The last word on flat towing

My friend is driving me crazy asking me if it’s ok to flat tow his 99 Tacoma. It’s an automatic 4x4. I say he can’t, its not recommended by Toyota. I’ve also heard it’s fine if you’re ok with disconnecting the rear drive shaft and run with the transfer case in neutral. He wants to pull behind a motor home and do a fairly long trip. Has anyone out there flat towed an automatic?
I know in most cases there are lubrication issues with bearings, etc., but are there modifications that may be nessesary? Would appreciate any feedback.

 

flatbed tow, or just a regular tow with the rear end spinning? Please clarify

 

I almost had to flat tow my auto Ford Ranger (thankfully the flatbed tow truck driver got back fr vacation) but from what I gathered you should remove both drive shafts, especially the front. Or be darn sure your T-case is in neutral (not recommend).

 

OK to flat tow with a manual trans and a j-shifter transfer case. Place both the trans and transfer case in neutral.

 

Always remove the rear drive shaft with the wheels on the ground they always spin.

 

My friend wants to flat tow. All four wheels on the ground. What would the difference between flat towing and dollying if the rear driveshaft is disconnected in either case?

 

what if you end up snapping a bolt off while disconnecting the front and rear shafts?

 

I would flatbed it.

I wonder how they get you out when you offroad on a trail though?

 

The transfer case does not oil if it's not in gear.
Transfer case in neutral disconnect rear drive shaft.

 

You absolutely cannot flat tow a Tacoma, or any RWD vehicle without disconnecting the rear driveline unless the manual explicitly states you can flat or dinghy tow.

You must have a driveline disconnect, or unbolt the driveline. You will fry your transmission if you flat tow with all four wheels on the ground and the transmission is still spinning.

 

Thanks for the reply.
I realize the damage it can do if the drive shaft is not disconnected,
but assuming the rear shaft is disconnected, is there anything turning
from the front shaft that could do any damage?
If someone was prepared to disconnect the rear and the front driveshafts,
are you doing any harm towing long distances this way with all four wheels
on the ground?

 

I’m not really sure about the front. If you have manual hubs you can just disconnect them at the wheel and you’ll be fine, but with ADD the axles are always spinning.

 

You guys are all correct .
When the driveshaft turns the output shaft of the automatic transmission , the forward clutch pack drags and overheats . If you start up the truck and let it run while towing , the transmission pump will lubricate the transmission and prevent overheating of the forward clutch as it drags inside the forward clutch . In an emergency situation , you can tow with both driveshafts connected for a very short perioid of time such as a mile or two at the most .
There are pumps you can purchase to assist with lubrication while towing but your safest bet is removing both driveshafts with an automatic transmission .

 

No, that's fine. I would think with the transfer in N it would be ok but others disagree. There is no pump in a transfer case. it's just a chain in oil bath.

I understand Jeeps w/ autos. can flat tow.I don't know of a design difference.

 

This is what I never quite understood.

So putting the transfer in 'N' doesn't rectify this?

 

Tacoma Tansfer cases use a pump that is driven by the spinning output shaft as well as the chain

 

Ah, ok. Did not know. Was told only 4Runners had this for AWD function.

So the spinning rear shaft doesn't drive it also?

 

Yes , selecting N with the transfer case eliminates the automatic transmission from overheating

 

But burns up the transfer case?

 

The transfer case is still lubricated while in " N " and towing with driveshafts connected . Some Tacoma transfer cases do not have the " N " feature