Towing 86 Auto Trans 4X4 (1 Viewer)

[97 FZJ80]

I'm a long time 80 series, Tundra, and 200 series owner (also Sienna minvan!). I recently acquired a 86 truck 4x4, auto, XCab, and EFI with the usual Timing Chain damage at 170k miles. It was suppose to be a father-son project for my 15YO who will be driving it next year when he gets his license. Due to a change in circumstance, we are scaling back our project to just working on the interior restoring and upgrades. We will have one of our local specialist handle the engine work.


I have a few questions:
1. What is the recommended method for towing it? I need to tow it for 100 miles to the shop and don't want to remove the driveshaft unless absolutely necessary. The plan was to tow it with my Tundra with a uHaul 2 wheel dolly. Being an auto trans, I plan on loading backwards with the rear wheels on the dolly, Xfer case in 2H, Transmission in Park, Hubs unlocked, ignition unlocked, steering wheel tied off.

2. Engine repair vs replacement. With only 170k, I leaning towards replacing the TC and head and drive it until it needs a new engine. What is the opinion and experience on only Head/TC refresh on an engine with 170k miles?

3. Transmission. It has the typical not auto shifting properly. It does drive if shift manually and was not slipping. Does it require a rebuild or just need to have the kick down cable adjusted and solenoid replacement?

That's all for now. Ill be back with progress and pictures as we progress through the project!

 

[aztoyman]

My wife had an 86 4Runner with the auto trans we bought new. It had 450 K miles on it when our son totaled it out. I replaced two timing chains, one head gasket only and one cylinder head. Never rebuilt the engine. A friend bought it and ran the engine and trans in another truck but, I don't know for how long. If the cylinder walls look good when the head is off and you've had good oil pressure the bearings are most likely ok, I'd fix it and run it unless more damage is found.

Our auto trans NEVER had an issue, Didn't even leak. Hard to believe but, it's true. I changed the fluid every 100 K miles. I don't think it had a replaceable filter. I think it had a fine brass screen to clean. It's been to long to remember for sure. So all I can offer about the trans is get it checked out by a transmission specialist. Sounds like electrical problem since you said no slippage and it manually shifts.

I towed a truck backwards on a dolly ONCE. From the Mexican border to San Manuel AZ. I don't recommend it. I would rent the U-haul car hauler instead.

Just my opinion. Good luck with your father/son project!

 

[97 FZJ80]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I will probably just fix the head/timing on the engine and put it back together if it looked good. Also for the transmission.

The uHaul car trailer was only $10 more than the 2 wheel dolly, but Its hard to get a non-driving car on the car trailer. I'll just have to figure this out!

Thanks!

 

[ferg]

For loading a dead vehicle, second vehicle and a tow strap. Or a winch.

 

[aztoyman]

I've used a come-along a few times. I have one with a long chain. I've used the same come-along to tie it down. Where there's a will, theres a way. Good luck!

 

[97 FZJ80]

I no longer have a car trailer with a winch, come-along, nor rachet strap... IK could use another car to pull it on the trailer!