Towing Geo Tracker 2 WD 4 down

hpdrver wrote:
Remco, the tow experts, state that a 2001 manual transmission tracker can be towed 4 down without any modifications. Many people have towed these vehicles as I did for many years. Although the manual,may state something different and any deviation from the manual is at the owner's risk of damage, the decision to tow is a personal decision. This warning in the manual definitely applies to automatic transmissions.Check the Remco website.

Remco -------I can't find information on '95 model--they list from 96 and newer. Also,they no longer sell driveshaft disconnects.
Marvin

Remco, the tow experts, state that a 2001 manual transmission tracker can be towed 4 down without any modifications. Many people have towed these vehicles as I did for many years. Although the manual,may state something different and any deviation from the manual is at the owner's risk of damage, the decision to tow is a personal decision. This warning in the manual definitely applies to automatic transmissions.Check the Remco website.

Horizon170 wrote:
Remco drive shaft disconnect is one solution but costly and the two I had didn't always work with the pull cable.

I thought of two more solutions but they are crazy.
1. Bolt the clutch pedal to the floor and tow in 5th gear. (IMO, not a good idea!)
2. Add a "ELL" pipe extension to the transmission filler and add extra fluid so it would reach the output shaft. (Yes, that will work. It may create seal leaks, and it may cause oil to puke out of the transmission vent. But, it will often lube the bearings.)
Not sure about either of those.
I can't believe the Guy I bought it from said it had many,many miles being towed.

Marvin

I have heard of people letting the engine idle in Neutral while the vehicle is being towed. They seem to have some success with that, but I would not do it.

Remco drive shaft disconnect is one solution but costly and the two I had didn't always work with the pull cable.

I thought of two more solutions but they are crazy.
1. Bolt the clutch pedal to the floor and tow in 5th gear.
2. Add a "ELL" pipe extension to the transmission filler and add extra fluid so it would reach the output shaft.
Not sure about either of those.
I can't believe the Guy I bought it from said it had many,many miles being towed.

Marvin

From the 2001 Tracker manual:

If your vehicle is a two-wheel drive model, do not
tow it on all four wheels. If you do, your
transmission could be damaged and the damage
would not be covered by your warranty.

No idea about earlier models but generally a tranfer case or lube pump is required.

I do not know about the 95 tracker but I used to tow a 2001 2wd manual tracker with no problems. Remco is a source to check for the 95 year model.

I have owned two 1995 Geo Tracker's and the owners manual clearly states that only a 4x4 with the transfer case can be towed 4 down. Auto or 5 speed makes no difference.

Only Suzukis with four wheel drive with neutral in transfer case are towable four down.

I think you need a 4X4 Tracker with a transfer case.

Not all manual transmission vehicles can be towed four down.
It all depends on the lubrication of the transmission.
If the output shaft bearing and center mainshaft bearings do not get any lube, severe damage can result.
Yes, the vehicle can be towed for some unknown distance with just the residual lube in the bearings, but sooner or later that lube will dry up, and the bearing will eventually be destroyed. Then the transmission can be replaced, and the owner can start over.
How lucky do you feel?