Real smart people

[packrat427]

Real smart people check this out

http://centralscene.proboards21.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Talk&thread=1133476989&page=1

[FB71]

I have my suspiscions about that story. You can't flat tow an automatic transmission vehicle without completely grenading the trans. Here's why; fluid is required to be circulated and pressurized in certain area to reduce bushing wear. The engine drives the fluid pump in the trans. If the driveshaft is rotated continuosly without lube, the bushings will seize on the the shaft, causing the driveshaft to lock, or, splitting the case around the bushings (seen it happen). Additionally, in neutral with the engine off, all of the clutch packs a released, however, there is still drag within those clutch packs. None of those packs are designed to have one component rotate and the other remain stationary without some fluid exchange for cooling, and most are designed to have components rotate at different speeds, not one component stationary, which builds even more heat. Now, Ford does have a "Neutral Tow" function in its small and midsize SUVs for flat towing behind RVs. However, that is accomplished in the transfer case, not the trans. In fact, the trans needs to be in park to enter the "Neutral Tow" feature. Now that I think about it, that may be what happened. The driver may have thought the SportTrac was in NT, and it wasn't. And in response to some of the other posts on that board... If you've ever driven a Detroit powered Pusher RV, you wouldn't notice 4 SportTracs in park behind you, much less 1.

[anomoly40]

I think I remember hearing something about the tires breaking loose at 15mph from one of those Repossession shows a few back. They would just hook the car up and tow it off. I can't remember the show though.

[Tim]

I have my suspiscions about that story. You can't flat tow an automatic transmission vehicle without completely grenading the trans. .

I was thinking the same thing myself....

But that truck is probably RWD, which leaves me confused as to how this happened.


Regards,

Tim

[mechanicaldj]

doesn't the post read that the exploder was left in park?

[packrat427]

I believe the sport trac is 4 wd , I might be wrong it could be an option , my neighbor had one ,but when you get the rubber groung off, the dam thing prolly pulled pretty easy especially with those alloy wheels they would not spark as much as steelies

[FB71]

SportTracs can be either 4x4 or 4x2, 5spd auto or 5spd manual, all are 4.0L SOHC, 207hp.

[Tim]

doesn't the post read that the exploder was left in park?

Yes.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if the truck's RWD and it's in park, won't only the back wheels lock?


Regards,

Tim