I'm going to tow my '88 Samurai about 1500 freeway miles next week. What speed would be safe for the drive train? Also should I disconnect the rear drive line? Any other suggestions? Thanks PK.

http://www.acksfaq.com/faqsearchresults-.php

Go to Acks faq search and enter "flat tow"

http://www.acksfaq.com/faqsearchresults-.php

Go to Acks faq search and enter "flat tow"

Thanks for the referral post for Ack's FAQ, DonD!

Ah, yes - another "search results" post...

Many websites - including Ack's FAQ - use Dynamic page construction.  These pages are created "on the fly" and cannot be successfully accessed by entering the dynamic page's URL - in this case, the Search Results page URL.  Try the above URL and see what I mean.

The best way to access a page at Ack's FAQ (http:www.acksfaq.com) is to either click on the Search page and follow the instructions or  enter the pages' actual URL - in this case http://www.acksfaq.com/flattow.htm. 

When I post a page link to Ack's FAQ, I tend to post the direct page URL figuring that the user will start poking around the site and find more cool information! 

If you do a search, you will find four "flat tow" links - more useful information than just one!

I hope that this helps!

My '97 4 door automatic Tracker has about 75,000 miles behind a motorhome at 55 MPH on all 4 wheels.  Was not stopped & ran every 200 miles but suffered no apparent ill effects.

I'm going to tow my '88 Samurai about 1500 freeway miles next week....

Stock (-ish) vehicles do OK using Suzuki's instructions.  I've towed my nearly-stock '93 to Alaska and back using that method. Adding a lift increases driveshaft angles, especially the front. A U-joint, or any drivetrain, failure while under tow can wreak havoc. The bad part is that you don't find out until much damage is done.

If you're going to do a lot of flat-towing, then it would pay to educate yourself on your options (true-neutral shifter, driveline disconnect, etc.). Flat-towing uses some parts of the drivetrain.  I've had to replace wheel bearings and U-joints on inconvenient and expensive occasions, in 60K/6years of towing. I try to stay on top of maintenance on the Samurai. 

My Experience......
I flat Towed my 87 Sammy 1700 miles out to a Job in Nevada from Wisconsin using the Owners manual's instructions;
Shortly after in Nevada, had to replace the U-joints in the Motel Parking Lot with the Manager giving
me the "Ol' Evil Eye out the Front Office Window!

For the Flat Tow back, I pulled the rear axle drive shaft out. It's not that hard, even in a Motel Parking Lot !!
I think she was happy to see that my job assignment was over as I also did a Weber Carb Swap, and a 4.9 transfer
case gear swap while on that same job!!

Just a "Heads Up"; have your parts sent to the Job Office Address; NOT TO YOUR MOTEL !! Then do your work
on the Manager's day off!!
IT'S EASIER TO BRING A "BLONDE IN YOUR ROOM THAN BOXES OF 4X4 UPGRADE PARTS !!

CAPT

For trips over 200 miles, I always unbolts the diff end of the driveshaft and suspend it with a couple of zip-ties.  Did it on the to and from trip from Oklahoma to Moab this past spring.

Under 200 miles, I just put the t-case in neutral (or true netural), but I never put the transmission in 2nd gear.  I always make sure that then transmission is in neutral.

Of course, I unlock the hubs with both methods.

Well I'm half way home and the Samurai tows like a champ. I pulled the rear drive shaft as suggested. I hardly know the thing is there. Thanks for all the help, PK.