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Re: towing - dropping drive shaft?

To: Joe Short <buster_balz@operamail.com>
Subject: Re: towing - dropping drive shaft?
From: Charley & Peggy Robinson <ccrobins@ktc.com>
Date: Thu, 15 Apr 1999 20:42:16 -0500
  It should be obvious that a Mustang is not a MGB. -- CR

Joe Short wrote:
> 
> A friend and I had an interesting experience once while towing his old Mustang
> with the drive shaft connected. The trans caught fire. I guess that supports
> the lubrication theory.
> 
> >===== Original Message From Phil Vanner <pvanner@pclink.com> =====
> >Excuse me, but I think I'll drop off the list until the dust settles. I'll
> >be back to converse with the survivors in a week or so.
> >
> >No, seriously George, this was an issue of much contention a few months ago
> >on the list. The "drop the driveshaft" theory holds that the input shaft
> >must be turning (driven by the engine) for the tranny internals to get
> >proper lubrication. if the driveshaft isn't connected the tranny guts don't
> >spin and you have no problem.  The "don't waste your time" theory holds
> >that no one has ever proven that you need to do this to avoid damage and
> >challenged the list to come up with one example of a ruined tranny from
> >towing with the driveshaft connected. No one seemed to able to prove
> >anything.
> >
> >You absolutely cannot hurt your car by towing with the driveshaft
> >disconnected, as long as you are certain that you have tied it up out of
> >the way. That would be *certain.* It doesn't take very long to do, nor is
> >it at all difficult.
> >
> >As for leaving it connected, as they say, no one has ever *proved* it
> >ruined a transmission. Although the theory about lacking lubrication makes
> >sense.
> >
> >Then there's always the trailer option.
> >
> >Phil Vanner
> >Tow it? I prefer to drive mine myself.
> >
> >-----Original Message-----
> >From:  Geroge D. Cobb Jr. [SMTP:gcobb@SPC.cc.tx.us]
> >Sent:  Thursday, April 15, 1999 2:48 PM
> >To:    MG List
> >Subject:       towing - dropping drive shaft?
> >
> >Hey list,
> >       I am moving some distance (550 miles) and am going to have to tow two
> >MG's.  I am going to move one early (verses have to move 4 cars at a
> >time) and was going to use a tow dolly (two front wheels off ground with
> >rear wheels on ground).  The rental place told me I needed to drop the
> >drive shaft.  My question is WHY?  Why does the drive shaft need to be
> >dropped verses putting the thing in neutral?  For give my ignorance if
> >this is a dumb question.
> >Thanks
> >Don
> >OfcCobb@AOL.com or gcobb@spc.cc.tx.us
> >1980 MGB
> >1977 MGB

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