Seems like the vaccuum pump went out this moring so I had to have it towed 6 miles to the dealer.:( I asked the tow truck driver (via phone) if it was ok to tow it with the rear wheels on the ground as he was going to do. He said no problem, that he had been doing this for 30 years and this particular vehicle could be towed long distances because there was no rear trans pump. I told him that he should at least put the xfer case into neutral but I don't know that he did.

So what's the "official" answer about towing a 2003 4x4 dmax with allison on the ground?

I would either put the transfer can in neutral or remove the drive shaft. I don't know if it is necessary but I would do it anyways.

i think you have to hold the 4H and 4L button at the same time for some short period of time to shift the transfer case to neutral.

i think that towing is fine as long as the transfer case is in neutral and NOT just the transmission.

i think this is under towing in the owners manual if you dare read it. lol

Trans case in neutral is prolly a good idea

^---- Trnasfer in neutral or..every 4x4 I had towed the wrecking company sent a flat bed.

They usually ask if 4x4 or not before they send a truck

If you have a rear pump in an automatic trans it is then ok to tow it with the rear wheels on the ground , not the opposite. Auto trans only get lubrication under pressure which means engine must be running. Rear pumps were used in older transmissions strictly for push starting and towing with the rear wheels down. Towing the Duramax w/Ally and transfer case in nuetral is iffy at best. Why would anyone take a chance on doing damage? I flatbed everything. Doesn't cost anymore to do so.

mike

I used to be a tow-truck driver (family business) several years ago, and our policy with AWD / 4x4 vehicles was to either use a flatbed (first choice), or to send a wheel-lift truck and pull the driveshaft. Admittedly, our policy was pretty strict for a couple reasons.

Primarily, we didn't ever want to be accused of causing additional damage to the drivetrain due to towing it with the drive-wheels on the ground and still connected to the drivetrain. Secondarily, we really didn't want to see the customer wind up with more downtime because of something we caused -- It's just not good business.

I might be a little over-cautions, but, if I had to advise, I'd say the same thing: Use a flatbed truck or trailer if able, or disconnect the driveshaft(s) if those wheels are being towed on the ground.

6 miles probably OK. Long distances without lube and the tranny will go.

not if you put the transfer case in neutral. the transfer case oiler is all based off of the driveshaft movement. the frontend moves anyway the same towing as it does in 2x4 anyway. READ YOUR OWNERS MANUAL

i have seen these 4x4 towed w/o dollies behind motor home, and i can bet that they don't take the driveshaft out and put it back in when they get there.

A lot of RV Dealers will often recommend and install a "quick driveshaft disconnect" mod on your vehicle if you plan on towing it behind an RV for any length of time.

I'd say you're right, they don't pull the driveshaft, but I'd be willing to bet that a lot of them have this mod on their vehicles.

oh cool, i learn something new everyday. i just made an a$$ out of myself assuming even by looking that they just left the driveshaft in,,,,,, they do it just isn't stock.