AWD Improperly Towed

[farsideREAPER]

Earlier this week my 06 V8 AWD's alternator died and I called AAA who said they would send a flat bed. Instead they sent a conventional tow truck. Long story short I should have been more assertive but I was tired and it was 1 a.m. The 4runner was picked up by the front and towed with the back wheels rolling in neutral. The wrecker followed me (I had a 2nd vehicle) and I did 25 mph most of the time and flirted with 35 mph for a few seconds/ total tow distance of 4 miles. Since then I replaced the center and rear diff fluids. Also the Toyota dealer flushed the transmission. The truck currently runs fine and I have raised quite the complaint with the conduct of AAA. I know the manual for the 4runner says to never tow in that configuration but I do know that the manual tends to lean heavily on the side of caution in many aspects. I also am familiar with how the mechanical linkage of the torsen center diff works. In many other vehicles with torsen center diffs they state that the vehicle can be towed a short distance at relatively low speeds because the torsen can compensate for a bit of time with minimal heat and fiction buildup. I find it hard to find a 4runner that sustained center diff failure with exception to the actuator. I am looking for comprehensive input from members who understand how this works or have had similar experiences. Thanks

 

[MFreund]

I was under the impression the reason was because there would be no lubricant pressure to the rear of transmission causing wear.

It is too late to do anything about it, any wear has already taken place. That said I believe you should be ok.

 

[earthrealm]

how was the fluid?
signs of metal in them?

 

[earthrealm]

how was the fluid?
signs of metal in them?

 

[bloodninja]

I don't understand why the tow operator didn't use dollies. Every tow truck I've seen carries a set of dollies for this exact purpose. Lift by the front, dollies in the rear. It's standard practice. If in doubt, dollies out.

 

[farsideREAPER]

Once the runner was back at my place I put a charger on it overnight. Next morning I drove it about a mile down the block and back to let it cycle through the gears and take the existing fluid and allow it to "flush" the components itself. I tested the 4 low. All seemed well. Center and rear diff fluids didn't seem like anything out of the ordinary, just the usual diff fluid odor. There was a believable amount of fine metal in the rear/ took it as wear and tear. Diffs had full synthetic and oil color and appearance was retained. Next day I drove it to the dealer for the tranny flush, no comments by them.

 

[bamma]

Four miles at low speed-probably ok, but you should have had him disconnect the driveline. The tow company could be liable if it did cause damage... Driver was stupid for doing that.