Transmission question
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Transmission question
Hi I have flat towed my 1999 E350 XLT club wagon on neutral from AZ to CA 800 miles and now the D and reverse are making a clanking clank noises and not moving but the second and first gear is functioning properly what did I do wrong ? Or what could be wrong?
thank's
thank's
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,695
Likes: 2,616
From: SE Florida
What's wrong is that the trans was destroyed by towing all those miles with no lubrication. Without the engine running there is no lube to the back half of the trans, which is the half that was spinning while flat towing.
Next time remove the driveshaft from the rear axle. That will prevent destroying the transmission.
Next time remove the driveshaft from the rear axle. That will prevent destroying the transmission.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Just out of curiosity who advised you to flat tow that vehicle as you did?
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
I search the net and what I got is "Ok to flat tow " but what they neglected to mention is the 50 mile limit, I should have done more DD
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
I search the net and what I got is "Ok to flat tow " but what they neglected to mention is the 50 mile limit, I should have done more DD
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 218
Likes: 52
What's wrong is that the trans was destroyed by towing all those miles with no lubrication. Without the engine running there is no lube to the back half of the trans, which is the half that was spinning while flat towing.
Next time remove the driveshaft from the rear axle. That will prevent destroying the transmission.
Next time remove the driveshaft from the rear axle. That will prevent destroying the transmission.
I have a curiosity question that I never had an expert to ask before:
Does an idling engine provide enough lubrication to the rear of the transmission to be towed in neutral beyond the stated recommendations?
I realize disconnecting the drive shaft is the preferred method of isolation but, if there were a need to flat tow at higher speed or for a slightly longer distance than the suggested maximum, would idling the engine during transport protect the transmission?
THANKS!
Trending Topics
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,695
Likes: 2,616
From: SE Florida
I would think so, but someone needs to run the test to see if the trans lives to be sure. We never tested that.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
To me considering it's infinitely easier to temporarily drop the drive shaft than replace a ruined transmission I'd never even look for another way to flat tow a vehicle. Considering a tow truck for anything under 25 +/- miles would be under $100 its just not worth taking a chance "it'll be okay........... as OP demonstrates.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,992
Likes: 131
From: Maryville
To me considering it's infinitely easier to temporarily drop the drive shaft than replace a ruined transmission I'd never even look for another way to flat tow a vehicle. Considering a tow truck for anything under 25 +/- miles would be under $100 its just not worth taking a chance "it'll be okay........... as OP demonstrates.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
^^But in all reality how often does the average driver "need" to drop the drive shaft? In the past 30 years I've done it once, way back in 2005 or earlier to flat tow a E-250 435 miles one way.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
RideDiesel88
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
3
Sep 11, 2013 11:20 PM