wheel spin.

 

I think this is the most likely scenario. But, I am just guessing like everyone else.

 

What size tires and how big of a lift?

 

Ask @tacoma16 about that. Lol.

 

I mean RCVs are 2200 and 2 OEM replacements are about 1600-1800(ask me how I know) I think it is worth the money to spend the difference when they fail but to each their own. for 300m internal components, I think it's worth it plus their warranty lifetime.

 

I'd be interested in the story behind $1600 worth of OEM CV axles. I could see that maybe purchased brand new from and installed by a dealer with no discount...but I've never paid more than $150 for an OEM reman or Napa axle. If nothing else is wrong, the OP has a sub $500 fix here hopefully even paying someone for labor.

Based on that, I don't think the OP should go spend $2k on RCVs after one issue on the trail, even though it was a big one for him. I've been pushing 35s on $100 Napa axles for years, only and blown up one CV being stupid with lockers on, full turn, in the 3 feet of snow.

I'd rather carry 3 spare Napa CVS at $100-150 a pop and blow them all day on the trail than blow a diff tube. I am in the camp of I want the CV to be the weak link. Break the cheap parts that are available in stores.

 

Part out

 

Any update op?

 

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You sir are getting fucked on OEM parts and it doesn't take a special skillset to replace them as I think it took me just over an hour to replace mine 2 weeks ago and I am by no means a mechanic. I will replace my spare with another OEM(and I should carry 2) in my 2015. I've wheeled with people that run NAPA because they love the lifetime gig. The average trail rider will rarely have to replace more than the occasional boot and some fluid. My math tells me I can buy 9-10 axles to your 2 and not have to hope the warranty covers the stupid shit I was doing that was excluded in the fine print. Best of luck.