2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

Any Problems using a Tow Dolly?

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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 10:16 AM
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Any Problems using a Tow Dolly?

I'm going to pick up my RX-7 TurboII this week. My plan is to tow it a 1400 miles one a tow dolly behind a Navigator. Will this be safe for the RX7, are there going to be any clearance problems? Has anyone else used a tow dolly?
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 10:37 AM
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It's best to disconnect the drive shaft so you don't kill the transmission.
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 10:42 AM
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dont leave it in gear....and dont forget that u will be putting 1400 miles on the odometer dragging those rear wheels.
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 11:05 AM
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Out of curiosity, how does leaving the drive shaft connected kill the transmission? I wouldn't think it's any different than driving the car 1400 miles.
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 11:08 AM
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put it on the dolly backwards and lock the steering column...you'll be fine.
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 11:16 AM
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btw....use some 2x6 pieces of wood like a ramp up ur tow dolly so you dont scratch ur new front facia.



.......been there.....done that
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 12:08 PM
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I towed mine 600 miles that way. The 2x6's are a an absolute must you will not get it up w/o scratching if you dont. I dont see why you should have to disconnect the drive shaft its just turning the gears in there just like they do when your driving so it wont hurt anything. If its been sitting for a while though I dont know what the condition of the fluid in the transmission would be. Good Luck!
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 12:27 PM
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The problem is that when you drive the tranny from the wheels in neutral then not everything's turning and you're not getting lubrication happening. All in all it probably won't kill it or anything, as there's not much load at all and many people have done it without issue, but it's still not good to have the transmission working without being lubed like that.

One solution I've seen proposed is to leave it in 5th and jam the clutch pedal down with a piece of wood wedged up against the seat, that way everything's rotating and getting the oil it needs.
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 12:43 PM
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tow the damn thing backwards, leave the driveshaft connected. jesus.
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 12:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Black91n/a
The problem is that when you drive the tranny from the wheels in neutral then not everything's turning and you're not getting lubrication happening. All in all it probably won't kill it or anything, as there's not much load at all and many people have done it without issue, but it's still not good to have the transmission working without being lubed like that.

One solution I've seen proposed is to leave it in 5th and jam the clutch pedal down with a piece of wood wedged up against the seat, that way everything's rotating and getting the oil it needs.
Ok, thanks.
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 06:09 PM
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Use a dolly that has retractable ramps. sometime on the fixed ramps on certain turns the ramp will hit the rocker panel.

Just a heads up.
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Old Mar 31, 2008 | 09:14 PM
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yeah, i've towed it backwards. easiest way if you ask me, plus, more clearance in the back for getting it on the dolly than the front.
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Old Apr 6, 2008 | 03:29 PM
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The tow ramps were a must have. Unfortunately I didn't see the post before I had to leave to pick up the car. Fortunately, I found some 2x10s on sight that did the job perfectly.

1,400 miles, most of it on I-95 in the rain.
The cars out front and it looks like it was a great find.
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Old Apr 6, 2008 | 03:46 PM
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Yeah I just did the same thing yesterday. Got a dolly with retractable ramps and put it up backwards and locked the colum. Easy.
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Old Apr 6, 2008 | 04:09 PM
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get a trailer... or if your going to use the dolley eighter disconnect the driveshaft or town it backwards..

been there done that =] good luck btw
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Old Apr 6, 2008 | 04:09 PM
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Must have been Freaky for the Guy Behind the car getting Towed..if you were Towing Backwards..(seeing the Car facing you doing 70 mph,when you pull out from behind a car, sort of make you wonder WTF!..and want to Slam on the brakes..!!!..haha!)
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