Flat towing 88 samuriai, couple of questions
I just purchased a samurai and have read all sorts of various opinions on the best way to flat tow. I know the manual says front hubs unlocked, t-case in neutral, and vehicle in 2nd gear. I have hear...
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There's at least three of us here who flat tow our Zukes.
Do just as the manual says;
Neutral on the x-fer case, 2nd gear, hubs unlocked, ignition key turned on to unlock the steering wheel.
REPEAT:
Turn the key so it unlocks the steering wheel!!
Here's a secret; If you turn the key on, unlock the wheel, you can turn the key off and leave the key in, do not remove it, and the steering wheel will remain unlocked. It only locks when you pull the key out. Test this for yourself so you know, not just what someone told you. This will keep your battery from running dead. You can install a battery disconnect, a good thing in any case, but not absolutely necessary if you follow my suggestion.
Stop every couple hundred miles and start the motor, let it idle. I do it while refueling usually. Maybe 5 minutes. The reason to run the motor is because the transmission needs the lube slung around a little once in a while.
Removing the rear driveline is a pain, especially if your little Sammy isn't lifted. Not a lot of room under there.
Don't worry about the transfer case slipping into gear. It won't. That alibi has been told by idiots who failed to put their's in neutral. They may THINK they put it in neutral, but they didn't. How to tell? Start the car, put it in gear with the x-fer case in neutral and see if you move when you let out the clutch. One potential cause of a transfer case moving from neutral is using the Zuke as a trailer; loading it up with stuff that moves, settles and strikes the x-fer case lever.
Do just as the manual says;
Neutral on the x-fer case, 2nd gear, hubs unlocked, ignition key turned on to unlock the steering wheel.
REPEAT:
Turn the key so it unlocks the steering wheel!!
Here's a secret; If you turn the key on, unlock the wheel, you can turn the key off and leave the key in, do not remove it, and the steering wheel will remain unlocked. It only locks when you pull the key out. Test this for yourself so you know, not just what someone told you. This will keep your battery from running dead. You can install a battery disconnect, a good thing in any case, but not absolutely necessary if you follow my suggestion.
Stop every couple hundred miles and start the motor, let it idle. I do it while refueling usually. Maybe 5 minutes. The reason to run the motor is because the transmission needs the lube slung around a little once in a while.
Removing the rear driveline is a pain, especially if your little Sammy isn't lifted. Not a lot of room under there.
Don't worry about the transfer case slipping into gear. It won't. That alibi has been told by idiots who failed to put their's in neutral. They may THINK they put it in neutral, but they didn't. How to tell? Start the car, put it in gear with the x-fer case in neutral and see if you move when you let out the clutch. One potential cause of a transfer case moving from neutral is using the Zuke as a trailer; loading it up with stuff that moves, settles and strikes the x-fer case lever.
