Is there a way to flat tow a tacoma?

Probably a stupid question, but does anyone know if there is a modification that can be done to allow a 2006 Prerunner TRD to be flat towed? Thanks.

 

Matters if its auto or manual. I'll assume auto?

Not sure if there is something spiffy someone will come up with, but I'd think a driveshaft disconnection would be required

 

Thanks, Yes, auto trans.

 

If you want to use the vehicle regularly (like in the evenings when towing behind an RV) you might want something like this

http://www.remcodsc.com/driveShaft.php

If you want to flat tow a long distance, then use the towed upon a destination arrival, you could just undo the shaft at the U joints, wire the shaft up safely, and re connect when you arrive. Free, but more work?

 

How about a 2012 Tacoma auto 4X4 without disconnecting driveshaft ?

 

Thanks, I was afraid that was the answer.

 

Not suggesting that anyone should actually do this, but I think that the user manuals are actually written in an overly "generic" manner, and as a result, are somewhat misleading. The problem is in the claim that you can't or shouldn't flat tow a manual Tacoma. Looking at the service manual for both of the manual transmissions (the older ones, I haven't looked at the new '16 MT), they are both fully splash lubricated. There are a couple of tubes that catch and distribute splashed oil (by gravity), but no actual oil pumps. In other words, safe flat towing them should be no more difficult than sticking the handle in neutral.

Now the automatics, on the other hand.... they absolutely must have the engine running while they are in motion, because otherwise the oil pump isn't pumping, and the bearings and gears aren't lubricated.

 

Perhaps... but it is a very powerful "maybe", i.e. right on the border of "definitely".

 

With a 4x4, why couldn't you put the TC into neutral? Then the tranny would not spin.

 

Second gen tacomas don't have a transfer-case neutral position. Just an electric switch with 2H, 4H, and 4L.

 

Problem is the transfer case oil pump is driven by the front input shaft so with the rear spinning without the front you can kiss your transfer case bearings goodbye.

 

Last I checked, the transfer case was BEHIND the transmission.

 

That would really be a matter of opinion, perspective, and necessity, wouldn't you say? The fact that YOU don't see a need to flat tow YOURS has no bearing on whether other people have such a need for theirs.

 

Since you brought up MODIFICATION, there might be an expensive one.

Some Jeepers have replaced their entire 'semi-floating' rear axle assembly with a 'full-floating' one. The full-floaters have manual locking hubs. Then they can flat-tow to the trail head.

Likely not even possible for a Tacoma, but I thought I'd just throw it out there.

 

Very observant you are

 

So do you understand why that means that your previous post (#13) is invalid?

 

The problem is that you don't. If only the driveshaft is turning that means the pump within the transfer case is not pumping lubrication to the output bearing. Plus if you are towing a manual, they are splash lubricated but with just the output shaft turning there is very little splashing going on as the main shaft in the transmission is the one that is submerged. Get it now?

 

LOL, do *please* explain to me how it is possible for the transfer case input shaft to be stationary while the vehicle is being flat towed with the transmission in neutral. Not the transfer case in neutral -- it doesn't *HAVE* a neutral. The TRANSMISSION in neutral.

 

Well if the transfer case isn't in neutral, and believe me even though it is an electric case there is a neutral position that you don't have access to. Then you only face the issue of insufficient transmission lubrication do to only the output and counter shaft spinning. But generally people think transfer case neutral is the way to go when flat towing but that only lends to transfer case bearing destruction. Pulling the driveshaft is the only safe way to ensure the transmission and case are preserved.

 

Nope. Transfer case is 100% mechanical, the pump is driven mechanically off the input shaft. If the transfer case is turning, its pump is pumping.