2003 Ford Ranger Edge 4x4 Manual Transmission 4.0L

[icantdrive55]

I have a 2003 Ford Ranger Edge 4x4 Manual Transmission 4.0L and want to tow it behind a motor home. I am not new to towing 4 down. I have searched the Internet ad-nauseum and found only references to automatic transmissions. What about a manual transmission? Can I simply unbolt the rear of the drive shaft from the flange, secure the shaft to the underside, and tow my vehicle? This ain't rocket science. Why has it been so hard to find any reference to this on the Net?

Does anyone have any experience with this vehicle towing 4 down? What do you need to do and what special precautions are needed?

icantdrive55

[Mekanic]

If your truck hase a shift lever instead of buttons can't you just shift it to neutral and stick the trans in gear?? That is the usual method.
Your answer should be in the owners manual for the truck.

[USMCRET]

I have an '01 Ranger 4.0L 4X4 manual trans that I've been towing four-down since I got my moho in September. My owners manual says to simply put the trans in neutral and they don't recommend speeds over 55. I've towed it about 1K miles with no problems thus far.

[Barski]

I tow a 05 4x4. Book says trans in neutral,transfer case in high. Like preveice post states, not over 55. Should state in your owners manual.

[burfurd]

I tow a 2003 Ranger 4X4 and also tow with the transmission in neutral and the transfer case in high. I try to run in the 55 to 60 range. As long as you run less than 60, I don't think you will have any problems.

If you really can't drive 55, I would suggest you drop BOTH drive shafts. Then you can run 100 if you want!

burfurd