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towing an A4 Fbody

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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 04:13 PM
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Default towing an A4 Fbody

So I need to tow my A4 Camaro to a local shop and I have access to a car dolly. Can I use the dolly to tow my camaro if I pull the driveshaft and if I do pull the driveshaft will I lose a bunch of fluid out the tailshaft like you would on manual car or would it be different with the auto since the fluid actually flows through certain paths? Thanks in advance.
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 04:18 PM
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couldn't you just put the car in neutral?
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 04:20 PM
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With an automatic I think it will harm the internal workings of the transmission, because some shafts still spin yet there is no fluid being pumped so it can burn things up.
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 04:24 PM
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ok, I read up on it, and yeah it could cause damage. I do imagine there is going to be some fluid leaking when you remove the shaft
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 04:24 PM
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Originally Posted by tording99Z28
With an automatic I think it will harm the internal workings of the transmission, because some shafts still spin yet there is no fluid being pumped so it can burn things up.
Why not just tow in the other way with the front tires on the ground?
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 04:26 PM
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I take a spare yoke to put in the trans. Or just wrap duct tape around the rear u joint caps (so they don't fall off) and tie the driveshaft up real good, this way you never even take it out of the trans.
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 04:27 PM
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Originally Posted by FireBird_Fr3ak
Why not just tow in the other way with the front tires on the ground?
Thats actually illegal in most states.
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 04:28 PM
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Well then you are relying on the steering wheel lock to keep the wheels straight and I am afraid it will put the front end to close to the ground and it will scrape on all the bumps and dips in the road. I had thought about this, has anybody done this without issue? I don't have to go that far with the car, less than 10 miles.
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 04:28 PM
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How far does it have to be towed? If its not across the country to get to the shop I think you will be okay
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 04:29 PM
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if it's less than 5 or so miles and your not gonna go more than 50 mph, i'd just put it in neutral.
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 04:29 PM
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Originally Posted by WYATT318MOPAR
How far does it have to be towed? If its not across the country to get to the shop I think you will be okay
less than 10 miles
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 04:30 PM
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Does it run? Just tow it with the rear on the ground and let it idle to keep the trans safe.
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 04:30 PM
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http://www.towspec.com/vehent/vehview.aspx?ID=650

Edit- Cant link it.....

Recommends a flatbed, lifting the rear, or lifting the front, with a dolly on the rear......

If you tow by the rear, you need to lock the steering wheel, you can use a 1" strap from the steering wheel to a seat bracket....

Last edited by BADD SS; Feb 4, 2009 at 06:08 PM.
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 04:34 PM
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Originally Posted by 9000th01ss
Does it run? Just tow it with the rear on the ground and let it idle to keep the trans safe.
It does run and I did think about this but didn't know if it it was a good idea or not.
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 04:35 PM
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Originally Posted by tording99Z28
It does run and I did think about this but didn't know if it it was a good idea or not.
All it has to do is run in neutral, fluid will flow.
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 04:37 PM
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I am just very leary of doing something to my transmission, its a brand new lvl 2 from performabuilt so I don't want to do something to it.
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 04:38 PM
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Yes leave the car running and to with car in neutral and you should be fine. depending on the dolly you might need to lock the streering wheel down somehow
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 04:45 PM
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screw that if its close flat tow the bitch ive done it more then once im my car lol. well its the hillbilly way. but ive towed cars in desperate times well over 10-20 miles and a interstate. not suggested but no other possible way to get it where it needed to be.
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 04:52 PM
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Originally Posted by performabuilt
Yes leave the car running and to with car in neutral and you should be fine. depending on the dolly you might need to lock the streering wheel down somehow
Well I guess if the guy that built my transmission says this should be fine along with everybody else then I will just go this route.
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Old Feb 4, 2009 | 06:04 PM
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Originally Posted by 1slo_camaro
screw that if its close flat tow the bitch ive done it more then once im my car lol. well its the hillbilly way. but ive towed cars in desperate times well over 10-20 miles and a interstate. not suggested but no other possible way to get it where it needed to be.

Actually there is, it's called a tow truck.

Flat towing is unsafe, and dangerous to EVERYONE on the road. Because you have gotten lucky, doesn't mean it's right, nor should you suggest it.
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