Towing options

[eddy314]

Getting ready for FFO in Nashville and am considering towing my 79 Spider from Indy instead of putting all those extra miles on it. Not to mention all the wear and tear, just rebuilt the manual trans. To rent a flatbed would cost > $300. I'm considering renting a tow dolly but I have a concern that the rear end would ride too low. Also, I read in a transmission manual that the top speed for towing with the driveshaft connected is only 31mph. Not sure if that was for both a manual and automatic though.

Bottom line - should I tow using a tow dolly? and if so, do I have to disconnect the driveshaft?

Thanks

[rlux4]

You'll hear pros and cons about whether to do it, and if you do it, how to do it.
I can tell you how I did when I dollied my car home from Oregon 08, a distance of about 1000 miles. It towed excellently and I haven't suffered any damage. It's been about 10,000 miles since then and the tranny and rear end both are perfect. I didn't disconnect the driveline.
This is just my experience, I'm not recommending it. So don't sue me.
And yes, I hope I never have to, but I'd do it again.

Ron

[eddy314]

I found this in a U-Haul instruction manual:

"When towing a rear axle driven front engine vehicle, the drive shaft must be disconnected to prevent transmission damage. Simply placing the transmission in neutral is not sufficient and will not prevent damage due to a lack of internal lubrication. You must disconnect the drive shaft at the rear axle and tie or wire it up. The universal joint bearing caps must be taped on to prevent loss of the bearings. If you choose to remove the drive shaft entirely, it may be necessary to cap the transmission tail shaft to prevent fluid loss and possible future damage. Consult your vehicle owner's manual."

So I guess I'll disconnect the driveshaft. I just rebuilt the trans and I don't want to go through that again.

[124JOE]

thats mainly the truth
i think they are talking about automatic tranz

[boogiedude]

I really don't understand the alleged issue with towing a manual car with the rear wheels down. Whether the car is being towed or driven, the trans back is doing the same thing regardless of the engine being on. The only logic I can find is that the oil in the trans would be sloshed back when the front end is up, but the same thing happens when climbing a hill.

If you ask me, put it in neutral and don't worry about it.

[bobplyler]

I'm with 124Joe. I think they are talking about automatic transmissions. Not manual.

[124ADDHE]

I towed like this for 1500kms, no problems at all, I was told afterwards that I am lucky because not everything that is turning in the tranny, even in neutral will be properly lubricated at this angle....I dont know, never had a manual box apart before (knock on the wood).

How far you have to tow?

[124ADDHE]

its super easy to disconnect the driveshaft, maybe thats the best answer???

[Exit98]

I'm with Keith. I don't think any harm would come leaving everything attached, but pulling the rear of the driveshaft from the diff is 4 13mm nuts and bolts and it pops in and out. Hang the shaft from a wire and tape the universal so it doesn't come apart.

[IndyMark]

Follow -up: I ended up towing the car to Nashville with the shaft connected and in neutral. I concluded that the warnings were meant for auto trans. It towed fine other than the rear end was only about 4 inches off the ground and I cringed every time I hit a bump. If I had to do it again I would disconnect the speedometer cable because it still registered mileage. I ended up putting over 750 more miles on it just by towing.

[racydave]

I guess we will need to find another cool event, and tow it backwards! Thanks for the ride home, the AC was too cool!

[minimike]

tow it in reverse and unwind your milage! ha ha.

[WYSpider]

putting over 750 more miles on it just by towing

Yeah, but think of the gas mileage your Fiat got.

[BartusCompater]

I'd like to announce my allegiance the tow dolly supporters club.

[SLOSpider]

What about the steering wheel when towing with a Dolly? locked or unlocked?