Forum Discussion

Explorer

Apr 01, 2014

Towing Std. Shift RWD Car - Unhook the driveshaft?

In the future I will need to tow a 1989 Mustang GT from MI to FL, just once. I have read that it can sometimes be difficult to get this type car on a flat bed trailer because of the low clearance and ground effects.

So I figured a front wheel dolly might be the answer.

My question is whether or not I should drop the drive shaft when using a front wheel dolly.

I am thinking with a manual transmission that just leaving it in neutral would be enough. For what it's worth, this particular manual transmission uses automatic transmission fluid instead of regular gear lube.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Moved to Dinghy Towing forum from Towing.

33 Replies

carringb
Explorer
Apr 01, 2014
It all depends on which M/T you have. And unfortunately, none of the towing guides I've seen go back that far. Generally, the Mazda 5-speeds are ok for towing in Neutral, but Tremec and Borg Warner M/Ts generally have towing restrictions (speed and/or milaege). I have not idea who made the M/T in your car.

Also, a transmission that was originally approved for Neutral towing may not hold up as well after its old and worn out. I'd say pulling the driveline is the safe approach for any long distance towing.
2oldman
Explorer II
Apr 01, 2014
This is a trailer towing forum. You may be better served in the Dinghy forum.
MFL
Nomad II
Apr 01, 2014
It has been a long time since I have dealt with this. If I remember correctly, to tow a RWD stick shift a long distance, you do need to disconnect the drive shaft.

Things may have changed, so someone may come along, with a new way of doing things.

Jerry