4x4 guys. yanking a stuck vehicle out. forward gears, or reverse?
 

any dangers to a tranny or transfer case if we pull in reverse? heard chatter that reverse gears are more delicate...any truth?

Reverse usually doubles as 1st. Some manufacturers may be weaker, but as a general rule it shouldn't make much of a difference? I've seen M88's pull M1 Abrams out of ditches in reverse.

I've done both a number of times with no ill-effects, but I can't answer your actual question

As long as you can keep your wheel hoping under control, you should be okay, either direction. The one exception is when pulling with a Ford, with a 9inch rear. They like to break the diff. case right at the front bearing, when sudden changes in torque are applied in reverse. Just use your head and you will be fine

The only consideration is that the rear end of the pulling vehicle (which would be front if in reverse) is now taking a considerable more load than the front. Back when I had a landcruiser, it was said by those smarter than me that this was a great way to break the less strong parts in the front. Back axles tend to be beefier. I don't think gears make a difference.

BTW, I've done it both ways with no ill effects.
Larry

When pulling backwards the load is on the back of the gear teeth and are weaker. But the weight f the motor can give you more traction. It is better to pull forwards also so if the strap breaks it is less likely to come through the windsheild. Unless you have a pickup with no cap or backdoores, then your just as un protected.

The military stuff have Rockwells that load from top and really are just as strong from any direction.

Bingo.

Although, reverse is generally a lower gear than 1st, so you'll get more torque.

Honestly, the question is too vague. What is pulling what from where. If you're yanking a basic pickup with a basic Jeep from a basic mudhole, then technique is all that matters, you won't break anything. If you add off camber, up hill, broken axles on the bad vehicle, great weight difference...then it becomes much more of an issue.

Also, if you're yanking with something that has independent suspension, then you'll break the half shafts before the differential. If you have lockers, you'll break that. If the pulling vehicle is old/poorly maintained, you could break just about anything.

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theres this thang called a WINCH available you might try. hear they werk real well.

i grew up with a ramsey winch. life saver for the most parts..i dont like all the winch bumpers for tacomas...my ramsey was on my jeep.

pull frontwards,low range,no need to speed.

what are you pulling out, a fullsize truck? You should be fine neither direction. Low range, and make sure you have enough weigh on the bed for a bit more traction. I pulled out my buddy's full size van that went into a ditch up in Mammoth with my little 22RE 4 banger Toyota pick up in reverse. I didn't think I was going to be able to pull it out. With him on the gas as soon as I yanked him lose, I basically towed him up the little hill onto the road backwards. You should be fine.

Real 4x4s are built with pretty stout components. For an "average" pull, you're fine either way.

As conditions get more difficult (steep, deep mud, sideways pull, yada yada...) just know that the front will break before the rear, and pulling backwards does put the strain in ways different from what the components were designed for.

I've done both, but if it looks difficult, I alwayd pull with my truck forward.