Wrecker towing automatic

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Apr 27, 2012 | 05:57 AM

trekbasso

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 1,546

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From: Wellington, Co

Wrecker towing automatic

Hi all,

Is it safe to tow our trucks from the front, rear wheels on the ground?
01 F250 4R100 4x4. 7.3.
Mine got hit yesterday and was towed about two miles to a nearby shop.
Driver seemed competent and I didn't think about it at the time.

Thanks.

Apr 27, 2012 | 05:59 AM

Mark Kovalsky

Frmr Ford Trans Engr

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 24,704

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From: SE Florida

Two miles shouldn't hurt it.

Apr 27, 2012 | 06:24 AM

redford

FTE Leadership Emeritus

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 23,174

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From: Stephensville WI

As Mark said, a few miles won't hurt. If you have a manual transfer case, you slip the lever into neutral and you're good to go. If you have ESOF, then long term towing may be an issue.

What will happen is the wheels turn, which will turn the output shaft of the transfer case and through that the transmission. Turning the transmission output without fluid circulating in the transmission will cause parts to turn into junk.

Apr 27, 2012 | 08:25 AM

trekbasso

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 1,546

Likes: 9

From: Wellington, Co

Thanks Mark and redford. I am concerned with later, will be moved 15 or so miles with freeway driving.
I know some trannys don't have any way to pump fluid if motor/front pump isn't turning.

Apr 27, 2012 | 09:20 AM

redford

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From: Stephensville WI

15 miles at freeway speed would be a concern. Make sure that they drop your drive shaft, or insist that they utilize a flatbed.

Apr 27, 2012 | 10:04 AM

Mark Kovalsky

Frmr Ford Trans Engr

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 24,704

Likes: 2,626

From: SE Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by trekbasso

Thanks Mark and redford. I am concerned with later, will be moved 15 or so miles with freeway driving.

If you look in your owner's manual I believe it states a maximum number of miles, and a maximum of 35 MPH with the rear wheels on the ground.

If they go above this expect to replace the transmission.

Quote:

Originally Posted by trekbasso

I know some trannys don't have any way to pump fluid if motor/front pump isn't turning.

Very, very few automatics have a pump turned by the wheels. I only know of one offhand, it's a front wheel drive GM trans.

Apr 27, 2012 | 11:01 AM

majkthreads

Elder User

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 502

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From: North Georgia

Just had mine towed and insisted on a flat bed so I didn't have to worry. They said no problem at triple A.

Just took an extra 15min to get the flatbed instead.