towing a standard trans in neutral

[jdr789]

hello all, can i tow a 91 standard trans with it in neutral ? thank you for your help. jerry.

[Tacoclaw]

No, you can't.

I'm not even sure if you can tow it with the transfer case in neutral TBH. I don't see a problem with pulling the rear driveshaft and leaving the hubs unlocked though, it should be less messy than pulling the axles.

[CumminsPower59]

If it's across town, you can do it, just be easy on it, make sure the transfer case is in neutral. Now, if you do have to go any length of mileage, just like Taco said, drop the rear driveshaft and unlock (if not already) the front hubs.

[ellis93]

Nope,as the taco says.....pull the drive shaft and all will be well

[jdr789]

thank you everyone, for your help. i will pull the drive shaft. i always thought you could tow a standard in neutral. do you have to pull the shaft on all standard trans vehicles ?

[dazedandconfused]

Anytime you tow a truck the driveshaft needs to come out.

[jdr789]

thanks everyone,and have a great christmas holiday !

[Tacoclaw]

Yup, when you spin a transmission from the rear it only spins the mainshaft itself. All the gears and the countershaft don't spin, and they're what splash lube all the bearings. It's that way on just about any transmissions as far as I know.

It'll pretty much wreck the needle bearings that are between the gears and mainshaft within a couple miles.

[Mark Nixon]

NEVER had a problem!
I've flat towed MANY vehicles with manual trannies and left driveshafts attached, but I always made sure the trannies were full of lube, too.

Oh yeah, on a 4wd, neutral in the transfer case is designed for this very idea, otherwise Granny and Grampy motorhomer would be replacing trannies in their towed vehicles every time they went on a road trip.
Theres a reason MOST of those vehicles are 4x4.

Mark.

[DodgeFreak]

Never had a problem at work either.. we use 5spds and autos with tow bars, we usually leave our engines running but some shops will tow with the engine off with the 5spds. we tow the autos with the engine running.

[ellis93]

NEVER had a problem!
I've flat towed MANY vehicles with manual trannies and left driveshafts attached, but I always made sure the trannies were full of lube, too.

Oh yeah, on a 4wd, neutral in the transfer case is designed for this very idea, otherwise Granny and Grampy motorhomer would be replacing trannies in their towed vehicles every time they went on a road trip.
Theres a reason MOST of those vehicles are 4x4.

Mark.

This is how I got my truck from the paw-in-law,it was towed a little more than 30miles and it ruined the needles.

[Mark Nixon]

This is how I got my truck from the paw-in-law,it was towed a little more than 30miles and it ruined the needles.

Then it was low on oil, or already damaged prior.
I've flat towed them from California to here and never had an issue.

Mark.

[ellis93]

The truck had less than 50k of paw-paw camper miles on it when this happened,it wasn't hurt. Regardless,it happens. Some people can fall in a bucket of chit and come out smelling like a rose...................... SOMETIMES

[dazedandconfused]

Every 2wd i've towed like that has killed the trans. Ive never pulled a 4wd like that

[Mark Nixon]

Then if you have bad luck doing it, I suggest you BUY A TRAILER!

Mark.