Flat towing a BII (four wheels down)

[Denny]

I have a 1988 Eddie Bauer BII 4x4, 2.9, automatic, electric tranfer case and electric wheel lock hubs (stock condition). I need to tow it behind a motorhome with all four wheels down. The Ford shop manual says its OK to tow up to 55 MPH. When I took it for a test tow, I noticed that the speedometer was registering speed. I am thinking this is not a good thing.

Has anybody done this and are there any suggestions as to modofications that would improve the towability? (Manual trasfer case, manual wheel locks, etc.) Any and all comments would be appreciated. Thanks, Denny

[OffroadBEAR]

of course the speedometer is going to register speed, it always registers speed regardless of whether or not it is neutral, the speedo gear is in the transfer case, so its always going to turn. Just leave the tranny in neutral and pull the battery (I don't know how the autos are but you might not be able to pull the key out without it being in park). If you had a manual shift t-case, you could throw it in neutral and not worry about it, but I don't think you would have a problem even over 55mph. I flat towed my friend's dune buggy last week, just threw it in neutral and went, it was way easier than dealing with a tow dolly or trailer.

[DBrown]

I would just pull the rear driveshaft and put it in 2wd. then you can lock it into 4wd to move it around untill you put the rear back in. it only takes about 15min. to pull it.

[twabbit]

It would be best to put a manual t-case so you could throw it into neutral and then only the drive shaft and chain drive ynthe t-case turns. This would mean un plugging the floor plate under the carpet, putting a hole in the carpet and so on. Best bet would be a tow dolly and remove the drive shaft, because if the trans is turning there is wear going on.

[Dreded]

I would agree with DBrown pull the rear Driveshaft make sure your hubs are not locked and away ya go