Towing D21

[SE1988D21]

I just bought a 1988 Nissan D21 4x4 auto V6 I want to tow it I don't plan on towing it more than 300 miles.Can I just place the transfer case in neutral for this distance? Would I need to stop and start to lube rear output shaft bearing? If so how often?

[fueler]

for those who dont know what a D21 hardbody is, But to answer your question, I really don't know. And I used to be a full time tow truck driver for over a year!

I suggest using a flat bed to get it completely off the ground, or if you need to use a traditional 2 wheel tow (like on a wheel lift), use dollies to get the other 2 wheels off the ground.... You never want to put extra stress on any ride you care about.....

[OriginalWheelman]

Are you planning to flat tow it? Use a dolly? Either way The best way ( for your truck and your gas mileage) is to pull the driveshafts out. If you are using a dolly, you can get away with putting it in neutral, but it will have some additional mechanical drag.

[cmfireman]

Nobody seems to be real clear on how to tow a 4x4 vehicle, but one way you can do it without harming anything is:

Dolly Towing: Disconnect the driveshaft of the axle that will be on the ground.

Dingy towing(all 4 wheels): Disconnect both front and rear driveshafts.

Transmissions are designed to be lubricated while the engine is running, and this keeps the transmission from moving period, so you don't have to worry about lack of lubrication.

[SE1988D21]

I want to tow this behind a motor home.

[dickie]

thanks for your "contribution," fueler.

seeing as it really doesn't help the situation to make a poll choice that says, "smoke weed every day," i made this a thread.

[dickie]

thanks for this opportunity.

[fueler]

no harm no foul

[SE1988D21]

Yes I plan to flat tow; I used to tow a Samurai with no problems but had heard that a Nissan can not be safely towed after I had bought this truck.Transfer case disconnects transmission; front hubs disconnect front drive line.

[Desert Rat]

You should be fine putting the Tcase in neutral and towing that way. The front hubs are free running, so nothing in the front drivetrain turns anyways when in 2wd.

If you really want the added insurance, drop the driveshafts (8 bolts on the front one and 4 on the rear pinion yoke). You will want to plug the tcase output when you do this, though, as it will leak gear oil with the DS removed. As for the output bearing, I'm not dead sure on what you're referring to, but if you're talking about the Tcase, it's got oil in it and will self lube if it's spinning.

An alternative would be to just unbolt it in back and wire it up to the frame, leaving the slip yoke in the Tcase. Just make sure that it doesn't get in the way of wheels and suspension movement.

[SE1988D21]

Thanks for your feed backYes I am talking about the Tcase rear.I have never opened one but understand that the bear is located so high in tha case that it will not lube unless the transmission is turning?I was hoping to find some one that has towed a 1988 4x4 auto sucsessfully, I have no idea long lube will stay in place while under no load?My info comes from Motor home sevice personel and the people that sell the drive line disconnects (not cheap)I am not towing cross country just within state hunting and fishing.Crawling under truck in mud or snow to be avoided if possible.

[dickie]

find a trailer, it would be the simplest solution. def not the cheapest.