Anything to know about dollying?

[RayCo]

I'm planning on dollying this (below) 95 Dakota about 30 miles this weekend. Is there anything I need to know beyond what the guy at the dolly rental place will tell me? My intention is to put the front wheels up on the dolly and disconnect the driveshaft for the trip. I'd rather use a full car hauler, but I don't have the time to deal with trying to get the truck running.

Would I be better off putting the back wheels on the dolly? It seems like I have less to worry about if the back is rolling on the ground. Well, hmm, maybe not since an expired registration sticker will be facing out.
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[aczlan]

I'm planning on dollying this (below) 95 Dakota about 30 miles this weekend. Is there anything I need to know beyond what the guy at the dolly rental place will tell me? My intention is to put the front wheels up on the dolly and disconnect the driveshaft for the trip.

that should work, for 30 miles, if it is a 4x4 and you can get the transfer case into N I would probably just put the front onto a dolly and tow it as-is...

I'd rather use a full car hauler, but I don't have the time to deal with trying to get the truck running.

a comealong, a winch or a few (ok 5-6) strong backs should be able to pull/push it up onto a trailer...

Would I be better off putting the back wheels on the dolly? It seems like I have less to worry about if the back is rolling on the ground

as long as you disconnect the drive shaft, you should be good (if it is a 4x4 w/a mechanical shift transfer case you might be able to put it into neutral (the transfer case) and just run it like that...)


Just my $0.02

Aaron Z

 

[RayCo]

as long as you disconnect the drive shaft, you should be good (if it is a 4x4 w/a mechanical shift transfer case you might be able to put it into neutral (the transfer case) and just run it like that...)

I like any idea that keeps me from crawling on my back on my gravel driveway. I could probably push the truck into my garage, but since I have this irrational need to always do everything alone, it'd be a bit hard to steer it while I'm dragging it around with my tractor. I'm giving the truck to my brother, so I guess I'll ask him if he cares if I just put the t-case in N. Makes sense to me to do that. I never thought of that. Thanks Aaron.
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[Ductape]

If i were putting the front on a dolly, i'd pull the driveshaft. Cheap insurance by pulling four bolts.

 

[Skyco]

If it is a 4x4 then putting the transfer case in neutral, assuming it is a mechanical transfer case and not one of the electrically operated versions, you should be good. Only 30 miles is a plus anyway. My dad has a tow dolly for his motorhome toad I help him set up. One thing I noted is they say do NOT tow a car backwards. Not sure why other than the obvious problems of properly securing the steering wheel, the ignition lock isn't good enough.

 

[aczlan]

One thing I noted is they say do NOT tow a car backwards. Not sure why other than the obvious problems of properly securing the steering wheel

I would guess it is for liability reasons, if you tow backwards and dont tie the steering wheel you could conceivably sue them for not telling you to tie it...

if you have a 2WD, RWD vehicle with a automatic you MUST tow it backwards or drop a driveshaft, if going more than ~20 miles at 25mph

the reasoning is that the driveshaft will be spinning in the transmission but (unless you have a older BMW) the pump in the automatic transmission wont be spinning, so the output shaft on the tranny will be spinning without any lubrication which will cause you to burn up bearings in the transmission very quickly.

the ignition lock isn't good enough

this is a fact, if you put the rear up on a dolly you need to use a tiedown strap to keep the steering wheel straight (the drivers seat brackets are good anchor points), the steering wheel lock alone WILL NOT hold the wheels straight when you hit a bump.

HTH

Aaron Z

 

[RayCo]

It seems that putting the transfer case in neutral would be about the same as putting a 2WD transmission in neutral, in that I'd wind up burning the bearings on the output shaft of the transfer case. Reckon I'll drop the driveshaft just to be safe. I don't want to screw my brother over. Thanks y'all.

 

[firemanpat2910]

I am not an expert, and I didnt stay at a holiday in last night. BUT putting a manual transfer case in nuetral is enough. check your owners manual, but If it were mine I would not pull the shaft unless I had too.

 

[RayCo]

I am not an expert, and I didnt stay at a holiday in last night. BUT putting a manual transfer case in nuetral is enough. check your owners manual, but If it were mine I would not pull the shaft unless I had too.

I think you're probably right but it was my brother who suggested that the lack of lubrication in the output shaft of the transfer case could be a problem. I figure since I'm giving him the truck, it's his decision.

 

[Ductape]

You could always have your brother drive thirty miles to crawl under there and pull the shaft himself ??