Tow a car with auto tranny?

rossow (mn) · Oct 16, 2014

I'm selling a 1982 Chevy Caprice wagon to a guy to use as a demo-derby car. I want to get the 700r4 auto tranny back when he takes out the engine, which has a bad rod or crank bearing. He says towing the car with the front wheels on a tow dolly and the rear (drive) wheels on the ground won't hurt the tranny if it's in neutral. I've always heard towing with the drive wheels on the ground will cause damage because the front pump won't work unless the engine is running. He'll have to tow it about six miles. What do you experts say?

Allan in NE · Oct 16, 2014

I've spent a lifetime rebuilding GM automatics.

6 miles isn't gonna hurt it one little bit.

Allan

RayP(MI) · Oct 16, 2014

If you have any concerns,disconnect drive line at rear universal, wire up driveshaft and tow toyyour hearts content.

GordoSD · Oct 16, 2014

Rebuilding ones that were towed? LOL

old · Oct 16, 2014

6 miles is not likely to hurt it but if it was 60 then yes

teddy52food · Oct 16, 2014

Tow it slow & you are good to go.

hd6gtom · Oct 17, 2014

here at the dealership we see them towed in a lot. about 1/2 of the time they go to the tranny rebuild shop. The old story we hear, " Well there wasn't anything wrong with the tranny when I towed it in here". I cant speak for these other guys, but if you want your tranny back, pick up a tow dolly and deliver it.

Tramway Guy · Oct 18, 2014

Leave the engine run for the six miles and no worries.

IH2444 · Oct 21, 2014

(quoted from post at 20:57:27 10/16/14) If you have any concerns,disconnect drive line at rear universal, wire up driveshaft and tow toyyour hearts content.

This!

Tow a car with auto tranny?

rossow (mn)

Member

Allan in NE

Well-known Member

RayP(MI)

Well-known Member

GordoSD

Well-known Member

old

Well-known Member

teddy52food

Well-known Member

hd6gtom

Well-known Member

Tramway Guy

Well-known Member

IH2444

Well-known Member

Similar threads