I have a 08 Frontier CC 4x4 Auto trans. Question,,Can I flat tow (all 4 wheels on ground) if I disconnect the rear driveshaft?? is there anything in front end that it will hurt??? Thanks for any info,,,Jerr

If you disconnect the rear driveshaft, and remove it from the truck, you're gonna piss gear oil from the t-case, unless you have a slip yoke eliminator installed.

You can unbolt the DS from the rear and either plug up the hole with rags or leave the slip yoke in there and bungee the shaft up to the frame out of the way.

If your 4wd is working properly, the front axle should be disengaged at the diff and shouldn't spin the Tcase.

Use at your own risk as I am not an expert, but I flat towed my Jeep a couple times with the Tcase in neutral, left the drive shaft on.

Thanks Guys, I intended to tie the shaft up out of the way so don't lose oil, the rig is new (only 4000 mi on it) and towing would be only in a blue moon or so Jerr

One note about towing with the TX10 t-case in neutral; both drive shafts will turn. In other words, the rear drive shaft will be engaged with the front shaft, even though it is disengaged from the front part of the t-case.

It is the only option with an automatic, unless you disconnect the DS, as stated earlier. There are DS disconnects made that are cable operated. They operate via a cable that terminates under the front edge of the driver seat, for convenience. The system involves modification of the driveshaft and costs around $600.

I don't know how the '08 models are set up, but if you cannot shift the t-case into neutral beyond a shadow of a doubt, go with a disconnect.

Yes..do not flat tow a tx-10 with the transfer case in neutral. But you do not have a tx-10.

As for disconnecting the drive shaft find a used slip yolk in a junk yard and remove the drive shaft from it. Then get a strong magnet from one of those telescopic pick up tools and drop it (just the magnet) inside the junk yard slip yolk.

Then when you are towing just insert the spare with the magnet in place of the rear shaft and yolk. The magnet will hold the slip yolk in place and prevent leaking.

In fact I was able to drive around just fine in front wheel drive using this method. Works very nice for moving the truck around the campsite without having to reinstall the drive shaft right away.

Just make sure to unlock the hubs when you tow but that is another story.

Good post.

Firts thing welcome maybe, I can help a bitt. Some owner's manual on others 4x4s claim that for flat towing you put the TC in N and trans. in park. I tow for a living I being towing for over 10 years. I never done it that way. If your going to tow it for more than 5 miles the best way to go is to rent a trailer and avoid future headaches. If some thing happens to the drivetrian the dealer won't cover the warranty.

Also check your local laws. Many states have a weight limit on towing that requires active brakes after a certain weight. In california it is 3500 pounds, so you couldnt flat tow it here.

These work very well....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...fPartsQ5fAccessories

I have a brand new Brake Buddy that is legal in all States and Canada, my real concern is if I disconnect the DS will it do damage to front drive system, like lack of lube in transfer case or????? as the front axels turn all the time and am not sure what is happening inside. Guess I need to go to Nissan shop and see if they know.

Brake Buddy? how do you get turn signals?

I'm with Hecno, I would flat tow my truck if I absolutely had to, for a short distance only. It's definitely not the safest way to go. If your towing behind an RV you should be fine.

I agree the best and safest way to tow a vehicle is with a properly equipped trailer with trailer brakes and a working system on the tow-rig.

quote:

Originally posted by Hecno:
Brake Buddy? how do you get turn signals?

Only if you wire them up...they make kits. Or you can use the temporary tow lights. The biggest issue is weight in the rear of the tow rig. For a motor home it's a non issue, for a pickup you need to add weight in the bed (500+lbs) and go slow. Remember the engine is over that front axle that will be pushing you around.