FYI, this is an incorrect statement. The transfer case does have an oil pump and it is run by the tranfer case input shaft. This is why you can't simply tow it with the transfer case in neutral like you can with a Jeep.
Driving from CA to OH: tranny just died in KS?
- Thread starter John7M7
- Start date
FYI, this is an incorrect statement. The transfer case does have an oil pump and it is run by the tranfer case input shaft. This is why you can't simply tow it with the transfer case in neutral like you can with a Jeep.
mtbtim
Elite Member
Thanks for the correction. I like learning new stuff even though it means I was wrong.
Any chance you have a link to a parts diagram showing the pump? I did a quick search but couldn't find a parts schematic showing it.
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thx Tim for the explanation. Makes sense.
Do I have ever have to worry about something like that on a FWD vehicle (think, Civic), or only a RWD with a DS like the T4R?
mtbtim
Elite Member
If it's front wheel drive and you pick it up from the front with the rear wheels on the ground, no problem. If you pick it up from the rear with the front wheels on the ground, you could damage the auto trans.
With a rear wheel drive, you can still have an issue with damaging the auto trans depending how you tow it. You still have all the same issues as a 4x4 4runner with an auto trans because you don't want to have the transmission turning with the motor off.
Now, on a follow-up to what [MENTION=135134]pauldub[/MENTION] said about the transfer case, the operator's manual says with the rear wheels on the ground and not using a dolly under the wheels with a manual transmission 4x4 model, it says put the transmission in neutral and the transfer case in H2. So, with the transfer case in H2 and the rear wheels on the ground, the output shaft of the transfer case is being turned by the rear driveshaft, and according to Toyota, this is fine. So, why is it fine with a manual and not an automatic. The owner's manual is only concerned with the auto trans and not the transfer case when towing. This puts a hole in [MENTION=135134]pauldub[/MENTION] reasoning of the input shaft turning a fluid pump in the transfer case.
The oil pump on the transfer case is definitely run from the input shaft - I just had mine apart a month ago so I know that for sure. So, you can't tow with rear wheels on the ground and transfer case in neutral. Not sure how a manual tranny is lubricated - it too may have an input shaft driven oil pump, in which case you can't tow with the tranny in neutral either. Definitely can't tow with an auto transmission with rear wheels on the ground unless you disconnect the drive shaft.
Disconnecting the drive shaft is easy (4 bolts), but I would just rent the U-haul flatbed. By the time you rent the truck and dolly, it's probably less than $100 more to rent the flatbed trailer instead. It's safer, too. You get surge brakes and working lights all built in. Plus it's a lot easier to back up if you need to.
Disconnecting the drive shaft is easy (4 bolts), but I would just rent the U-haul flatbed. By the time you rent the truck and dolly, it's probably less than $100 more to rent the flatbed trailer instead. It's safer, too. You get surge brakes and working lights all built in. Plus it's a lot easier to back up if you need to.
mtbtim
Elite Member
But what's weird is the Owner's Manual says you can safely tow a manual transmission 4x4 4runner with the rear wheels on the ground with the trans in neutral and the transfer case in H2. So, is this bad information from Toyota or is it perfectly safe for the transfer case to be turning without the input shaft turning the pump? Take a look at your owner's manual and you'll see what I'm talking about. It's page 209 in my owner's manual.
If the tcase is in H2 the input and rear output shafts are locked together, so if the output shaft is turning, the input shaft will be turning as well, which means the oil pump is working and the tcase is getting proper lubrication. It's only when you put the tcase in neutral that the input shaft (and oil pump) stop turning while allowing the output shaft to turn without proper lubrication.
The transmission is a separate matter. If it gets properly lubricated with the input shaft stopped, then everything is OK. Sounds like Toyota is OK with that.
mtbtim
Elite Member
Thanks Ron. Now it makes sense to me. It sounds like the manual transmission input shaft doesn't have to be turning for proper lubrication so that's why Toyota offers this as a towing option for a manual trans 4x4.
BrianSD_42
New member
I put about 300 miles on my trans towing back incorrectly. Still working fine to this day but if I had know the best practice back then I definitely would have pulled or cut off the driveshaft.
rallypoint_1
Member
Are you serious??? Hot damn!!!
Call it 99+ to be safe then [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION]
either way, i kinda like the manual gauge. easy to read.
Call it 99+ to be safe then [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION]
either way, i kinda like the manual gauge. easy to read.
meRockboost
New member
99 is the first year... I learned that the hard way too lol. Yes I tried the 30 different codes available to program it but it's 99+ for trans temp in my searching.
This thread is full of learning new things lol
meRockboost
New member
Fact. 99+
