Community Forums

D Lindy · 11-20-2015, 04:55 PM

OK so I fully understand the need to stop the trans from being turned while towing, hence the removal of the drive shaft, really a nasty job crawling under, scribing the "U"-Joints for proper reinstall and all. So why not just pull the rear axles at the hubs, and bolt a set of hub covers on after to keep the differential oil in? Seems that this would be a WHOLE LOT EASIER. You could make up a set of hub covers out of something as simple as 1/4" plywood sanded and urethane sealed to prevent wood chips. While in the military we did this anytime we had to tow. We even used a manila folder as gasket material for the axle hub seals.

Mr_D · 11-20-2015, 05:05 PM

The recommended way IS to pull the axles, but most towing companies just pull the driveshaft. That's all they've ever done to our rigs when towing.

slickest1 · 11-20-2015, 09:08 PM

Much easier and faster to pull the drive shaft! Alot of times it takes a good rap with a sledge hammer to dislodge the axles after all the bolts are removed.

jfran304 · 11-20-2015, 09:21 PM

Plus if they pulled the axles they would have to carry numerous covers for the different models.

Jon

dons2346 · 11-20-2015, 09:25 PM

I have been towed only once in over 200,000 miles. Removing the driveshaft can be done by removing only four nuts. Removing the axles requires how many bolts? I have no idea and then you have to deal with what to cover the holes with.

Wobster · 11-20-2015, 11:34 PM

In our one towing experience it took less than 30 min to pull our driveshaft. I don't know how long it would have taken to pull the axles but I am betting it would have been longer.