QUESTION for Towing experts

[Little6pack]

Guy's if I use a tow dolly to haul a autotrans rwd vehicle..

my QUESTIONS ARE:

1) If I put the front wheels on the dolly I was told that I would need to take the driveshaft out? WOULD THE TRANS FLUID LEAK?
Or could I just keep the shaft in the trans & tie the azz end up to the frame or some area underneath..

2) do they still make or sell FREE WHEELING TOW HUBS.

3) Could I tow the vehicle backwards with back wheels on dolly & lock down the steering wheel withstraps to the brake pedal? I was told this is illegal.

4) Last would 45 miles really hurt the trans? (Would be an All HIGHWAY tow)

 

[Little6pack]

Crickets? No towing experince guys in here?

 

[TURBOTWIN2]

Dumb looks are still free

Since you aren't getting responses, I'll take a crack at it.

1) Some probably would leak out. Depends on the angle. They make "transmission plugs" to stick in there.
I've done the "set the driveshaft off to the side" routine. Works well if you SECURE the shaft properly. Don't let the spinning rear end yoke hit it.

2) Can't help you on this.

3) Yes you can. Why is it illegal? Tow truck drivers do it all the time. Be sure the steering wheel CAN'T turn or the car will definitely swing out to the side. Don't ask me how I know.

4) I don't think a 45 mile haul at 50-60 MPH would do any damage. I'm not a tranny expert but some of the 50's & 60's automatics could burn up.

It's not that hard to just pull out the driveshaft and be done with it.

 

[delcowizzid]

30mph max for short distances is ok but without the engine running theres no lubrication/cooling being pumped round the trans so everything will be spinning round on dry bearings gears etc best to just drop the rear of the driveshaft and tie it out the way

 

[bmackinnon]

1)......could I just keep the shaft in the trans & tie the azz end up to the frame or some area underneath..

4) Last would 45 miles really hurt the trans? (Would be an All HIGHWAY tow)

Yes and yes... do #1 and you'll be fine... 4 bolts, 5 minutes... been there, done that.... :wink:

 

[Pronto]

Slap a plate on that POS and drive it home. Best if you get caught and thrown in jail since you are going to get your balls cut off by Chris for bringing another vehicle home.:biggrin:

 

[NEVER ENOUGH]

Guy's if I use a tow dolly to haul a autotrans rwd vehicle..

my QUESTIONS ARE:

1) If I put the front wheels on the dolly I was told that I would need to take the driveshaft out? WOULD THE TRANS FLUID LEAK? yes
Or could I just keep the shaft in the trans & tie the azz end up to the frame or some area underneath.. yes, MAKE CERTAIN IT IS SECURE!! and won't slide out or touch anything by itelf, tie it up and forward, add a second and third strap if there is any doubt. losing a driveshaft on the highway would be a serious issue for you and the others on the road behind you. I suggest to also make sure the exhaust pipes or other do not touch the ground with the front end jacked up in the air.

2) do they still make or sell FREE WHEELING TOW HUBS. you lost me on this one.

3) Could I tow the vehicle backwards with back wheels on dolly & lock down the steering wheel withstraps to the brake pedal? I was told this is illegal. I wouldn't try this method. If the worst case scenario happened and the steering wheel unlocked, it would be certain death to one or more involved in the wreck.

4) Last would 45 miles really hurt the trans? (Would be an All HIGHWAY tow) not with the above taken into consideration.

 

[NEVER ENOUGH]

Oh, and I'll note, I am no expert by the intial subject line. Didn't notice until now you wanted an expert.

I'd like to also make a side note. I have no idea what you are towing/buying. If its a project car or whatever. Make sure the rear spins freely, the brakes aren't locked or binding, and the parking brake is not set.
Make sure the car in tow has hazzards and/or a set of lights (depending on local law enforcement codes) connected to the tow rig that can be fastened to the in tow vehicle. IE- so the cars behind know when you are stopping etc.
And around here, they will usually harass you for not having a sign on the car in tow if the rear tires are touching the ground.

 

[03FatBoy]

Free-wheeling hubs! I have not seen them in years, had a set with a tow bar back in the day...

Be careful towing with the dolly when you turn. The swiveling platform that allows the towed vehicle to turn tighter might also push the tow dolly fenders into your doors or fender, depending on the size of the car or width of the dolly.

As people on the board say, "ask me how I know this"

 

[bison]

Use a spare yoke and some mechanics wire to tie it off to the side of the transmission. This way you wont have to worry about the driveshaft bouncing loose or the plug falling out of the transmission. It will leak if you tow it without something in the trans.

 

[Little6pack]

THANKS GUYS!

I think at this point UN-HOOKING the DSHAFT at rear, leaving it in trans & SECURE it well ( in 3 locations ) is the best option..


Driving home with a NH 20-day temp plate in stupid MASSACHUSETTS is legal only if I have insurance.
My AAA insurance company must think we are crazy with all the cars we put on & take off.

We know how CRAZY those GRUMPY MASS drivers are..