What have you done to your Tacoma today? 1st Gen Edition

Oh, that I have no idea. Never flat towed anything personally. On a manual trans, shouldn't it be ok if in neutral? I think automatic trans is the one that you're not supposed to flat tow on highways/freeways.

 

Can't flat tow it with the key off, you have to unlock the steering wheel. I don't know if it will rack up miles with the battery disconnected. Don't see how it can without power, unless it's cable driven.

 

I heard the issue was there being no lubrication since the oil pump is not engaged.

 

Shhhh, don't tell my Tacoma it can't be done, it doesn't know. I've flat towed it 10000 miles over the course of 17 years. If it finds out it can't be done I'm screwed.

 

What kind of hitch do you use? I’ve been looking into flat towing my 5-lug.

It’s not insured so this is the best way to get it from point A to B since my PreRunner’s coverage extends to the trailer or vehicle in tow.

 

@zero4 @Gyrkin

This is what Toyota’s website says about flat towing, it says No for Manual and Automatic.

http://toyota.custhelp.com/app/answ...my-toyota-with-all-four-wheels-on-the-ground?



Maybe it’s a liability thing with Toyota? I don’t know.

 

I always thought that was for automatics. Manual trans don't have oil pumps, no? They're splash lubricated.

Interesting. I'm curious to know, something good to know.

 

You’re right I was thinking of Automatic for the oil pump. If it’s splash lubricated, what’s the issue with flat towing?

I read a lot of threads on Google on other forums asking about flat towing a 1st Gen. A lot of them say no, it is not advisable and will cause damage to your transmission.

 

No idea, never heard (by word of mouth) that you're not supposed to flat tow manual, just automatics, that you're not supposed to tow them at highway speeds or for long distances.

Come to think of it, I've never seen a Tacoma flat towed before, mainly Jeeps & Bugs. But I think I have seen an mid 80's Toyota pick up flat towed though some years ago.

 

The Pickup I can understand because of the drastically different drivetrain design, maybe something changed between the years. You’re right I’ve only seen Jeeps, the occasional sedan, but never a fairly recent Toyota truck or SUV.

 

Disconnect the driveshaft and problem with trans is solved

 

Right, but flat towing without removing the driveshaft would be nice. Disconnects are crazy expensive.

 

I mean like take the driveshaft out completely and put it in the bed. It’s like 8 bolts and takes 10 minutes max

 

I use one of these: https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200514171_200514171
I had a guy make some extensions off the front of my frame to attach it to. Here are a couple of photos that show the part he made:

 

I always had to remove my driveshaft with a pneumatic impact. I could never get the right angle with a breaker bar.

You’re right though. That’s the solution.

 

Fascinating. Other bolt on options I’ve seen run in the sub $1000 range. How much did you pay?

 

I've flat towed mine 600 miles every year for 17 years. I'm going to flat tow it another 600 this October. If it was going to hurt anything it would have happened long ago.

 

I can't remember how much the guy charged me to make the extensions, that was 17 years ago. I know I paid less than $100 for the tow bar. The one I linked to is only $89.99 and it's the exact one I have been using for all these years.

 

I used a pneumatic, I think that’s the easier way since all you got to do is pull the trigger lol. I’d just drop the driveshaft so you don’t have to worry at all. Where are you wanting to tow it to?

 

Anywhere. I can’t drive it on public roads since I don’t have it insured. This would mainly be towing it to like parking lots of tracks for example. Even the DMV and Smog shops for when I have to do the California transfer.