Tranny questions

Dumb questions, but here goes.

I have a 2002 Tacoma V4 5-speed 4WD with an R150F manual transmission.

1. Does the designation R150F INCLUDE the transfer case?
2. Does this tranny/transfer case have an oil pump(s) that must be driven by the engine running?
   
3. I want to tow this truck 4-down (i.e. flat tow) it with all four wheels on the ground with tranny and transfer case both in neutral. Can this be done?
4. During a tow, will the (4?) wheels drive the transfer case and cause damage?

The owners manual says no towing allowed, but I'm told by many that this Taco CAN be safely towed with both transfer case and tranny in neutral.

Thanks in advance for some answers.

 

Oh boy, dumb questions.

1. Yes and no. The R150F is designated as a RWD/4WD tranny, the transfer case is an additional component.

2. The engine powers the internal pumping action.

3. Dunno. Would be safest to do on a flatbed or front up as is usually done. No need to worry about locking steering then.

4. Answer would be based on #3

 

I don't think the R150F pairs with a 4 cylinder truck unless it was modified. More likely you have a 3RZ motor paired with a W59 transmission.

 

My error .... My taco IS a 6-cylinder engine (5VZ-FE). I'm away from the truck now but I'm certain the tranny is a R150F.

 

So I can (do?) have selectable 2WD (rear) or 4WD with low or high range with my R150F tranny only and NO transfer case? There are TWO shifters: one for 1-5 speed and a second shifter for 2WD/4WD low range/high range. I always thought a transfer case contained the 2nd shifter?

 

The tranny and transfer case are two separate components. The transfer case bolts to the output of the tranny. If you have 4wd, you have a transfer case. And yes, the transfer case has the second shifter. I wouldn't tow it 4 down without manual lockout hubs, which I don't believe were an option on 2002 models.

 

The transfer case usually contains the second shifter. You must have a transfer case if you have 4x4. If your transmission is an R150F, then you have a 4x4 transfer case bolted to the back of the transmission. They look like all one thing, but they are actually separate. If you had 2x4, you would have an R150 transmission with no transfer case bolted to it.

The pics below are of a W59, but it's the same idea. The first pic is of the transmission and transfer case bolted together. The second pic is of the transmission split from the t-case. You can see the holes where the shifters go - one hole on the trans and one on the t-case.

 

No, the short answer is no. The transfer case has a pump and it is driven from the engine/transmission side. The only way to safely tow a Taco with all four on the ground is by disconnecting the rear driveline. The front doesn't matter as long as its in 2WD.

 

For towing 4 down, I recommend disconnecting and removing both driveshafts. Make sure you mark each end of the shaft and the flanges so you can put them back in the exact orientation you found them in once you're done towing. This will keep anything from turning in the transmission or t-case.

 

The OP here ...

Thanks for the replies all.

I've decided to drop the rear driveshaft from the differential and just 'tie' it off to the frame or hang it under a chassis support member, then leave the transfer case in 2WD, and tranny in neutral. I haven't tried it yet, but I think dropping the D-shaft is a 15-minute job. And ... I've read several posts about trouble with those $$$ (Remco) D-shaft disconnect kits.

Remember, I'm not simply towing my Taco from A to B but using it for local transportation & exploring when I arrive at various RV campsites.

Oh, some say I should also disconnect the front wheels D-shaft as well. Is that really necessary and why?

 

If you have manual hubs i wouldnt bother disconnecting the front drive shaft.
If youve got auto hubs i personally would disconnect the front to keep the whole front end and transfer case from spinning...