I had to back a 6000# boat and trailer up a loading ramp onto a tractor trailer. The tires of the trailer hung over the side of the trailer about 1/2" on both sides. So I had to be real precise while backing. I had to ride the clutch for a while to easily back it up w/ out rolling back down the ramp. I smelled the fumes and then a big billowing cloud of whiteish/grayish smoke started rising up. I haven't had any problems shifting since then. So I can't tell if anything is out of the ordinary. Where did the smoke come from? Should I be worried? I think I am going to get my tranny serviced tomm. I have 30,000 mi on it.

 

If you were riding your clutch for awhile as you say you were doing it probably came from your clutch assembly (clutch disc, pressure plate, & fly wheel) if this has been a one time deal, I wouldn't worry about it. But if this keeps going on your in for a clutch job soon.

 

Why didn't you put the T-case in low?

 

I'm with apwatson50, anytime you need to back up with a load slowly, use low range. Anyway, you did something that is very common. Rode the clutch in reverse with a load and smoked the daylights out of your clutch. Never underestimate the power of a cummins. Even at an idle. If it appears to works fine, keep truckin'.

 

There was a fence in front of the ramp, so I had to start at about a 75 degree angle going up the ramp. The ramp was fairly short and it was sloped all the way to the top. I wasn't sure that if I did put it in low, what would happen to the front end since I had to crank the wheel several times (asphault pavement).

 

It might have hopped around a little but it would have been fine, better than burning up the clutch.

Boy am I glad I have manual lockout hubs!!