Towing a 4WD/Auto Trans vehicle.

[dcampen]

In another thread I noted that the Jeep Grand Cherokee with Quadra-Trac II has a neutral position in the transfer case that can be used for towing the Jeep behind another vehicle. This brings to mind some questions about towing a vehicle that has an automatic transmission.

To tow a vehicle with a manual transmission you just put the transmission in neutral but a vehicle with an automatic transmission shouldn't be towed even with the transmission in neutral. Is this correct and why is this? What is bad that will happen when you tow an automatic transmission vehicle? Could a 4Gen 4Runner be towed short distances at low speed without doing damage? For example, if you wanted to tow it a few miles on a dirt road to a main road where you could then call for a flat bed truck.

 

[Vortec4800]

In another thread I noted that the Jeep Grand Cherokee with Quadra-Trac II has a neutral position in the transfer case that can be used for towing the Jeep behind another vehicle. This brings to mind some questions about towing a vehicle that has an automatic transmission.

To tow a vehicle with a manual transmission you just put the transmission in neutral but a vehicle with an automatic transmission shouldn't be towed even with the transmission in neutral. Is this correct and why is this? What is bad that will happen when you tow an automatic transmission vehicle? Could a 4Gen 4Runner be towed short distances at low speed without doing damage? For example, if you wanted to tow it a few miles on a dirt road to a main road where you could then call for a flat bed truck.

When you don't have a choice you don't have a choice. I believe it has something to do with the central differential, if there is a way to put the transfer case into neutral then you should be good to go. I remember on my Rover there was a fuse I had to pull, and when the fuse was out that put the transfer case into neutral. Look in the owner's manual and see if there are any ways to manually force the Xfer case into neutral.

 

[TechWrench]

In another thread I noted that the Jeep Grand Cherokee with Quadra-Trac II has a neutral position in the transfer case that can be used for towing the Jeep behind another vehicle. This brings to mind some questions about towing a vehicle that has an automatic transmission.

To tow a vehicle with a manual transmission you just put the transmission in neutral but a vehicle with an automatic transmission shouldn't be towed even with the transmission in neutral. Is this correct and why is this? What is bad that will happen when you tow an automatic transmission vehicle? Could a 4Gen 4Runner be towed short distances at low speed without doing damage? For example, if you wanted to tow it a few miles on a dirt road to a main road where you could then call for a flat bed truck.

The reason most manufacturers warn against towing an automatic 4wd is because if you can't put the transfer case in neutral, the output shaft and planatary gears will continue to turn without any lubrication. Putting the transmission in neutral does nothing except disengage the parking pawl so the vehicle will roll. The output shaft of the trans is still directly linked to the transfer case. Because the auto needs to be running in order to generate fluid pressure, the output shaft and attached parts won't get lubrication if it is not running. Short distances will probably not be a problem. If it has to for longer, you could remove the driveshafts, if you had the tools. Or, if can still start, run the engine for a few miniutes every so often and put the trans in and out of gear a few times to circulate fluid in it.

 

[bulldog-yota]

This is one area where Jeep has thought a lot more than Toyota. No auto should be towed for more than a short distance (techwrench have a far better technical explanation). SO as in the case with the 4Runner where the transfer case does not have the option of a neutral, you can either remove the driveshafts (major PITA) or use a trailer. In the case of the V6 you can probably put in 2wd and just have a trailer that lifts the rear wheels (dont know the correct name) and tow it backwards so no stress on the tranny.

 

[TranceKrayz]

is the 2wd in the v6 rear wheel drive or front wheel drive?

 

[bulldog-yota]

is the 2wd in the v6 rear wheel drive or front wheel drive?

Rear wheel drive in 2wd for the V6