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Disconnect the drive shaft to tow an AT '67 Dodge Dart?
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Author:  mrstangblb [ Thu Apr 14, 2011 6:41 am ]
Post subject:  Disconnect the drive shaft to tow an AT '67 Dodge Dart?
We have a friend who has a towing dolly that we can borrow, but the more that I read about towing the more I see that the drive shaft should be disconnected before doing so with an automatic transmission. We're trying to get a '67 Dodge Dart automatic slant six towed about 40 miles, and I sure don't want to burn out the transmission in it before we get started restoring it!

What insight do you have? Thanks for any help you can give us!
Author:  Rob Simmons [ Thu Apr 14, 2011 7:14 am ]
Post subject: 
Prudence is the better part of valor. :wink:

Take the safe route and disconnect the driveshaft. 40 miles doesn't seem that far until you find out it burned up the pump in the tranny.

I would also remove the driveshaft entirely and put another front yoke or one of those plastic plugs in the tranny tailshaft to keep the fluid in. I tried to "cheap out" once and left the driveshaft in the tranny but disconnected from the rear diff... All was good until my bungie cords let the driveshaft move and hit the spinning rear diff yoke at around 55 MPH! :shock: It ruined the driveshaft and dented up the floorboard pretty bad.

My 2 cents...

Good luck with your project and keep us posted!

My first car was a '67 Dart GT with a 273.
Author:  Romeo Furio [ Thu Apr 14, 2011 7:19 am ]
Post subject:  Towing
You can put the car on backwards with the drive wheels on the dolly. Tie off the steering wheel in the straight position. Some guys tie off at the vent window post. See it at the track all the time.
Author:  mrstangblb [ Thu Apr 14, 2011 8:33 am ]
Post subject:  How hard is it to disconnect the driveshaft?
I figured that would be the best way to go, Rob. Is it a hard job to disconnect the driveshaft?

I've seen some horror stories about jackknifing with the rear wheels in a dolly, and I'm not feeling good now about towing it that way. I think if it's not too hard I'd rather tow the front wheels in the dolly.
Author:  mrstangblb [ Thu Apr 14, 2011 11:09 am ]
Post subject:  Found a lot easier way to go!
I called AAA a little while ago just to see what it would cost to have it towed, and after a prorated total of $17.50 to go with the premium membership, I will have the Dart towed 40 miles to my house for no additional charge. The quotes I had gotten were at least $125.

That is a huge answered prayer. Thank you, Lord!
Author:  emsvitil [ Thu Apr 14, 2011 12:05 pm ]
Post subject: 
Better make sure AAA is using a flatbed.................
Author:  Rob Simmons [ Thu Apr 14, 2011 12:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Towing
Quote:
You can put the car on backwards with the drive wheels on the dolly. Tie off the steering wheel in the straight position. Some guys tie off at the vent window post. See it at the track all the time.
I did that ONCE with a friend's Trans Am. No matter how much we fiddled with the steering it fought us the whole way. I personally will never do that again. It may work fine for others.
Quote:
and after a prorated total of $17.50 to go with the premium membership, I will have the Dart towed 40 miles to my house for no additional charge
That's awesome! Good for you. :D

There is TONS of great information here. Use the Search button on the top and you'll be amazed at what you'll learn!

Be sure and keep us updated on your project!!
Author:  mrstangblb [ Thu Apr 14, 2011 1:46 pm ]
Post subject: 
Yeah - after reading a bunch of horror stories I'm glad I called AAA to find out about their great deal. I asked her if it was for sure a flatbed wrecker and she said that's about all that they have any more, but she said to be sure to ask for it when I call next week. I will for SURE ask!

I had a '64 Plymouth Valiant Convertible that I restored several years ago, and the shop manual for this '67 Dart is so similar it's not even funny. They sure didn't change much, did they?
Author:  Romeo Furio [ Thu Apr 14, 2011 5:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Towing
Yeah, After I typed that in I thought about it and said "You know that you wouldn't do that." But I do see it. Looks like you found the best answer.
Author:  Doc [ Thu Apr 14, 2011 5:28 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
...I had a '64 Plymouth Valiant Convertible that I restored several years ago, and the shop manual for this '67 Dart is so similar it's not even funny. They sure didn't change much, did they?
Yes... and no.
The 904 transmission changed signifacantly in 1966.
The important change for this discussion is that the 60 - 65 904s had a front and a rear oil pump, the 66 and up 904 only have a front pump.

This means that the engine has to be running on the 66 and newer units for any oil to circulate. If the rear wheels / driveshaft spin the transmission's output shaft, with no oil pumping, the gearbox burns-up with friction generated heat.

So your 67 needs to have the rear wheels off the ground or the driveshaft removed during that tow.

A 60-65 "dual pump" 904 can be towed that distance, in nutrual & driveshaft spinning, the rear pump keeps it lubed. (those can also be push-started)

Also, I have towed the later cars, driveshaft in & spinning... with the engine on and idling, to keep the oil moving in the trans.
DD
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