How can I flat tow my Jimmy?

[KingNeptune]

Hey all. I need to get my 1974 GMC Jimmy from Boise Id to Coeur d'Alene Idaho. (about 400 miles) It doesn't run. Needs carb, battery, and new crank and bearings. Nobody rents tow dollies or flatbed trailers for these full sized rigs. So, I need to flat tow it. Here's the setup: 350, 4spd Transmission, NP203 Transfer case. Manual lock out hubs. Can I flat tow this by making sure the hubs are unlocked, tranny and transfer case in neutral? I thought I read somewhere that to flat tow it, the tranny needed to be in 2nd. Or would I just be better off removing the drivelines and making sure the hubs are running free? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,

Eric

[Captkaos]

This is the service manual, check page 8
http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/techinfo/7387CKMans//Service/ST_330_74_1974_Chevrolet_Light_Truck_Service_Manual.pdf

If you are going for a long distance, I would remove both driveshafts and put the front hubs unlocked and you need to lock the steering wheel straight.
I would find a dolley and remove the rear driveshaft though...

[bake74]

This is the service manual, check page 8
http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/techinfo/7387CKMans//Service/ST_330_74_1974_Chevrolet_Light_Truck_Service_Manual.pdf

If you are going for a long distance, I would remove both driveshafts and put the front hubs unlocked and you need to lock the steering wheel straight.
I would find a dolley and remove the rear driveshaft though...

     This for sure.  I have tried to rent a dolly for these trucks, they do not have them wide enough.  I have seen only a couple wide enough and they were modified especially for trucks.

[KingNeptune]

Why lock the steering wheel straight? What happens? I would have thought that I would need to leave it unlocked?
Thanks for the info.
Oh. And thanks for the service manual link CaptKaos.

Eric

[FlatBlack77]

if you mean flat tow as in hook a chain/strap to the tow vehicle and just pull the vehicle being towed that takes two people one person in the tow rig and one in the truck being towed to steer and operate the brakes.

locking the steering wheel isnt going to work at all.

400 miles is a heck of a trip and i dont know about your state but it may be illegal.

removing both driveshafts would be the best bet. after that it doesnt matter what gear the tranny or case is in.

[xschroederx]

I would highly recommend you get a truck and trailer to haul it. If you attempt to hook it up without a tow bar, you will be dragging a tin can on a string behind your truck. Even if you remove the drive shafts, free the hubs and lock the steering wheel, your truck in tow will end up veering from one side to the other until something really bad happens. If you have a tow bar then its different. Its like the tongue of a trailer that mounts to the from. At that point you can pull and stop the vehicle by the power of the towing truck. I would recommend either the tow bar or the flat bed. Everything else is too unsafe and illegal.

[KingNeptune]

Yeah. I'll be using a tow bar. Guess I should have specified that in my original post.

[Irish_Alley]

 if you keep the drive shafts in the shaft will turn the transmissions gears and what not but not the pump to lube everything and it will burn up

[KingNeptune]

Thanks Irish. Is the steering wheel lock strong enough? Or do I need something stronger? And If I need something stronger, what would you suggest?

[roundhouse]

It will fit on a normal U-haul auto transport trailer

Depending on the tires

I got a 76 K-10 on one. 31x10 Tires scrubbed the trailer fenders

So you may need skinny tires

What is your tow vehicle ?

It's gotta be larger than the car you're towing

You will need a small winch to get a dead vehicle on he trailer

A 2500 lb winch and a portable jump box or long jumper cables

Just don't tell the rental clerk what you're hauling
Tell em it's a Toyota 4 runner or jeep

[KingNeptune]

My tow vehicle is my 1979 K10. So, that's another problem with using an auto transport trailer like the ones U-Haul carries. I think with the Jimmy and the trailer, the weight will be too much for the 1/2 ton.

[roundhouse]

It should be fine
I towed mine with a 04 expedition
I'm sure it handles better than an older truck but the wheelbase and power is about the same
THe u haul trailer has automatic brakes

Just don't get in a hurry
50-55 max

[xschroederx]

You can haul it with a k10. Ive hauled 5 ton of alfalfa on a 25ft goose neck with my k10 wouldnt do it again, but it was a necessary risk and it was short distance on mostly flat ground and the trailer axles supported most of the weight. A tow bar and a k10 would be enough. Just try to get the wheels as straight as possible when you lock the wheel. The wheel lock already in the vehicle would be enough. Free the hubs and pull the drive shafts. Dont forget safety chains and the "in tow" sign and trailer lights that plug into your trailer plug. The lights mount on the back of the vehicle for safety. Youll be fine.

[timthescarrd]

You go to uHaul and rent  car trailer cuz you need to tow your brothers 95 Honda Accord.  It's the kinda blueish 4-door model.

[Irish_Alley]

reg steering lock will be ok. farmers do it all the time behind tractors. just make sure to give yourself plenty of room to stop and watch the speed