Flat tow F-150 question

[travelingfools]

I did searches and googles and still havent come up with an answer. It ok to flat tow a '98 F-150 auto w/4 wheel drive without any mods ? I thought about changing over to lockout hubs to minimze friction. Anyone towing this type of vehicle ?

[DebDav]

If the transmission cannot be separated from both drive shafts, the driveshafts spinning will destroy the transmission.  The F-150 auto is not able to be towed 4 down.

You can install a Remco drive shaft disconnect device but it would have to control both front and rear drive shafts.

[JohnEd]

OR  You can start the motor and let it idle while you drive.  That provides 100% oiling so no problem.

I think you auto hubs freewheel anyway.  If you do much off road you should purchase the locking hubs and carry two as spares.  The auto's break after a while.  Carry the fact instructions for change out.

You can design a simple "alarm" that will alert you to engine stopping.  It  is triggered by "low oil pressure idiot light pressure switch and ganged with that is the overtemp idiot light thermo.  Mine runs an air horn and a backup alarm in thedash and an anoying red light that persists even after the alarm is switched to silent.

I got about 150 miles to a gallon from my toad under tow but YMMV.  Thosde small econobox's get really great mileage under tow.

OR disconnect drive shafts or go with the Luber System for $700 installed or a trailer or???  See how I arrived at my choice?  I came up with this on my own but it turns out many have been doing this for many years and I didn't break new ground.

John

[bobofthenorth]

Does a '98 still have the 4x4 shift on the floor or had they gone to that stupid electronic solenoid abortion setup by then?  I know my '96 still had the stick but they changed not too long after that.  If you have the stick on the floor I don't know any reason why you can't put the x-fer case in neutral and tow to your heart's content.

[travelingfools]

I was thinking the same thing.. Ill find out tommarow, but Id bet its got the electric crap..

[robertglines1]

There should be a section on towing in your owners manual...Maybe pull a fuse or something...I flat tow a HHR Automatic just pull a fuse and put her in neutral....I know its not the same as the ford...good luck flat towing is easier than tow dolly or trailer when you get there.

[JohnEd]

Bob is correct.  Ford used to sell a "chip" for $40 that would allow you to get the transfer case in a NEUTRAL config.  They told me they stopped making it and I should try Ebay.  Got that?  the Ford dealer sent me to "E", for crimeny sake, "bay".

I think the manual is OK but I would still run the year and model past Ford.  Hope they don't send you to the friggen library.

John

[carolb]

My 2004 F-150 4x4 has a manual shift transfer case, and I just put that in Neutral, put the transmission in Park, and tow all day, four wheels down.
You cannot do this, as mentioned above, if you have an electronic shift on your transfer case.
Mike in GA

[paul102a3]

I know someone with a F-150 who removes the rear drive shaft for the month or so that he travels and uses lockout hubs for the front. To tow, he lets the fronts freewheel and when he needs to the use the F-150 he locks the front hubs and has a front wheel drive only truck.

Works for him!

Paul

[Eagle]

I downloaded this from Ford and you can go to this web site and download it and this information will be on page 123.

www.fleet.ford.com/maintenance/owners_manuals/results.asp



Recreational towing (all wheels
on the ground)
Follow these guidelines for your
specific powertrain combination to
tow your vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground (such as
behind a recreational vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to
ensure that your transmission is
not damaged due to insufficient
lubrication.
2WD (manual and automatic
transmissions)
1. Place transmission in N
(Neutral).
2. Maximum speed is 56 km/h
(35 mph).
3. Maximum distance is 80 km
(50 miles).
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles)
or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph)
must be exceeded, you must
disconnect the rear driveshaft.
With the rear driveshaft
disconnected, the maximum speed
is 88 km/h (55 mph) and there are
no mileage restrictions.
See your dealer for help with
disconnecting the driveshaft.
4WD – Lever operated transfer
case (manual and automatic
transmissions)
1. Place transmission in P (Park).
2. Shift the transfer case to N
(Neutral).
Driving
123
3. Lockout the center disconnect
by capping off one of the front
axle vacuum motor lines. See your
Ford dealer for assistance.
4. Vehicle speed should not exceed
88 km/h (55 mph) and there are
no mileage restrictions.
4WD – Electronic shift transfer
case
1. Place transmission in N
(Neutral).
2. Shift the transfer case to 2H
(2WD high).
3. Lockout the center disconnect
by capping off one of the front
axle vacuum motor lines. See your
dealer for assistance.
4. Maximum speed is 56 km/h
(35 mph).
5. Maximum distance is 80 km
(50 miles).
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles)
or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph)
must be exceeded, you must
disconnect the rear driveshaft.
With the rear driveshaft
disconnected, the maximum speed
is 88 km/h (55 mph) and there are
no mileage restrictions.
See your dealer for help with
disconnecting the driveshaft.

[JohnEd]

Or, just start the engine and leave it in neutral while you tow it.  Hand brake off, now.

John