AboutDavid Scott Expertise Questions regarding the advisability of different kinds of modifications to Samurai/Sidekick/Tracker or various kinds of off-road usage. I will not attempt to do more than provide links for questions about other Suzukis such as Vitara, Grand Vitara, etc. I may or may not give generalized advice for newer models, but have no experience regarding newer models, and will not attempt to give more than the most generalized answers for questions regarding vehicles later than '93 manufacture. I will however, if possible, provide a link that will help you contact a professional in your region.
Experience I've been a professional mechanic for over thirty five years, live in the center of the Rocky Mountains, and have been active in exploring the old mining/4wd roads for decades. I've specific experience with Samurai modification, because that's my personal vehicle.
Education/Credentials Thirty five years of advanced, intensive classes for experienced professionals only. Manufacturer seminars and training classes averaging four to six weeks per year. I'm now a professional heavy duty fleet mechanic, and no longer deal with issues such as MIL (check engine) lights
Expert: David Scott Date: 8/2/2008 Subject: Towing a samarai
Question I want to tow a 1987 manual transmission samarai on a tow dolley. It has manual hub locks. Can I just put the tanny in neutral and the 4 wd shifter in neutral or do I need to disconnect the driveshaft????
Answer DON'T PUT THE 4WD SHIFTER IN NEUTRAL!! THAT PUTS THE TRANSFER CASE IN 4WD!! NOT A GOOD THING!! IT WILL MAKE THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT SPIN AT THE SAME SPEED AS THE REAR ONE, AND EVEN THOUGH THE HUBS MIGHT BE IN NEUTRAL, IT WILL BE AN UNNECESSARY AMOUNT OF STRESS AND WEAR ON THE T-CASE AND FRONT DRIVE PARTS.
For safety's sake I recommend disconnecting the rear driveshaft. I acquired my Samurai years ago because the previous owner had stacked loose stuff in the vehicle, and a bump apparently caused something to fall on the shifter, and it ended up in second gear at about 65 mph. While you can just leave it in 2wd high range, and the trans in neutral, the odometer will reflect towed miles. Two 12 mm box/open end wrenches, about a half hour, and a bungee cord will make it possible for you to disconnect the driveshaft at the differential, and bungee it to the frame (once the front end is on the dolly, you will probably have room to crawl under it to disconnect the driveshaft)
scotty
