Flat towing 88 samuriai, couple of questions

[Katman1100]

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 heard reports of damage from following the manual on this vehicle and see that a lot of people remove the rear drive shaft as well as an extra precaution. It isn't a a big deal, but if I don't need to I don't want to.

I don't want to damage anything, but I do know the vehicle has been flat towed before and is set up to do so, but the person I am buying from has never flat towed it and had no advice.

I will be picking this vehicle up about 1000 miles from me on my way to another destination, and was even thinking it may be easier just to strap to a trailer this time and since the distance is so great.

Please give me any advice you may have especially if you have towed a Suzuki samurai in the past.

Thanks

[Reddog1]

I have been flat towing my Samurai since 2005. I have had three different transfer cases due to changing gear ration. I had one transfer case with twin sticks. Not one time did I ever have one transfer case "slip" in gear. Respectfully, when I hear someone say that, I really hear them say they goofed. I did goof once, and towed for about five miles. Actually, I was more stupid than having goofed. The t-case did not "slip" in gear. I was lucky, no harm done.

After hooking up to my truck, I typically will do as skipro3 posted. Then I will start the Samurai, with the transmission in second, put the t-case in gear and slowly let out the clutch. I expect it to feel a load on the engine. Then I will put the t-case in neutral while the engine is running. Let the clutch out if the engine doesn't die, you are ready to go. Turn the key to its proper position.

I removed everything wired on the accessory position of my ignition switch. This allows me to just turn my key to the Acc position to unlock the steering wheel for towing.

It is not unusual for me to open the hood of the Samurai and look at the position of the writing on the fan belt, or even have someone look at the fan while I pull forward a couple of feet. If the engine turns, the t-case is not in neutral.

More often than not, I use my Samurai as a trailer. I use care not to load it in a way a bump or something can change the position of my transmission or t-case shift levers.

Should you not be aware, DO NOT HAVE SOMEONE TRY TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE YOU BACKUP. You most likely will break their thumbs.

Wayne

[Katman1100]

Thank you so much for the input so far. I figured it was probably safest to do what the Manuel says,but have heard the stories of the transfer case "slipping" into gear and was starting to get worried. I also thought about testing it like mentioned above to be sure it was truly in nuetral. I also saw where people mentioned putting a pin through the lever to make sure it didn't move which maybe a good idea in the future. Thanks for the input.

[DennisVR]

As others have stated, Tcase in neutral and trans in 2nd gear. After I hooked up I would reach inside and start it up to make sure it was out of gear. I have removed the valve cover from a small pickup that was pulled behind a semi that they used when delivering trucks and was left in gear. Rocker arms didn't fair to well. I often wondered what was the RPMs when it let go, because it was left in first gear and the semi don't even know it was back there.

[Ski_Pro_3]

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.

[Old-Biscuit]

Follow Mfg. Owners Manual for flat towing

Follow Suzuki's advice, run the engine (T-case neutral, transmission in 4th) for about 5 minutes just before starting out and repeat about every 200 miles




Problems are if T-case slips into gear.....not good for engine running in 2nd gear at 65 mph ---Ouch!