Oil, like any fluid, will follow the path of least resistance. This is why running in 2nd gear will send more oil to the rear axle than 1st gear. When your front wheels slip or spin, it takes less pressure to turn them, which actually takes oil pressure away from the rear wheels which have traction. Conversely, if the front tires have good traction, then it requires more pressure to turn them, so more of the oil will redirect to the rear axle, which has less resistance. To try it, lightly apply the brakes in the mud, it will send more pressure to the rear wheels, causing them to spin momentarily. Usually, the rear wheels on our 2388 will throw some mud when turning and holding one brake. Ours will also spin a little when we climb a rice levee with our front wheels. The front wheel will try to stall out, spiking the hydraulic pressure and sending more pressure to the rear axle. As the rear wheels gain traction, pressure will stabilze and crawl on up.