What is the proper way to secure (the rear end in particular) a FD to a trailer? I found the tie down hooks on the front of the FD, but there are none on the rear.

 

I put the tie-down straps through the wheels.

There are varying opinions on whether to strap down the body (tie down hooks) or strap down the wheels.

Personally I think that tying down the wheels is safer, as there is less stress on the straps that way. The cars suspension absorbs the movement of the car over bumps, rather than being completely restrained by the tie downs.

I've been towing for a few years that way, and the straps have never come loose.

As for the rear tie downs, few FD's have them. You would have to order them from Mazda, as most FD's had them removed at port of entry.

 

The front should have tow hooks. If you are missing them I have some extras I believe. The rear should also have tow hooks but they ate almost always missing. I think the dealership never installed them or they were removed when the car arrived at the port. For the rear I go through the wheels or the lower control arm. Never had an issue either way.

 

I have the front hooks, but the rear hooks are missing.
So an option would be to strap down the wheels going between the spokes, not around the tires?

 

Most open trailers have these nets that go around the tires and hold the car down by the tires. That is better than trying to use tow hooks as the suspension can still do its job while the car is being trailered.

 

well having my fd towed several times on a deck (haha), by a first class towing service that handles high end cars like ferraris and bentleys, i have watched the driver pull some small rubber grommets out of the unibody on the underside of the car, and then put the end chain link into the groove and chain it down that way.
Seems to work well

 

Not sure if you are using an enclosed trailer or an open trailer but here are some pics for you....

 

I'm using an open trailer.
Thanks for the replies, and pictures.

 

My mechanic used the two left & right lower triangular openings of the rear subframe.

:-) neil

 

You should make a X out of the rear straps, this helps with cross torsional loading, same with the front.

theres 2 tow hooks in the front, and theres round eylets (tow hooks) in the "frame rail" its not but kinda looks like it in the rear, easy to find once you know where it is, i think its in the owners manual

 

I'd use the hooks up front and loop the lines through the rear wheels.

 

i think i have the hook. but it is not attached to the car. where would i bolt it to? it came in a box of spares. i just noticed it while digging through them. rear frame rail, perhaps?

 

Well, my clutch got a good work out getting the FD on the trailer, but I got it done and tied down.
Thanks for the information, guys

 

Through the wheels is a good way for sure.

 

Here is a post from Kaifd3s showing his Feed Tow hook front and rear....

 

Here are OEM rear tie-downs that were missing from most FDs at the port. You will need these if you plan to get the rear FEED tow hook but really....just need 1 tie-down for 1 FEED tow hook...which I'm awaiting on arriving.

Ray Malloy price:
$59.02 shipped

FD01-56-251B
FD01-56-252B.