1970 Towing Advice

[Mark P.]

I need to tow a 1970 with a 4 speed manual trans and neeed to know the best way. I have a two wheel trailer and will need to drag the car. Should I tow with the drive wheels on the trailer pulling the front wheels or the other way around and disconnect the driveline? I'll be going around 750 miles.

Thanks for the advice,
Mark

[Jim T.]

Re: 1970 Towing Advice

I would put the front wheels on the tow trailer and would disconnect the drive shaft and if able not remove it if it can be secured and not interfere with anything. With the transmission gears not throwing lubricant to the rear bushing in the transmission there could be unneccessary wear. Keeping the yoke in the transmission would keep any lubricant from the transmission from leaking out with the front end up on the tow trailer. Course if the fluid can leak out, it may be enough lubricant for the rear bushing, I really don't know. Just some thoughts on towing.

[Philip C.]

Re: 1970 Towing Advice

Hi Mark Jim, has covered it very well with great advice. Just an idea if the car's engine runs you could stop every 30-50 miles and run the motor for a few minutes to lube the trans. Phil 8063

[Jeremy D.]

Re: 1970 Towing Advice

I wouldn't worry a darn about the transmission....does this car have rebuilt trailing arms/bearings/rear end bearings/seals/u-joints? If that sucker has been sitting for X amount of years and still has the original bearings in the back, you're gonna shred the whole back end of the driveline when the trailing arm bearings decide to fry on you and you have NO IDEA it's happening as you're sitting in the air-conditioned SUV with the XM radio cranked pulling the car. You'll find out when the trailing arms start glowing bright red and those AZ date coded rear wheels fall off. Or, if you just so happen to be getting a car with brand new rebuilt trailing arms & bearings & bushings and rear end bearings & bushings & good halfshafts & U-joints, it'll be a great break-in opportunity!

My advice? Pony up a few bucks and get a REAL TRAILER that keeps all 4 wheels from turning for 750 miles. End of problem.