Flat towing a FJ62

[Isaacjohnstar]

The wife and I maybe full timing in an rv and I would like to use our FJ62 a a tow vehicle. I have read that if I do this I need to disconnect the rear drive shaft every time I tow. This will not be convenient as I am working on the road and my wife needs to be able to disconnect the 62 and drive easily.

Do I really need to disconnect the driveshaft? If so what solutions are there to make it convenient?

Thanks

Isaac

 

[popeyehj60]

are you auto or manual
should be able to just knock the transfer into neutral.


reason why they say to dissconnect the drive shaft is gears require lubrication. In automatic trans they oil is pumped around the box by the pump operating off the input shaft, hence it needs the motor running to lubricate the auto.
manuals dont suffer this issue as the gears pick the oil up and share it around.

So in theory if u put the transfer in neutral it wont spin the auto and sieze.

 

[ozwallaby]

x2 to the transfer in neutral

 

[Isaacjohnstar]

It is a 62 so it has a auto tranny. I have heard talk of a product that rv folks use that circulates the lubricant so it doesnt burn up. Anyone heard of that or any other ideas?

 

[Michael Hanson]

Id unhook the drive shaft. MIke

 

[Wile E Coyote]

Id unhook the drive shaft. MIke

Me too.
Unless, you were reeealllly turned off by the idea of disconnecting driveshafts, and had $$$ to burn one fix would be to fit a full-floater rear equipped with manual locking hubs.

 

[The Machinist]

My truck has mounts on front frame rails where the previous owner had towed it behind his motor home. He had a large class A motor home parked in front of his house.

When I asked about it, he said that he towed it once and would never do it again. He cited the weight of the truck as the main reason.

If you do tow it, post your results on here, I'm curious to hear your opinion.
Subscribed.

 

[Isaacjohnstar]

I would gladly unbolt the drive shaft but it's my wife not me who will be doing the unbolting. That's not going to happen as we will be towing nearly everyday and using the 62 almost as much. I may need to trade for some other model of cruiser. Can an 80 series be flat towed?

As far as towing it behind the rv, it's going to be behind a Blue Bird Wanderlodge. It weighs 40,000 lbs and doesn't even notice when towing a 7k lb trailer with a 5k lb car in it. I think it will be solid

 

[3_puppies]

Isaac, would the trailer work for the 62? or you trying not to have to deal with a trailer in your travels.

Got the payment the other day, Thanks.
Happy New Year.
Paul

 

[kling-on]

My dad tows his 84Fj60 behind a 36' Rv said it not bad but plans on adding brakes to it. He and I both just put the tcase in neutral trans in gear to flat tow everything that needs lube spins in a split case

 

[landcruiserman]

I would gladly unbolt the drive shaft but it's my wife not me who will be doing the unbolting. That's not going to happen as we will be towing nearly everyday and using the 62 almost as much. I may need to trade for some other model of cruiser. Can an 80 series be flat towed?

As far as towing it behind the rv, it's going to be behind a Blue Bird Wanderlodge. It weighs 40,000 lbs and doesn't even notice when towing a 7k lb trailer with a 5k lb car in it. I think it will be solid

Can an 80 series be flat towed?

Flat towing a 80 is a no go.
Full time 4 wheel drive on a fj80.
When you get them towed they have to go on a flat bed tow truck or have all wheels removed from the ground. Or stick it on a trailer.

A car trailer would be the best way to go. Then you can use trailer brakes on the trailer also.

Just my 2 cents.

Good luck.

 

[Isaacjohnstar]

Isaac, would the trailer work for the 62? or you trying not to have to deal with a trailer in your travels.

Got the payment the other day, Thanks.
Happy New Year.
Paul

It might work but it definitely is another piece of equipment to maintain and find a place for when parked ya know?
I'm glad you got the check!

 

[Isaacjohnstar]

Any model of cruiser with an auto tranny that can be flat towed? It may be that my wife has to learn manual or we get something else. God forbid daily driving something that's not a cruiser lol

 

[62LostInMn]

I'd go with the T-case in Neutral. The tranny should not be spinning, only the rear drive shaft. Try this: Put the tranny in park and the T-case in Neutral, the vehicle should roll freely so you know the tranny is not spinning. Your tow vehicle should be able to handle the load from the sounds of it, although having some brakes would be nice.

 

[Waggoner5]

I have flat towed my 60s and 62s all over the country with no issues. Transfer in neutral, transmission in park. The manual transmissions in neutral as well. There will be some spinning, but the gear oil slingers in the manuals will be fine.

I have also flat towed 80s and 100s behind my motorhomes, but did a part time conversion on them with locking hubs. Unlock the hubs, transmission in park and transfer case in neutral. Never any problems out of them either. Check with Slee on part time kits.

 

[snowboardonsnow]

Yea I really don't see why with the transfer case in neutral you couldn't tow it? Someone who has already said no please chime in and explain.

I would say you are good to go bro unless there is something about those transfer cases that I don't know about. That said I dont own one. Unless someone gives us a detailed reason why. To me seems like no part of the tranny should be spinning.

 

[CruisinFJ60]

I have flat towed my 60s and 62s all over the country with no issues. Transfer in neutral, transmission in park. The manual transmissions in neutral as well. There will be some spinning, but the gear oil slingers in the manuals will be fine.

I have also flat towed 80s and 100s behind my motorhomes, but did a part time conversion on them with locking hubs. Unlock the hubs, transmission in park and transfer case in neutral. Never any problems out of them either. Check with Slee on part time kits.

As meticulous as this guy can be, I know he did it right if he decided to do it at all.

 

[snowakii]

I flat tow my 88 62 all the time with the T-case in neutral. No issuses what so ever after thousands of miles. The ff rear with locking hubs is a great idea... I have one sitting on my driveway waiting to be installed, but I think the biggest difference you'll see is better towing mileage since there will be less spinning mass. Not to mention the odo in the 62 will stop racking up miles while under tow.

 

[Isaacjohnstar]

So what is the consensus? Does anyone have personal experience with a auto tranny being damaged or totally ruined by flat towing without removing the drive shaft? Those who have towed have you noticed any ill effects and how many miles have you flat towed?

 

[kling-on]

If Gary did it I wouldn't even blink at going the same...

Sent from outer space via my mind