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09-04-2015, 01:53 PM
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#1 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Northern California CA
Posts: 3
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flat towing a 72
Can I flat-tow my 72 Chevy 4x4 without having to remove the driveshaft? I thought it would be O.K. if the transfer case and transmission were in neutral, and the front hubs were unlocked.
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09-04-2015, 05:48 PM
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#2 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 1,500
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Re: flat towing a 72
I can't think of a better vehicle to flat tow. Like you said, put the transfer case in neutral and you're good to go, but you can leave the transmission in park.
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09-04-2015, 08:25 PM
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#3 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: daytonabeach
Posts: 22,956
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Re: flat towing a 72
a lot depend on how far you plan to tow it a mile or a thousand big difference// I would not try towin it with transmission in park unless you want to change the tranny and replace the driveshaft too
__________________
71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY |
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09-04-2015, 09:35 PM
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#4 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Northern California CA
Posts: 3
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Re: flat towing a 72
The trip I am planning is about 200 miles one way. Then a few weeks later I will tow it back. I see a lot of RV's flat towing all kinds of vehicles, from Audis to VW's. There are a lot of 4x4's being flat towed, and I have even seen some 67-72 4x4 Chevy/GMC's also.
I don't know about leaving it in park to tow. |
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09-04-2015, 11:46 PM
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#5 |
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Senior Member
 Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: alb, nm
Posts: 413
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Re: flat towing a 72
You'll read conflicting info about flat towing the 205. I couldn't find a definitive answer so dropped the driveshaft just to be safe. It's not much effort to do that.
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09-05-2015, 11:45 AM
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#6 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Northern California CA
Posts: 3
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Re: flat towing a 72
Quote:
Thanks again. Later, Jeff. 
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09-05-2015, 12:30 PM
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#7 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Orem, Utah
Posts: 7,805
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Re: flat towing a 72
I've flat towed my 72 over 5,000 miles. Once the transfer case is in neutral, it doesn't matter if the transmission is in park or not - the transmission and engine are completely disconnected from the rest of the drive train. I make sure the front hubs are unlocked only because it slightly reduces friction, but if they're locked it won't hurt anything.
My cousin has a Toyota 4X4 that can't be flat-towed even if the transfer case is in neutral, but the NP205 is completely different and there will be absolutely no damage to the transmission in your 72. |
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09-05-2015, 12:37 PM
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#8 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: alb, nm
Posts: 413
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Re: flat towing a 72
It may very well be ok, but, FWIW, owner's manual for a '72 does indicate that for towing at faster speeds at greater distances, the rear drive shaft "must" be disconnected if the rear wheels are on the ground.
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09-05-2015, 02:01 PM
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#9 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Klein Texas
Posts: 3,852
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Re: flat towing a 72
The issue is the same with all transfer cases and transmission (FWIW) without a rear pump. If the driveshaft is turning there are (dry) shafts turning inside. They require splash lubrication which occurs when the input shaft is turning.
If the distance is short enough, or the speed low enough, there is a good chance no real damage will occur. I've heard of people overfilling with lubricant to help with the lack of splash lubrication. If it was mine I would disconnect the rear driveshaft.
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My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe |
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09-07-2015, 02:38 PM
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#10 |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,Mi.
Posts: 1,769
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Re: flat towing a 72
Flat towed my 205 equipped 71 from Albuquerque to Detroit.
Removed drive shaft and put it in the bed of the Blazer. Made sure the front hubs were not locked, the Transfer case in neutral and trans in neutral. I put the trans in neutral just in case the T/C slipped into gear (which is not likely). I had no problems what so ever. I put the drive shaft back in and went to the Woodward Cruise. Here I am prepping the truck in Albuquerque. I was under the truck taking the drive shaft out while the wife posed.   And here we are in the apartment complex in Detroit.(Dearborn)  .
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71 blazer,350SBC,approx.375HP,700R4,factory GM TPI.Dual electric fans,33x12.5x15 ATR on stock suspension. Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,MI. See ALL my Blazer pic's HERE |
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09-08-2015, 05:16 PM
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#11 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Santa Ana, CA
Posts: 2,191
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Re: flat towing a 72
Quote:
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09-12-2015, 12:01 AM
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#12 |
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Workin to live...
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Texas Hill Country
Posts: 261
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Re: flat towing a 72
It takes 10 mins to take out four bolts and I just secure the driveshaft under the vehicle. Peace of mind is cheaper than Internet confirmations.
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Jason |
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09-18-2015, 04:40 AM
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#13 |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2012
Location: San Dimas, California
Posts: 5
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Re: flat towing a 72
I got my '72 from my parents, and I've worked on it a f**k-load with my dad
(not as much as many people here, but a lot for a guy that's only 21), and we've made mistakes while messing with the front axle before I got it, so just to be safe I've always had it towed on a flatbed trailer. I can't speak for it being flat-towed, but I recommend making sure that the axles are free wheeling before you tow it. Just my two cents 
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