Car Dolly Question

[cblackb]

Hey All, I'm needing to use a Dolly to tow a rear wheel drive 1985 Mercury Marquis (about 4400 pounds) about 15 to 20 miles. I lost 3rd and 4th gear in the AOD tranny in the Merc and need to tow it to the shop. Anyway my question is this: Should I worry about towing this car w/ the transmission in Neutral for this distance or should I go ahead and pull the drive shaft out? I've heard that you can mess up Automatic Trannies by pulling/towing them on the drive wheels. Thanks!

[jphelzer]

I wouldn't go over 35mph if you tow it from the front. Can't you just tow it on the back wheels on the dolly?

If you need to go over 35mph, I'd drop the driveshaft.

[bigcountrysg]

You can pull it with the tranny in neutral your not going far. Besides tranny sounds like it going to be completely rebuilt. You will be fine. I myself do not like tow dollys and I rather use a trailer.

[bigcountrysg]

Originally Posted by jphelzer

I wouldn't go over 35mph if you tow it from the front. Can't you just tow it on the back wheels on the dolly?

If you need to go over 35mph, I'd drop the driveshaft.

Tow Trucks tow rear wheel drive vehicles all the time at highway speeds with the trans in neutral, with the driveshaft in place with no damage done. He will be fine towing it the distance he is towing it with the driveshaft in.

[jfines@cox.net]

I have replaced 7 auto's in my old GMC Jimmy that we towed behind a motor home. The dealer even said to put the transfercase in neutral, didnn't help. Fortunatly for me, I had it in writing, so no cost to me.

But, if the tranny is already shot. 20 miles might not hurt it any more. Or you could run the car and leave the tranny in neutral, that way the pump is running and everything stays lubed.

[bigcountrysg]

Originally Posted by jfines@cox.net

I have replaced 7 auto's in my old GMC Jimmy that we towed behind a motor home. The dealer even said to put the transfercase in neutral, didnn't help. Fortunatly for me, I had it in writing, so no cost to me.

But, if the tranny is already shot. 20 miles might not hurt it any more. Or you could run the car and leave the tranny in neutral, that way the pump is running and everything stays lubed.

Towing long distances at highway speeds numerous times is completely different then a one time trip to the repair shop.

[jphelzer]

I know, I was a tow truck driver for several years. Do they do it? Yes. Should they do it, unless the manufacturer specifies it's OK? No.

"with no damage" - Ummm, no. No damage you can see right away perhaps....It can severely shorten the life of the transmission. Yes, he's in for a likely rebuild, but perhaps they could salvage a few more parts and save him some money?

AAA produced books with all the manufacturers' recommendations. I recall The LTD/CrownVic/Grand Marquis because we had a contract to tow broken down/wrecked police cars.

Originally Posted by bigcountrysg

Towing long distances at highway speeds numerous times is completely different then a one time trip to the repair shop.

Which is why I specified 35mph or less.

[jfines@cox.net]

My Brother in Law own's a tow truck company. I asked him a minute ago, and He said that is why he invested in the flat bed. And if he uses the tire lift, he tows by the drive tires.

[cblackb]

Wow, you all really jumped on this one quick, thanks! I actually like the idea of leaving the car running in neutral, I never thought of that. I would have to go over 35 mph, it would be speeds of 35 to 55 mph the whole trip. I'm not totally sure that this tranny is junk yet, it MAY just need a new valvebody. I have a junkyard tranny in the bed of the truck just in case though, I was told it was good, we'll see.

[cblackb]

Actually after thinking about this more I may just go rent a car trailer, either way thanks for all the advice!