Drake Berkley

Hello everyone, I was curious if I could flat tow my 04 350z with a standard transmission with a heavy duty tow strap without risking any damage to anything. I would be towing it from the front with all wheels down behind a truck. I looked around and most people said it is safe to tow a rwd manual car of this make as long as it is in Neutral. I will be towing the car about 20 miles to the closest shop for a diagnostic since it is running very rough. Thanks!

Heel Til I Die

iTrader: (2)

That's a pretty short trip, so you should be ok, but I probably wouldn't. The next best thing would be to use a two wheel dolly, but you would likely have to remove the bumper. Your best bet would be to get a rollback or flat bed or rent a car trailer.

Drake Berkley

Yeah I am going to remove the front bumper anyways so I dont have to worry about damaging it while pulling it with my the truck. I actually found something called "The Dhingy Guide 2004" and it had said I could flattow my car at top speed of 60 and for up to 500 miles. I wouldnt be going no more then like 20 mph and for only 10 miles at that.

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

Knowing the inner workings, it won’t harm the trans much at all.

Drake Berkley

Yeah according to that guide it wont damage anything, so I think I should be good.

iideadeyeii

iTrader: (6)

With a tow strap? What happens when you brake

MicVelo

Inertial interruption via truck bumper.

But yeah, hopefully whoever's in the towee is awake and can see the upcoming traffic lights.

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

Sorry to say, I've been towed in my 350Z race car on track a few times. But to go 20 miles on a tow strap won't be easy, and as Mic says, whoever is in the Z will have to pay close attention! I'd suggest (hiring) a rollback would be a better bet for avoiding damage on even a short tow like that

Drake Berkley

Yup I will be in the Z riding behind keeping the strap tight, I have done this quite a few times. My main question was just was it ok flat tow the Z, which I then found was fine up to 500 miles. Thanks.

Aeneas137

The problem is that your rear differential will be spinning and so your transmission will be spinning also. I strongly recommend disconnecting the drive shaft and putting a rag in the transmission hole. it doesn't take much to remove it. 4 bolts.