Is Four-down Towing for 2002 Thunderbird possible?

[caseyjay]

I have just bought a 2002 thunderbird with 2000 miles on it. It has the 5 speed "LS" type auto trans with four wheel independent suspension. I want to tow it 4-down, but I only get No! No! No! from the usual aftermarket tow accessary dealers. What am I missing. I am willing to use a drive-shaft coupler, or wheel hub lock, or a tran pump or I will be glad to adapt any one of these or make my own. I know this is a low volume production car, so I won't find much off the shelf, but I am ready to start with a blank sheet of paper if necessary. Can anyone suggest the way to go with this or why I'm out of my mind? Appologies in advance if this is too idiotic, this is my first post. I am an old timer EE but my hobby is restoring Jag XKs so I can talk car. This is a fantastic forum, thanks in advance..caseyjay

 

[patprimmer]

Is the "T" Bird front or rear wheel drive. We don't have them here.

Regards

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[MikeHalloran]

I think 4-down towing is now illegal in much of the US.

Ignoring that, protecting the driveline could be done in any of the ways you mention, though you might have to adapt something intended for a different vehicle.

Which still leaves the problem of stopping distance. The easiest solution is probably a trailer.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[GregLocock]

Pat, it is RWD.

Cheers

Greg Locock

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[patprimmer]

Then dropping out the tail shaft and plugging the rear opening in the box should be fairly simple.

It would be a very good idea to disable the steering lock so it can't accidentally be left locked.

I agree a trailer seems a much better idea.

Regards

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[Fabrico]

A trans pump would be the worst thing to make but the easiest to use. You would have to find out exactly what must be lubed. It could be very costly if it quits, leaks, or you forget to turn it on. A low O/P switch hooked to the horn might help.

They do make axle dollys, if you don't want a full trailer.

 

[caseyjay]

Thanks to you all. In the mean time I talked to an "expert" at REMCO that took enought time to explain the issues to me. I will reviews these for all.
1. T-bird is all - wheel ind suspension, rear wheel drive
2. Drive shaft disconnect: Sure it's possible, it just won't fit! unit is about 5" in dia X 5" long and is welded to a 5" shortened drive shaft at the back end. It has a manual sliding sleve to connect splines that couple/decouple drive shaft. The problem is the distance from the drive shaft to the rear floor pan is to small to put this in. I would have to cut out a section and weld in a sheet metal "hump" to give it the access it needs
3. I thought about welding it on the front end of the drive shaft, but the I would be spinning the whole drive shaft instead of the rear u-joint. (might just be too much torque for the unit).
4. Trans Pump. Ford has valves in the transmission (front and rear drives) that prevent using any kind of external pump, othewise it could work.
5. Axle lock: Could be used for rear axle since it it also a CV joint type like front drives. Would probably have to be machined to fit new diameters, otherwise it would be ok. By the way these only unlock one side (passenger) so the "free wheeling" you get is the affect you see with the car on jacks, turn one wheel forward, the other go backward. So I would be spinning my spider gears all those towing miles. I don't think that the bearing would be rated for that since they normally dont turn while going straight.
6. Sorry for the long winded reply, but I think that I am going to cut out an access panel and just use the drive shaft disconnet. TXN Caseyjay

 

[GregLocock]

I admit 2 sounds like the best alternative, but I can't see your problem with putting it at the front.

Cheers

Greg Locock

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[TheBlacksmith]

"Sorry for the long winded reply, but I think that I am going to cut out an access panel and just use the drive shaft disconnet."

And this is better and easier than renting/borrowing/buying and then immediately reselling a suitable trailer how?

 

[MikeHalloran]

I get the impression he wants to tow it indefinitely, as in, behind a motor home.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[benta]

What am I missing here? Is someone sitting behind the wheel in the towed car? Or is the steering also modified?

Benta.

 

[patprimmer]

No

So long as the steering is not locked and there is a suitable castor angle, it will follow the pull on the draw-bar.

Regards

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[MikeHalloran]

If the OP is willing to put a driveshaft coupler in, and butcher the floorpan to get at it, defeating the steering lock shouldn't be a big issue.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[evelrod]

Well, here is my two cents....
Having lived with an LS (same chassis as the Bird) for the last five years and 142,000 miles...I would NOT TOW THAT SUCKER AROUND THE BLOCK!!!

Rear wheel bearings...$600 each (unit assembly only)
I have a bit of experience with these little darlings on an AWA. If the trans ever needs anything, look out!

A nice little flat bed trailer is available from several mfgrs for as little as $1500 and, enclosed trailers suitable for a T-Bird sized car for $6500.

If you can afford a T-Bird and a large enough motor home to tow it with, why in heck not just pick up some little front driver and a tow dolly? Oh, yeah. I might mention that I tow with a trailer! No wear and tear on the car and the trailer does not depreciate much and wears like crazy,one of my race car trailers is 36 years old.

Rod

 

[jbthiel]

Ditto

You don't want a dolly or trailer -- but your willing to cut the floor, modify the driveshaft, pay for all the wear, and butcher the front end to attach a tow bar!?? What about rear lights - suppose you want to drill holes in the trunk lid right away :<

 

[patprimmer]

jbthiel

This is an old thread.

I see you are a new member.

If you read a bit in these fora, you will see we play nice here. That is not by co-incidence. Those who don't play nice generally disappear.

Regards

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[evelrod]

Ahhh, Pat. I suppose you are correct in your post.
Oh well, here I go again...It may not be PC, but I rather liked jbthiel's assessment of the situation!

Rod

 

[patprimmer]

Rod

So do I, but I think his last sentence was a bit to much like flame and could trigger a bad reaction, then the whole thread might disappear.

He is new, so a friendly tip might help avoid red flags and consequences.

Regards

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[jbthiel]

Thanks guys. I have been reading the forum for some time but only started replying recently.

As for the reply, I didn't notice the date until after I had responded. And sorry if my sarcasm didn't come through, but I had to back up Evelrod on this one.

Anyway, happy holidays --- whichever ones you choose to celebrate!