August 22nd, 2008.
I guess, since my M35A2 is Wo/W, my solution to your problem might have been two (2) deuce snatch blocks, one chained to a tree and the other attached to an extraction strap attached to the stuck trucks rear bumper, with the free end of the cable siezed up around an "eye" iron... and that attached to the deuce's rear pintle. Given the pulling power of a deuce in low range first gear.... there would have been more control if the Donkey in the middle stayed outta the way and just shouted commands......
I must agree with doghead et al above...... read the manual, understand the manual, and approach the first application of the knowledge learned most cautiously..... GOOD THING you guys hadn't rigged a snatch block to the winch cable..... then there'd be no Dodge to worry about......
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY, STUDY HARD AND BE EVIL!!!!!
I must say, too many of the greenhorns tend to under estimate the power of a deuce, its equipment, and the damage it can do when misused..... You guys got out with you A--es in one piece, for which I am thankfull... REMEMBER.. lesson learned.. One stuck Dodge Ram, 3 aces, and one misused duece can make a mell of a hess......... Now that I think of it, just imagine the fun you could've had with the wrecker version of the deuce in this situation....
Those of us who have not used dueces habitually need to study the manuals again, again, and again... so we don't screw up!
In any case.... I can't think of a better use for a Dodge Ram, Ford F or Chevy pickup, the deadweight on the end of the winch cable keeps it nice and straight... now you need to get a wind with a fair lead or level wind device to make it just kosher......
Good luck and happy hunting....
Sincerely,
Kyle F. McGrogan
1971 Kaiser Jeep M35A2 Wo/W "Saddam's Nightmare" Desert Storm and Vietnam veteran deuce
1968 Johnson Corp M105A2 Trailer
1967 Hercules MEP023A Gas Gen-Set APU
1963 Swiss Army Cargo Unimog, S.404.114 MB Wo/W "THE MACHINE FOR EXTRACTING DODGES!!!!!!"