I have a 2005 2500hd 4wd I was just in some mud and thought I needed to put it in 4wd high to get out when I was trying to get out of the mud my son noticed that only one of my front wheels was spining is that normal? the drivers side was not spining and not gripping so I had to back up and power throught the mud. My other 4wd 1989 Chevy spins all wheel in 4wd high.Should I be taking this in for service ?

 

I wouldn't panic, "4WD" is somewhat of a misnomer. Unless you have posi-traction, you're axles aren't locked together, and you only have 1 traction wheel per axle. So in strictest technical terms, the average 2WD car(RWD) has only 1 traction wheel and the average "4WD" truck has only 2 traction wheels. Generally the driver rear and the passenger front, if memory serves.

True 4WD trucks have posi-traction on front and rear axles. While they're great off-road, they can be a little difficult for regular driving on pavement.

 

Your Silverado probably has a locking rear differential also so if it detects slipping in the rear end it will automatically lock the tires so that they are both spinning at the same revolutions. But as Rivereye said, all four tires spinning at the same time would go through tires like a ^&$% and it would be extremely hard to turn

 

thanks for the replies but on my 1989 chevy when I put it in 4wd and drive in the mud I can feel the two front wheels "pulling" with this 2005 it does not feel like the the wheels are 'pulling" and when looking them while driving showed only one spining.That is why I am questioning if it is funtioning properly.

 

My 92' is the same way as your 05', I'm pretty sure, or at least it acts the same way with the whole deal of the wheels spinning and such.

 

I'm taking it in for service I want to be sure.Compared to my other truck this thing can't deal with any mud at all.I know that the heavy duty "work" type tires don't help, but it seem so hopeless in any mud, and I'm only talking about 2-4 inches. I'll look for some all terrains soon

 

Yeah, I've noticed my highway E-radials suck when I'm in any real mud, too.

 

Your truck is performing normally. The fronts do not have any kind of locker. The cases are not strong enough. Your rear should; so when slip is detected both wheels will be powered and spin. In mud, spinning, you should have the 2 rears and the 1 front with power. Also, I am pretty sure your 89' was the same way as it also has IFS.