Towing

[AceInHole]

Anyone towing? How are you guys strapping down? I used the factory tow hooks up front, and wrapped my straps around the subframe in back, which required me to take the exhaust off. I'm guessing people are using chassis hooks (which I don't currently have), but will it clear the exhaust?

Just wondering. I'm like 3.5 hours from DC, chillin in the backseat of an Armada :P

[jmauld]

I use the factory hooks up front, and for the rear I saw these on a friend's bmw and made a set for my car.



I use one of those on each side and a third strap on the factory tie-down that's on the passenger side.

[AceInHole]

I was told to strap to the frame if possible, to avoid undue wear to the shocks, and to keep things from moving, which could potentially unhook straps.

How are those working out, though?

[jmauld]

The third strap is on the frame, and it allows me to compress the suspension. Although, I don't believe there is any significant wear on the suspension from towing.

They work great, and I wouldn't even consider going back to looping around the frame again. I could loop around it without taking my exhaust off. It doesn't seem like much, but after a long day, that's a pain in the ass, and these things simplify that greatly! With these, it's just a simple click of the strap hook and you're done.

[2Fass240us]

I am using the front tow hooks for now, and wrap around the control arms in the rear. I also use a chain around the two outermost radiator supports, to a welded d-ring in the front as an added safety measure.

[WishIHadaSilvia]

Whenever I've strapped my car down I've used the tow hooks in the front and put the straps through the rear wheels on the back (you kind of have to have non mesh wheels).

Probably not the proper way, but my friends who do Spec E30 always strap down this way.

[91rs13]

Whenever I've strapped my car down I've used the tow hooks in the front and put the straps through the rear wheels on the back (you kind of have to have non mesh wheels).

Probably not the proper way, but my friends who do Spec E30 always strap down this way.

I used to strap the rear to the control arms--but switched to the rear wheels as well ( using axle straps)

[OHH]

just the thread i was looking for.

I may have to tow my car with a dolly, any suggestions on that? I have been told to disconnect the drive shaft and have also been told dont worry about it, whats everyones take on it ?

[2Fass240us]

just the thread i was looking for.

I may have to tow my car with a dolly, any suggestions on that? I have been told to disconnect the drive shaft and have also been told dont worry about it, whats everyones take on it ?

How far do you have to tow? I've never used one, but think it would make me nervous based on a friend's experience.

[AceInHole]

I was told a tow dolley is fine for a manual tranny. The only time you'd disconnect the driveshaft is if you had an auto trans. (What I was told, anyways).

[highoctane]

I was told, that it is also fine for manual since the fluid don't need cooling like the auto does. But auto, the fluid doesn't get circulate around during the tow with the car in neutral. Which in turn causes the fluid to overheat and might ended up burning the plates in the tranny.

[jbennett58]

Automatic transmission has pump in front driven by torque convertor,if engine is not running pump is not working,no lubrication,definetly bad idea to tow.Manual transmission is splash lubed,by input shaft driving cluster gear which sits in oil in bottom of transmission.Main shaft runs though middle of upper gears,possibly above oil level,on a dolly fluid would run to rear of tranny possibly starving front of main shaft where it rides in back of input shaft.This applies to rear wheel drive,fwd varies by manufacturer.I will not tow mine on a dolly,too risky,fluid running to rear of tranny,front of shaft running dry.