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Safest way to tow

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Offline 144man

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Safest way to tow
« on: November 14, 2010, 05:47:50 PM »
Sorry for the newbie question.  We just received a "gift" Samurai that was running, but hasn't been driven in a couple of years.  We need to get it home, about 400 miles, including the PA turnpike over eastern mountains.

I've read lots of different theories on towing Samis.  I'm looking for the least potential damage.  Its a basic stock manual trans.  Thus far, I plan on renting a two-wheel dolly, dropping the rear driveshaft, and borrowing an F150 as a tow vehicle.

Am I on the right track?

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Offline ack

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Re: Safest way to tow
« Reply #1 on: November 14, 2010, 07:41:48 PM »
Yes, that'll work great!

You will isolate all the "things that can break" by removing the rear driveshaft.

Make sure that the e-brake is disengaged and keep an eye on the rear hubs (check for excessive heat) for the first 10 to 25 miles.

Good luck!
Ack

'88 Samurai, '88.5 Samurai TT, '11 Ford Transit Connect XLT
Ack's FAQ  http://www.acksfaq.com

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Offline my996duc1

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Re: Safest way to tow
« Reply #2 on: November 14, 2010, 08:35:23 PM »
Sorry for the newbie question.  We just received a "gift" Samurai that was running, but hasn't been driven in a couple of years.  We need to get it home, about 400 miles, including the PA turnpike over eastern mountains.

I've read lots of different theories on towing Samis.  I'm looking for the least potential damage.  Its a basic stock manual trans.  Thus far, I plan on renting a two-wheel dolly, dropping the rear driveshaft, and borrowing an F150 as a tow vehicle.

Am I on the right track?

That will work but the "least potential damage" would be to rent a trailer and haul it back.
When I was looking to buy one that was far away, I checked into picking up a Uhaul trailer for a day and it was going to run me $50 to pick it up and bring it back to the same location.
1987 Tintop / 1.6 16V ps & ac / 6.4 t-case Twisted TT / 4.30 R&P Hybrid rear / Double Tough axles / Shrockworks all around / ARB f&r / Mighty Kong & TT full skid / DS disconnect / CV shafts f & r / YJ missing links f & r / Petroworks tintop cage / 15 gal Tank / 31" x 12.50 Pro Comps

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Offline mike5721947

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Re: Safest way to tow
« Reply #3 on: November 14, 2010, 10:15:18 PM »
same thing here. i had to tow my kick 9 hours on the highway, i was going to rent a dolly then looked into the full trailer and it was 20 bucks more for the 2 days. its cheap insurance to have it fully on a trailer.
1990 Suzuki sidekick 2Dr Conv.
385,000 km and still going strong.
31" kumhos 3inchs of lift.