2005+ Mustang manual

[Fifty4F100]

I've found several Mustangs in my area with manual transmissions. But Remco states that starting with the 2005 models they can't be towed 4 wheels down. Has anyone disregarded this and towed them anyway?

[Fifty4F100]

I'm of the opinion that Ford decided to drop the RV towing from the redesign in 2005. Maybe some of the high end high performance got upgraded to a newer transmission. So far no one has told me this. And yes I could just keep towing the Smart, but for reasons I can't go into here, that is not a good option either.

Just for the record, I'm not going to do a driveshaft disconnect.

[j-d]

REMCO is best known for its Lube Pumps, to make automatic transmissions/transaxles towable when the otherwise were not.

They also offered Driveshaft Disconnects. What I started out wanting to say was call REMCO Tech Support and see if anybody can talk with you about this manual transmission.

Problem is, REMCO spun that DD business off to somebody else, and I don't know if the expertise followed the product, stayed at REMCO or simply "Left the Building." Here's FAQ #6 from REMCO's site

***
Do you make the Drive Shaft Coupling (Disconnect) that I can use to tow my Rear-Wheel (RWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicle?

No. Remco sold that product line in 2008 and we no longer are involved in the manufacturing or sales of that product. If you are interested in a Drive Shaft Coupling (Disconnect) please contact either Drive Shaft King in Dallas, TX at 800-442-6329 or Just for Towing in Yuma, AZ at 928-782-3611.
***

I'd still like to know if the transmission in your prospective Mustang, was used in other vehicles, and if those vehicles were considered flat towable.

[Fifty4F100]

I've tried one Mustang forum. Nobody buys a Mustang for a toad. They know much less than those here.

[j-d]

x2 on Driveshaft Disconnects. Some love'em and some hate'em. The haters seem to outnumber the lovers. If I were to do one, I'd want to buy a used driveshaft and have a shaft with the disconnect in it plus a spare without.

What about a Mustang enthusiasts forum? Maybe somebody there can shed some light on this.

[Fifty4F100]

Wouldn't say I'm determined. No I just hoped someone had tried it. I'm not much of a pioneer on such things. Would love to have a nice Mustang to drive around while touring America! And yes - Blue Ox makes a base plate for these Mustangs. They just suggest a driveshaft disconnect. I'm of the opinion those are troublesome. They are expensive!

I did look up Ford parts numbers. There were 3 different manuals for 2004 and 2 of those were still available in 2005. At least from Ford, these are $2500+ transmissions!

[j-d]

Farmerjon wrote:
Owners manual says no faster than 35mph and not over 50 miles. Other than that drop the drive shaft.

That's probably "disabled vehicle towing" not "recreational towing."

54, you seem determined to do this. Might well work. Might tear something up. No way to know what the odds are unless you're lucky enough to find somebody who's actually done it.

I wonder if other Makes/Models used the transmission your prospective Mustang has. And if THOSE show towable.

How often/how far do you think you'll be towing this Pony? Might be OK if you stopped and ran the engine in Neutral with the Clutch engaged, to spin oil around the inside of the transmission. Rest stops, fuel stops, etc.

[Fifty4F100]

Y-Guy wrote:
Fifty4F100 - I hear ya, but its not like its a brand new car. My point was now after 17 years if it's still on the don't tow list it's probably not a good idea.

Whats the owners manual say about dolly towing? Would that solve the issue? Baseplates available? We're any other years with that body style and configuration towable?

Mazda Miata is still on the don't tow list. Many are towing them.

[Farmerjon]

Y-Guy wrote:
Fifty4F100 - I hear ya, but its not like its a brand new car. My point was now after 17 years if it's still on the don't tow list it's probably not a good idea.

Whats the owners manual say about dolly towing? Would that solve the issue? Baseplates available? We're any other years with that body style and configuration towable?

Dolly towing a RWD won't stop the transmission from turning.

[Farmerjon]

Y-Guy wrote:
Fifty4F100 - I hear ya, but its not like its a brand new car. My point was now after 17 years if it's still on the don't tow list it's probably not a good idea.

Whats the owners manual say about dolly towing? Would that solve the issue? Baseplates available? We're any other years with that body style and configuration towable?

Dolly towing a RWD?

[Farmerjon]

Owners manual says no faster than 35mph and not over 50 miles. Other than that drop the drive shaft.

[Y-Guy]

Fifty4F100 - I hear ya, but its not like its a brand new car. My point was now after 17 years if it's still on the don't tow list it's probably not a good idea.

Whats the owners manual say about dolly towing? Would that solve the issue? Baseplates available? We're any other years with that body style and configuration towable?

[Fifty4F100]

First I ask this because there are some (or perhaps someone knows of some) that decide to try regardless of what Remco or the manufacturer recommends. I may be one of those in the near future.

The 2004 (and earlier) Mustangs with manuals can be towed. The 2005 was a new body style, but with at least the same engine choices. If the transmissions didn't change, then I'm of the opinion they can be towed as well. I know the risk. No warrantee to worry about.

And Y-Guy, I understand your thoughts. But I used to have a 2003 Mazda 6 with a 5sp we bought just to pull behind a motorhome if (at that time) we were to buy. When that time came, Remco and Mazda told us this car could not be towed. And nobody made a baseplate for it. Some in the RV world disregarded this and towed them anyway. Now Remco states it can be towed. The same thing happened with the Mazda Miata. At first no one made baseplates as Mazda said they couldn't be towed by an RV. Now at least Roadmaster makes baseplates for Miatas and they have to be a great toad! I think with most manufacturers, it's more of a warranty issue than anything. RVers aren't a big market.

[Y-Guy]

I'd say if Remco says no then don't do it. If they thought it could be done I'm sure they would sell a product for it.

[Farmerjon]

Can't speak for the mustangs but our 2000 f350 with 6 speed has an oil pump and can not be towed with wheels down. I would not ignore the warnings.
Even if it doesn't have an oil pump it may require the gears that aren't turning when it's in neutral being towed to stir the oil up and splash the rear bearings.