Well said big jerm. I wheeled my yj, which was also my dd, like an idiot. I wheeled with the "big dawgs", and it took awhile for me to come to my senses. These guys had a ride home, and had another way to get to work come Monday. They didn't care about damage, or breakage, because it was their toy. I was young, dumb, and thought breaking stuff gave you "big dawg" status. Luckily I was smart enough to at least swap the d35 out for an 8.8 before running a decent size tire. I got 2 yrs worth of schooling in about 6hrs. I realized an sye wasn't just for vibes when my slip yoke pulled out a little too far. When it pushed back in, it was barely on the output shaft, and wreaked havoc. After seeing the t-case ripped completely in half, and all of the internals hanging out , I realized just how dumb I was. Sure, my buddy towed me to the trailhead, but their trailers would only hold one rig. 150 miles from home, and a problem a trip to the auto parts store wouldn't solve, it got real. After paying for an expensive tow, and fixing my rig with money I didnt really have, I learned my lesson. Sure, it all worked out, but could have been avoided.
I still wheeled my dd, and I currently wheel my dd, but do things alot differently. Before even taking my rig wheeling, I'll make sure ive done all of the mods needed to reliably wheel my rig. I try to wheel as smart and as delicate as I can, and keep in mind, its a long drive home. Even then, the inevitable still happens, so i carry spares and tools. I got spoiled when I had a tow rig, and a rig that was just a toy. It was alot more fun, and you didnt have much to worry about. After baby #2 came, tow rig payments, upkeep, and parts for the wheeling rig was just too much. I decided I'd rather be limited to the easier trails and fire roads in my dd, then pay for the tow rig and not have extra money to go wheeling. I miss it, but that day will come again. Im glad i learned my lesson when i did.
Btw bjeep, that was a classic. By far the funniest one I've seen