towing a Midget

[Jack_Long]

Does the drive shaft need to be disconnected to tow a 73 Midget about 25-30 miles using a front-wheel tow dolly?

 

[Billm]

Many people will say "yes" but I have towed Spridgets for hundreds of miles (sometimes thousands) and never have, and have had no problem. The obvious issue is that the trans could (and some people say "have") popped into gear with interesting results and the 3rd motion shaft is spinning the entire time and the oil is never thrown on the bearings (normally done by the 2nd motion shaft, but it won't be turning).
In short- it has been done but is not the recommended way.
Bill

 

[regularman]

The originals should be able to take a bit of that but I've been warned never to tow like that with the datsun 5 speed. Its only 4 bolts and nuts to take the drive shaft loose and then not have the worry. and then wire the end up to something underneath so it don't come loose or fall out.

 

[tosoutherncars]

25-30 MILES? No, it should not be necessary. The user manual should state that the driveshaft only needs to be disconnected for long-distance towing above a certain distance. Can anyone confirm?

-Duncan

 

[regularman]

I have the actual owners manual for my 71 but can't remember where it is at the moment.

 

[rodesmg]

if not sure, put the rear on tow dolly

 

[aeronca65t]

if not sure, put the rear on tow dolly

I agree. A friend of mine has towed his racer thousands of miles "backwards" on a tow dolly.

 

[regularman]

It was my undertanding that the tow dolly should only be used with the front wheels and the steering unlocked so that it can pivot on the front wheels that are srapped to the dolly and not get in a bind. Or maybe there are different kinds of tow dollies that pivot on their own or something. Can anyone see what I am saying here? If the rear is strapped down tight on the dolly, I don't see how the whole thing can turn without sliding the front end around.

 

[saabmp3]

Kim,

The last dolly that I used had a pivot independent from the locked front wheels. Basically, there were two parallel plates, the bottom connected to the dolly wheels, in the center bolted together so they could rotate and the top had the healey wheels tied down to it. Therefore, if you locked the steeringwheel straight, you could use it to two backwards.

Ben

 

[10musketeer]

Remember don't go backwards with wire wheels, or they will work themselves loose.

 

[regularman]

Kim,

The last dolly that I used had a pivot independent from the locked front wheels. Basically, there were two parallel plates, the bottom connected to the dolly wheels, in the center bolted together so they could rotate and the top had the healey wheels tied down to it. Therefore, if you locked the steeringwheel straight, you could use it to two backwards.

Ben

Ah, I thought as much. The dollies I have used have all been rented from U-haul and they were all one solid piece.