Towing my tacoma.....

What's the deal with towing a tacoma? I hope they aren't like many newer vehicles that need to be flatbedded to prevent damage.......

Is it ok to tow a tacoma with a tow dolly??

Should the front or back axle be placed on the tow dolly ? Or no difference? I would assume just towing it via front axle while in neutral should be fine???

Unfortunately I need to tow my tacoma about 60 miles to friends' heated garage..... due to transmission fluid leaks.... https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/automatic-transmission-fluid-leak-replacement-question.751691/

 

You should be fine to put the front up on a tow dolly if you remove the rear drive shaft.

 

So, this is one of those vehicles that can't just be towed.......???

My truck is currently sitting in about 20 inches of snow with mud and ice underneath...

I am trying like heck not to have crawl around underneath it in 20 F weather...

My fingers just don't function anymore when working with cold metal and cold temps....... And I can't wear gloves when working with bolts... Just not enough dexterity left.....

 

No do not flat tow, the prop shaft spins but the output of the trans is not lubricated, so a bearing is spinning dry.

Not many trucks are designed to be towed with drive wheels on the ground.

 

That is the correct.

OP, you have 2 options.
Remove/ disconnect the driveshaft
Or tow with a transporter. (Flatbed style trailer) - U-haul rents them.

 

This is not just a problem with Tacoma’s, it’s the same for most all vehicles with auto transmissions.

 

I'm trying to think of a reason why you wouldn't be able to put the rear axle on a tow dolly and be on your way, but nothing is coming to mind. If you're in 2wd the front isn't going to be spinning the transmission which is the primary concern. If anyone has a reason why that's a bad idea, I would be curious.

Though as I type that out I'm wondering how that would behave while pulling with all that weight that far back versus on the tongue.

edit: I still think a flatbed is better, less wear and tear on the truck. But this is just a question I wanted to ask out of curiousity.

 

Steering lock breaking is the concern, and the back up seat belt only does so much.

 

Yes if you are not 1000 percent sure, do not dolly tow without removing the driveshaft.
Tacoma's must have it removed. It's really not hard.

 

Good point. After some searching, the internet would tend to agree.

 

Hmmn..... so much then for getting it to a heated garage....

I'm broke - having to borrow money just to fix the leak....

I have access to a tow dolly for free, but not a car hauling trailer.....

 

Put it on the dolly and just tow it a short distance to a dry spot to climb under and remove the driveshaft