jauguston
Bellingham, WA
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I doubt you are going to find anywhere the speed limit is over 60 mph towing. In California it is 55 mph. Washington and Oregon are 60 mph.
Jim
2005 Coachman Sportscoach Elite 402 40'
350hp Cat C-7 w/MP-8
7500w Onan quiet diesel generator
6-Kyocera 130w solar panels SB3024i MPPT controller
Pressure Pro TPMS
1987 Suzuki Samurai tintop Toad w/VW 1.6 turbo diesel power
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Mr. Black
South Hill, Washington
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I follow the posted speed limits not hidden behind the scenes towing speed limits.
I have never been pulled over otherwise and I likely never will.
I am not looking for a speed police thread. Only info on towing a rig without damaging it's running gear.
All points to that indicate that disconnecting the rear driveshaft are the best way.
* This post was
edited 05/31/12 06:30am by Mr. Black *
Steve
2006 Ford F350 6.0 PSD CC 4x4 LB, Bone Stock. B&W Turnover / Companion. Airlift Airbags 57291. Leveling Kit. RS9000 Shocks.
2012 Heartland Sundance 3100RB 5th wheel. 36' @ 11k pounds.
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ecoast
NW NJ's Highlands
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jauguston wrote:ecoast,
How many instances have you ever heard of a transfer case
going into gear by itself when towing. My bet-- never happened.
After 30,000 miles using the start at the end of the day method mine is fine. This subject has been discussed over and over on the Samurai forums and there has never been any trouble reported using the end of day method. None.
Jim
I am not sure what 'samurai forum' you are looking at.
If you were to search any of the primary 3 zuk bbs, you will find many instances of disaster...blown motors, t-cases.
a lot of folk that toad sammis use petroworks rear driveline disconnect for convenience. the product was developed to flat tow for a reason...
as I said (to the OP), 'to each his own', but I stand firmly on my reccomendation to drop rear of d-shaft and secure. Or remove entirely.
07 5.9 CTD & 2000 Northstar Laredo TC towing 87 Samurai ORV on dual axle trailer
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jauguston
Bellingham, WA
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The rear driveshaft disconnect definately was designed for a reason. That reason was to prevent damage to drive shafts on LIFTED Samurais. The u-joint angle when lifting them becomes extreme and disconnecting is the only safe way. Stock height has never been a issue.
The Suzuki owners manual gives the procedure for towing a stock Samurai four down and that procedure does not include disconnecting the drive shaft. If it makes you feel better disconnect it.
Jim
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ecoast
NW NJ's Highlands
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To the OP:
lifted or not, you throw a u-joint and there will be damage (with d-shaft left installed).
If you stop somewhere and someone were to have a look at your zuk, and maybe move the shifter or t-case shifter, and you drive off unknowingly, you will have damage (with shaft left in)
Others have actually forgot and left the zuk in gear, driven off, and 'boom'.
The zuk t-case does not have a 'true' neutral; when you leave the rear d-shaft connected, t-case in neutral, it also spins the front d-shaft (and axles).
Additionally, the viscosity of the spinning t-case in neutral does cause the intermediate shaft (the output from transmission) to turn.
Hence having to leave the transmission in gear. Which is not good if something were to 'happen', and the reason you have to start it periodically to lube.
However-
If one was to remove the detent ball between the t-case shift rails, (usually in conjunction with a twin stick set up), one would then have a true neutral.
And 2wd low to boot...
So, the SAFEST thing is to remove d-shaft.
Two 12mm wrenches...
But you can do it the way Suzuki suggests...
as I mentioned, 'to each his own'
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tatest
Oklahoma Green Country
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Usually when there is a speed limit for flat towing, the issue is handling and stability, not survival of drivetrain parts. They have to give you a number so that when your tow starts whipping around at 90 mph and tears the receiver off your tow vehicle, you can't come back at them with "you didn't tell me it wasn't safe to tow it that fast."
Tom Test
Itasca Spirit 29B
2001 Ranger Edge
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Mr. Black
South Hill, Washington
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tatest, believe it or not, some common sense is still in this country. I have some. 
Also, I have thousands of miles of flat towing experience. This isn't the first time.
If it's not handling correctly then adjustments have to be made.
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jauguston
Bellingham, WA
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Steve,
If you are going to be going through any part of California a friendly word of warning. A few years ago I was stopped and cited for going 63 mph towing a 4'X5' Coleman utility trailer behind my car. Speed limit 55 mph towing anything. It is posted often.
Jim
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Mr. Black
South Hill, Washington
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Thanks for the heads up Jim.
I think tentatively we will be going on the way down through California. On the way home we will probably go the back way from vegas up to boise Id.
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wny_pat
Western NYS
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I took a look at the OP profile. Are you planning to tow this Zuki behind your fifth wheel??? I hope your not really planning anything over 65 mpg! And if you plan on using a Blue Ox, they warranty is out the window behind a fifth wheel if I remember correctlhy. Don't know about the other tow bars.
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