I have been reading different Posts about this and need some clarification!!
i am going to tow a 1968 f100 short bed with a Tow bar using a 2001 f150 4.6? what is the best way to do this. I am going to be towing it about 1200 miles? do i have to remove the driveshaft. what should i do to be able to tow this truck?

 

Yes remove the drive shaft if You are towing that far. I would really recommend You use a trailer for the safety of having brakes on what You are towing. You will find that is a lot of weight to stop.

 

Quick question? Is it a manual or auto? Manual is O.K. to flat tow. Auto you have to drop the drive shaft. Otherwise you will burn up the tranny sense the oil will not be pumped out into the cooler or radiator. Also be very careful when braking! These trucks are darn heavy! And do not exceed 55 mphs or when you do it will start to fishtail!!! To correct the problem just ease of the gas and DO NOT SLAM ON THE BRAKES!!!! everything should be O.K. Good Luck!

 

Of all towing apps the tow bar is probably on the bottom of the list. I would disconnect the ds for a tow that long on a str. drv. I doubt that I would limit myself to any speed as long as it felt comfortable on the open road, while keeping in mind the stopping issue. IMHO


John

 

It is a automatic tranny

 

I do not remember if the C6 has a slip yoke, If so you will need to seal the end of the tran. You will loose AT fluid if a slip yoke, can use a plastic bag and tape it in place. A tran shop may have a end protector that will slip in, like used in transit.

 

No no no, Just remove the rear connection, swing it over to the chassis, and with a cord or bunji tie it to the chassis rail with a forward pull. It will ride the whole trip just fine. Mark the connection so you can reattach it like you took it apart.


John

 

Them 1200 miles....how many up hill? How many down hill?

Brakes on a 2001 F150 up to the job?

Trailer has brakes:

http://www.uhaul.com/towing/

Yea, I know, it costs money. Compared to the value of the two trucks and your life, weigh it out...

 

id use a trailer then you wont have to worry about old junk tires on the truck blowin out or brakes hanging up ect ect. if ya dont have a trailer just do the u haul thing if the trailer cost to much at least try and get a car dolley thats how i got my 71 from Tx to wi was a u haul dolley theyll tell ya it wont fit but they do

 

I towed mine with a tow bar from the barn to the house. Once. We pushed it the next time. It was a pain even with the engine out. Turning a heavy truck like these being pulled with a tow bar is a bit tricky as well, especially tight turns.

I second the u-haul rental.

 

i would have to agree with doing the u-haul rental..it is much easier..when i got my truck i had to pull it 300 miles home..borrowed my brothers f250 diesel,rented the trailer,used a tractor to push onto trailer since 3 of the 4 tires were flat..i would be very uncomfortable flat towing it because of the weight.

 

I towed a 1980 f150 2wd about 50 miles with 1993 f150 4wd. Took the driveshaft off from the diff. All went well until I came to a curve. Went around a 45 mph curve doing about 35. The rear truck started pushing the front truck. My guess is the rear truck did not want to turn that curve at that speed. Stopped about 2 miles later at a gas station, cleaned my shorts, got a cup of coffee to take a breather and slowed way down on the next two curves. My advise rent, borrow or what have you, but get a trailer.

 

I have a good friend that once towed his 70 something Grand Wag home with his friends F-250. (His friend at the wheel.) Nearly took out the neighbors house with the rear 2 + tons of metal at about 25 mphs. Thats the biggest concern with these old cars and trucks! They are HEAVY!!!!!
Not to many people understand that until you get behind a wheel and the only thing thats power is your forearms

 

He can't get a Uhaul for the truck.
Check it out.


John

 

when i rented the uhaul trailer,they told me the truck was too wide and would not fit,i measured it and it was a tight fit but it went on there,this was several years ago,wonder if they are using a different trailer now?? could also check with some of the other rental companies