I drive a 1982 gmc high sierra k2500 4x4 camper special I have a nearly brand new 6.2L diesel engine in it. I currently have 6" of lift and 35x14.5x16.5 thornbirds. I have a 12 bolt rear end and no trouble there. I just finished this 6" and put on the new tires and my 10 bolt front end doesnt seem to like it. I got stuck in a frozen pond and when being pulled out i broke something. I was in 4lo in reverse and when the front end came out sparks flew. I snapped the axle shaft. after replacing that i took it our wheeling again. when i put it in 4wd there is a grinding noice that sounds like tires rubbing fenders. but they arent rubbing. any ideas on whats the matter? and should i fix it or just save up for a stronger front axle. anyhelp is appreciated.

P.S. sorry for the long explanation. wanted to make sure y'all got the info

The low end torque of the diesel, combined with its weight, and the 35" tires are a recipe to break a front 10 bolt.

If it the u-joint you busted, look into stronger u-joints. If it was an axle shaft, there are stonger axleshafts available as well. You could have destroyed a hub too, which is a pretty easy fix.

Worst part is, you will probably do it again. It will happen in 4lo, when you are stuck, and have the tires turned off center.

A dana 60 swap may be in order if you want to quit worrying about breaking stuff.

Good luck.

thanks for the insight. this truck is my daily driver. It wasnt my hubs. i did break an axle shaft and replaced it too. after that when i use 4wd it makes a grinding type noise. I think it might be ring and pinion but idk. I think the dana 60 swap is the best idea. I'm off too Santiam mudfest so Ill be back on monday thanks for the help  

after you get your axle problems fixed, you should do a few things to that engine.  get the heads off of a 6.5 turbo and a intake.  put these items on you engine and them you will be able to put on the turbo on off of the 6.5 td.  makes huge difference on how you 6.2 will run.  check out

http://www.heathdiesel.com  They specialize in the 6.2 and 6.5 diesels. 

Considering my realtivley limited automotive knowledge. It kind of sounds like a diesel stroker. anyways um I am curious how much that would help. After the mudfest this weekend I am seriously considering a gas powered offroad rig. there were very few diesels wheeling. the two that i noticed were the cummins turbo diesels with plenty of power. I didnt see either of them put up the results of the gas engins though.

The down fall of the diesels in the mud pit is usually the extra 600+lbs sitting on top of the front axle. Nose heavy is not godd in the mud pit.   

Yeah. I just liked the fact that a 6.2 is realtivly unique in terms of wheeling rigs. But I am thinking about buying a cheap car and spending money to make it run so that i can make this truck my wheeling only truck. Then I could save money to put important upgrades like brakes and the correct steering arm on it. Also add larger axles and new gears and lockers. thanks for the help.

Where can I find some info on that swap for heads and intake? I just want to make sure that I will be able to handle the work this is gonna take before I buy the parts thanks for any info