Posted by Ben on November 07, 19100 at 14:17:09:
It's time to refresh on the subject of just how much torque a true 4x4 can generate.
I don't have the exact numbers, but know the approx ranges, so anyone with the correct numbers, chime in.
300 lb torque at the engine flywheel. Tranny has approx 2.6 first gear, 2.6 times 300lb = 650 lbs of torque at the tranny output shaft.
650lb torque into the transfer case, which has approx 2.6 ratio compound low, 2.6 times 650lb = 1690 lbs of torque at the tranfer case output shafts to the differentials.
1690lb torque into the differentials, which is 3.73 ratio, 3.73 times 1690lbs = 6303.7lbs at the axle to the wheels.
There is no split between front to back, it's all there for each diff minus effiency of the various serial components. Maybe only 70% gets there, so only 4412.6 lbs of torque at the wheels.
So you can see how drive shafts, U-Joints, limited slip/clutch lockers/etc can blow up if abused in 4x4low. I've seen lift kit drop brackets bent from these loads.
-Ben