Transporting (towing) a 5spd 4wd van

[bikerjosh]

ok, I searched but couldn't find anything. Lot's of threads/posts about towing with your van, just not towing it.
I am heading down to LA county to pick up my new to me 87 Cargo 4wd 5spd van. Question is can I tow this with a dolly w/trans in neutral for 300 miles or do I need to have all four wheels on a trailer? Also if I can use a single axle dolly do I need to disconnect rear drive line?
thanks
Josh (soon to be back in the family again-)

[originalkwyjibo]

I looked into this when I first bought mine in 2002. The short answer is no. If the rear wheels are on the ground the driveshaft must be pulled and if it has auto hubs the front wheels must be off the ground.

[timsrv]

Here is what the 89 van owner's manual says (red pertains to all 4 wheels on ground):

TOWING PRECAUTIONS:
The vehicle may be towed from either the front or rear. We recommend using a towing dolly when towing from the rear.

* Towing with rear wheels on ground
Manual transmission: Release the parking brake and put the transmission in neutral. On four-wheel drive models, the front drive control lever must be in "H2".

Automatic Transmission: Release the parking brake and put the transmission in "N". On four wheel drive models, the "4wd" button must be in the TWO-WHEEL DRIVE mode. Disconnect the rear propeller shaft at the rear differential if the vehicle must be towed faster than 30mph (45 km/hr) or farther than 50 miles (80 km).

NOTICE:
Do not tow faster or farther than the above limits without disconnecting the rear propeller shaft. This causes transmission damage.

* Towing with four wheels on ground
Place the key in the "ACC" position. On four-wheel drive models, disengage both free-wheeling hubs (if so equipped). Observe the precautions described in "Towing with rear wheels on ground" (above).

NOTICE:
Do not tow with the key removed or in the "LOCK" position, as the steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels straight while towing.

* Towing with front wheels on ground
Place the ignition key in the "ACC" position and put the transmission in neutral (manual) or "N" (automatic). On four wheel drive models, disengage both free wheeling hubs (if so equipped) and the front drive control lever must be in "H2" (manual) or four-wheel drive system must be in the TWO-WHEEL DRIVE mode (automatic).

NOTICE:
Do not tow with the key removed or in the "LOCK" position as the steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels straight while towing.

Since it is a manual transmission, as long as you follow the above instructions, there are no restrictions, so you can tow as far as you like and as fast as the speed limits and/or conditions permit. If towing with 4 wheels on the ground, the front end needs to be in decent shape and properly aligned. If the van has front suspension and/or alignment issues, this can make towing hazardous. Before hitting the road, find a parking lot and try turning a tight 180° turn (both left & right) to insure the van tracks properly and the front wheels don't skid. If there is any "skidding" of the front wheels due to improper tracking, then don't tow it on all 4 until front end can be fixed and aligned. Tim

[bikerjosh]

Thanks Tim, only 8 more days until I pick up my uncut 4wd 5spd cargo

[spacecruisers]

is it possible? has anyone towed their van for a move or anything? i may be moving to the northwest, wondering if i can flat tow the van behind a moving truck or if ill have to rent a car carrier.

[spacecruisers]

i guess i should have been more specific. i did notice though looking at it [above] again bikerjosh had the same van as me (1987 4x4 5-spd cargo) so maybe if he reads this he can chime in how he did it or his experience towing his van home.

the reason i want to flat tow is a carrier is around $300-350 and a dolly is around $150 but uhaul and others have me entire my car make/model online and they say you can't tow a 4WD vehicle with a dolly without disconnecting the driveline. obviously flat towing would be the cheapest option since i don't have to rent anything other than the moving truck.

First question:
I have a rear receiver 2" hitch on the van (custom steel bumper) can I pull it backwards? or do i need to get a front tow bar, if so where/how does it attach?

Second question (correct these steps if I've got something wrong):
I've never towed another car before, so to make sure I understand the steps correctly for towing my van specifically (4x4 manual trans manual hubs):
1. attach car to moving truck hitch (i assume it will be the 2" square receiver type)
2. set manual locking hubs to 2wd or "open" position
3. verify transfer case is set to 2hi
4. verify transmission is in neutral
5. key in ignition, turn to ACC
6. as tim mentioned, test for van skidding while being towed when making sharp, full, 180 turns

Third question:
do i need to attach wiring for brakes or lights to the van? if so how do does that work exactly?