I have a 1988 4x4 Toyota pickup(SR5) I tow with a Motorhome. Is there a way to put some switch in to stop the tow miles from racking up. I have towed this truck across the USA 3 times and its adding up.

Thanks

Assuming you are removing the rear driveshaft, like you should be, there should be no miles while towing.

x2

Bad for bearings <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />

This caught my attention.

I assumed if you put the tranny and the transfer case in neutral it would be a good thing.

I'm getting ready to pull my 91 4x4 w/locking hubs,5 speed pickup with my motor home.

Please tell me more.

Ralph

While the transmission has a true neutral gear, the t-case does not. Look where N is on the shift pattern, between H4 and L4, so you are in 4WD in that gear. So you end up having the rear output shaft driving the whole front wheel drive section of the case, but the real issue is below:
- http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=775780&highlight=flat+towing

Thanks Guys. Well I must have been doing it all wrong. I leave the transfer case in 2H and put the trans in neutral and go. This is what my manual says.If you put both in neutral it will blow oil out of the rear seal on the trans.

Easy enough to pull the 4 bolts at the rear pinion flange (need 2 14mm wrenches) and lift and tie the drive shaft up under the body.

Wait a second, if the tranny is in neutral, but the t-case is in 2HI, then the output shaft will spin the input shaft, thus spinning the oil pump? Am i not correct?
But i agree with roger on stopping the odometer...

Greg in Canada I just found this about towing

(Hi Roger;

IÆve been too busy with this truck of mine. ItÆs great. Instead of driving it to the trails, I tow it, now. Do you know the best position for the transmission and transfer case while being towed with all fours on the ground? IÆve been using Neutral & Neutral, but recently found out that Jeeps recommend transfer - Neutral, and transmission in any gear. I would hate to think IÆve towed my truck for 700 miles without having the transmission lubricated (thus the need to be in gear). Toyota called their service reps and they wonÆt give any info on towing, as they donÆt recommend it for their vehicles. Thanks in advance for any input. Vehicle is a 1985 22re, solid front axle, 4 speed. Steven Scates

Hi Steven;

Unless you have a twin stick t-case shifter, it is best to leave it in 2H. In neutral, you are also in 4WD, so you are probably spinning both front and rear driveshafts while flat towing. This is right out of the OwnerÆs Manual. Reason being that the t-case has no true neutral position in stock mode. The only location where you can get ôNö is between 4H and 4L due to the shifter interlock pin. With a twin stick shifter, you pull that pin and then can leave the 2-4 stick in 2 and move the H-N-L stick to N. Best is to unbolt the rear shaft at the pinion flange, tie it up under the truck and go like that. Or pop for a full floating rear axle kit (like Front Range Offroad makes) and then you can just unlock the rear hubs for towing and lock them back up for the trail.

À Roger



[A reply from Steven]

Hi Roger;

Just got back from the desert. I towed in 2H & neutral. This solved the front differential spewing fluid from the overflow. You were right about spinning both shafts in neutral. I guess the front differential canÆt handle the high speed with its stock vent. Indeed, 2H didnÆt spin the front driveshaft. Eventually I will go to full floating axles in the back, along with the 3.4 engine from my 4runner. I have been really close to fully modifying this truck, as it is only used off-road. But, it does awesome right now. 32Æ 11.50Æs, stock height, Detroit locker in the rear, open in the front. Does great everywhere except the big rocks (ouch!). Thanks again for the info on towing. Steven Scates)

I have towed mine well over 12,000 miles across the US 2 times and deep into Mexico 3 times.

Thanks