One rear wheel slips?

JANITORX

MEMBER
1995 FORD E-SERIES VAN
5.8L
V8
RWD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

Ford 1995 e350 Club Wagon, Stuck in a ditch, one of the two rear wheels with least amount of resistance spins out, the other wheel doesn't move.

So, I got my van stuck in a ditch. I am new to Ford e350 Vans in general. And all my previous cars were all 4wd.

The van is stuck in a ditch, I know it is a rear wheel drive. When I try to back it up, one rear wheel slips and keeps on spinning while the other wheel just stays there without any spinning.
My question is, is this normal? Or did I break the rear axle or something?

I'm sorry if this is a stupid question and thank you in advance for your response.

Cheers.

1 Reply

OBXAUTOMEDIC

MECHANIC
3,711 POSTS

Hello,

The Only Stupid Question is one that is not asked.

This is pretty normal, on rear wheel drive vehicles there are two types of axles

Limited Slip - Where the Passenger side rear wheel is the dominate drive wheel Depending on some vehicles the Drivers side will attempt to spin.

Positive Traction - both rear wheels are drive wheels and will both spin.

Hope this helps. Any further questions don't hesitate to ask