Anyone here done a front wheel drive flat tow setup

[wfo9]

Curious if anyone has done it.

I'm thinking about trying it.

It's obviously not 100% ideal.. but it's better than buying a Jeep which is the other option I'm considering.

My new use case is flat towing. I need something to use as a Toad behind an RV. I figure I could carry my driveshaft in the back, then throw it on if I plan to do any serious driving once at the destination. Just runs to the store or whatever should be fine in front wheel drive only as long as I don't attempt front wheel burn outs LOL

I have a trailer, but the 4runner is probably over the GVWR of 7k and it is an ideal trailer for my crawler. I would need to get one that had a 10k GVWR to be confident on long trips in it and even then, the 4runner is a bit of beast load to pull like that on a regular basis. The 10k trailers also usually come in at about 2,500+ unloaded. The flat towing keeps all the weight low and the aero should be a non issue behind a big RV. I've heard you can't even tell it is there compared to a trailer...

I should be able to get the rear drive shaft on and off in about 15 minutes is my guess. It's a little awkward and heavy, but I don't want to mess with a disconnect... system and introduce a custom length and failure point.

The only issue I see is the bolts being used often and not being thread locked or torqued to spec perfectly each time. Could cause an issue over time, but I would probably keep an eye on it and keep some extra nuts and bolts on hand.

There would still be some fab work on the bumper to build in the mounts for the tow-bar clevis, but I think I have spot that would work on mine that would not cause any approach angle issues. This would avoid the need for a base plate. Would still need to figure out brakes, lights and all that jazz. Big pain in the ass, but still better than buying a jeep is my thought right now.

 

[Jeremy556]

I have not towed it, but I put mine in transfer case neutral all the time to move it around the garage by standing on the tires. As far as I know, as long as it has a tcase neutral to allow the transmission to remain still while the wheels turn, flat towing is A-OK.

 

[wfo9]

I have not towed it, but I put mine in transfer case neutral all the time to move it around the garage by standing on the tires. As far as I know, as long as it has a tcase neutral to allow the transmission to remain still while the wheels turn, flat towing is A-OK.

I really wish that was the case. The problems (as I understand it) is the tcase itself. The oiling relies on the input shaft spinning. Something in the front slings the oil around. So if you put it in the N position the rear of the t-case is not being oiled like it should and the bearings go out. I've heard this is fine for short distances. How short.. I have no idea.

Even on the older gear driven transfer cases.. this was supposedly an issue, but some would claim they flat towed and never had a problem.

I wish there was a definitive answer on it. I've seen info from Marlin Crawler saying not to do it on the older ones, but some said that was BS too. Toyota just says don't do it, but gives no reasons.

All the concerns obviously go away with the rear driveshaft disconnected and the truck in 2wd. The front diff side gears, and rear diff pinion are the only things spinning at that point. And those are all self oiled with no input.