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RE: towing - dropping drive shaft?

To: "'Geroge D. Cobb Jr.'" <gcobb@SPC.cc.tx.us>,
Subject: RE: towing - dropping drive shaft?
From: Phil Vanner <pvanner@pclink.com>
Date: Thu, 15 Apr 1999 15:12:00 -0500
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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