Hot T-Case or trans?

Hey Guys,

So I was offroading this past weekend, and we were on a steep grade, likely 20%. The hill was loose larger rocks and some smaller gravel. Going up the hill was challenging avoiding larger rocks and maintaining speed (I drive manual). Anyways as I went up the hill I was in 4hi, and after driving a couple hundred feet in 4hi on the hill I noticed that there was a slight burning smell, which lingered for a while. When I noticed the smell I immediately stopped and had my friend tow me up the hill so the truck could cool down.

Long story short my t-case or transmission got pretty hot. I did use 4lo going up a even steeper grade later on the trail and it worked just fine. And I drove two hours and 100+ miles home. So I think that my truck didn't sustain any permanent damage.

I think that what happened was I should have been in 4lo when I was in 4hi, which caused extra heat and stress on my transfer case. All fluid in the differentials and transfer case were replaced about 3 months ago so I do not think that is the issue.

I haven't off-roaded on grades like that before, so I think it was a mistake on my part.

Do you guys think its alright?

 

Were you riding the clutch? Sounds like your clutch got hot. Happens a lot, as long as it's not slipping your golden.

 

I was actually. I didn't even think of that, and no slipping on it. Thank you for the help!

 

I think you may be overthinking.

It's pretty unlikely that a trans or transfer case that is full of fresh fluid would get hot with so little use.

It's much more likely you hotted up the clutch. Or the engine got a bit hotter than normal and burnt off some residual leak spots.

If I'm right, that is one of the ways to shorten clutch life dramatically.

 

Yeah you are right, I was riding the clutch. I normally never do that, but the clutch doesn't slip at all so I think I am alright.
Thanks for the help!