Towing an automatic long distances?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!
It is not the best thing to do. If it is 4x4 and has a transfer case with a lever (not ESOF) you can put that in neutral and you will be fine.
If it is 2 wheel drive then I would highly recommend removing the driveshaft.
Good luck!
-Matt
If it is 2 wheel drive then I would highly recommend removing the driveshaft.
Good luck!
-Matt
FTE Leadership Emeritus
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From: Long Island USA
Originally Posted by bigsub
Does anyone know the technical reasons? What does it do to the transmission? What if you leave the engine idling does that help the tranny oil itself? Just a thought.
The problem is when the torque converter isn't turning, the oil isn't circulating in the transmission. That will certainly burn up an automatic very quick.
Even some manual transmissions have oil pumps in them, and if the engine isn't running, you better remove the drive shaft before towing it.
Either 4x4 (in 2-wheel drive) or 4x2, remove the rear driveshaft and you'll be fine. (if the driveshaft slides into the tranny/transfer-case, leave it in place or you'll leak out all the fluid and really mess up someone else's day).
When removing the driveshaft, index it (mark it), on both ends preferably, to make sure it lines up exactly like it did before removal.
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
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From: Long Island USA
Originally Posted by bigsub
So could I plumb in an electric pump to pump the fluid while towing?
First, how much pressure does an auto tranny produce? And how much pressure would you need to move the fluid through a pump that isn't moving? If it would even move through the pump?
Easiest thing, drop the driveshaft - in my Superduty, it's four bolts to disconnect the driveshaft from the rear-end. It's about the same complexity for most other vehicles. Lots easier than finding a high-pressure pump and plumbing it.
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From: Utah
One quick note here, if you drop the drive shaft, do your self a favor and just take it loose from the axle, then leave the one end in the Trans/Trans Case, then secure it very good up under the body. If you pull the shaft all the way out, you leave a trail of oil every where you go. Not to mention what would happen if you are pulling it in dirt or rain.
"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Mifflin, PA
Originally Posted by bigredtruckmi
Don't do it. Especially if 4X4. If 2X4 you can take drive shaft off. On my 04 it says not to tow right in the owners manual.
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From: Long Island USA
Originally Posted by alchymist
Unless I am dumber than I thought, the manual 4X4 transfer case can be shifted to neutral to allow the vehicle to be towed.......... (Course I could be dumb enough to not realize I am dumber than I think I am)
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Originally Posted by bigsub
So could I plumb in an electric pump to pump the fluid while towing?
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
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Originally Posted by krewat
You are absolutely correct. And even with an auto 4x4, with 4x4 OFF, you can disconnect the REAR driveshaft and everything would be fine.
As far as I know only some Jeeps can be towed with 4 wheels on the ground & automatics.
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From: Long Island USA
Originally Posted by Leader
Not so sure about that. Some transfer cases now need cooling just like transmitions. Better to check with the Mfg. before you do it.
As far as I know only some Jeeps can be towed with 4 wheels on the ground & automatics.
As far as I know only some Jeeps can be towed with 4 wheels on the ground & automatics.
That Jeep you're talking about probably has a neutral in the transfer case, and yes, you can tow that.
ANY automatic should NOT be towed with the output shaft spinning and the engine NOT running.
That Remco pump sounds intriguing...