Towing/Moving Gsx question.

[Jonnyktm]

I know you can't tow an awd or it will F up your transmission, but what if the car doesn't have one in it currently? I am going to move the car somewhere else via flatbed trailer, but can I roll the car up on the trailer and off without breaking something? Without an engine or tranny won't the axles spin freely and just roll easy?
Thanks

 

[Absit]

The reason you can't tow traditionally isn't the transmission it's the transfer case. As long as all 4 wheels spin at the same rate (i.e. flatbed) you're fine.

 

[Tanro]

Yeah if the tranny isnt hooked to the drive shaft it should be okay.

From what I have been told you can even tow them if you drop the drive shaft. Not that I have tried, or am an expert, you should probably ask an expert before you attempt to tow if, you do tow it.

 

[Tanro]

Yeah if the tranny isnt hooked to the drive shaft it should be okay.

From what I have been told you can even tow them if you drop the drive shaft. Not that I have tried, or am an expert, you should probably ask an expert before you attempt to tow if, you do tow it.

 

[delta448]

The viscous coupler is inside the trans case, and is the fragile part of the stock driveline we worry about when towing. If the trans is out, you'll be fine, but I would also remove the transfer case and be sure to safety wire the driveshaft really well before moving it with only 2 wheels on the ground.

 

[turbo tim1]

If you can not flat deck it, remove the drive shaft before towing.
You can remove the tranny's on these cars with out disconnecting the drive shaft from the diff.
Make sure the drive shaft is removed before towing and you will be fine.

 

[Hoot]

*sigh*

So, about 8 months ago my alt went out and I was stuck about a half mile out of town. Called up the tow company to get them out there to grab the car. I told them all 4 wheels needed to be turning to not damage the car so I would need a flat bed. Recently I went by the same garage and saw they didn't even have a flat bed... talked to the guys... "we've never had a flat bed"... I died a little inside when I heard that.

I've been driving my car for the last 8 months and I haven't noticed anything "major"... Of course I don't do real hard pulls on the car and I don't beat on it.

STLskater92 - I think you are answering the original question posted. I am asking for input on the questions I posted above.

Here is the only thing I have found thus far:
Jacks Transmissions LLC — Tech Articles

 

[Burnett03]

The reason you can't tow traditionally isn't the transmission it's the transfer case. As long as all 4 wheels spin at the same rate (i.e. flatbed) you're fine.

The transfer case has nothing to do with it. Its the viscous coupler in the trans.

 

[Absit]

The transfer case has nothing to do with it. Its the viscous coupler in the trans.

Indeed, I've learned a bit about drivetrains since then..

 

[Hoot]

This is my daily driver... When you are on your way to work in the morning and have a meeting with the Executive VP and your director you don't show up late. I made the call, asked for a flat bed and when they said "no problem" I assumed they were being honest.

Thank you for the input for what I should have done. But if you don't know how to diagnose if there is an issue, I would prefer you keep these types of comments to yourself as they are not helpful.

 

[delta448]

*sigh*

First let me say that you really shouldn't revive someone else's thread just in order to hi-jack it. The OP of the thread asked about a car without a trans in it, yours still has one.

Now, to get to your questions.

I told them all 4 wheels needed to be turning to not damage the car so I would need a flat bed.

All 4 wheels turning at the same rate, or not turning at all. You should have just told them the car has a viscous coupling center differential. If they have to ask more questions to understand, call another company.

Recently I went by the same garage and saw they didn't even have a flat bed... talked to the guys... "we've never had a flat bed"... I died a little inside when I heard that.

They could have simply dropped the driveshaft or used a rear wheel dolly.
The tow guy used a rear wheel dolly when my old 97 AWD was totalled, -since the FWD SUV that hit me mistakenly got the flatbed.

I've been driving my car for the last 8 months and I haven't noticed anything "major"... Of course I don't do real hard pulls on the car and I don't beat on it.

If you drive normally on dry roads you might not ever know if there is a problem.

QUESTIONS:
What are the symptoms of a burned/dead transfer case? How do I diagnose this?

A burned transfer case will lock up the rear wheels and you'll be dragging them.
A burned center differential (inside the trans) is a bit harder to identify:

• Rear wheels don't want to turn going around tight low speed right or left turns.
• Nasty clunking coming from transmission area.
• Car feels like it's being held back, may even die, when trying to backup and turn left or right.
• Should be flakes of metal on the transmission drain plug.

What else do I now need to replace if the transfer is killed?

Your transfer case is probably fine. Check the center diff.

 

[Hoot]

Awesome. Thanks for the help. I wont hi-jack again.