I need to move a disabled Crown Vic about 75 miles. The engine does not run. Can this safely be done with the towed car in neutral without certain bearings in the transmission being damaged? Thanks again in advance.
No, you cannot flat tow this car (nor any car with an automatic) since the only fluid pump is driven off the engine. If you remove the driveshaft (being careful to cover the output of the trans to keep dirt out, you will be OK.
First choice - simplest and easiest overall - would be to rent or borrow a tow dolly, so you can put the back wheels on the dolly platform and not turn them while towing.
I wouldn't take the tail-shaft out of the transmission - unbolt the U-joint from the front and rear yokes, they usually make provisions for taking it apart. Be sure to tape the bearing caps in position on the yoke, if one comes off you'll have a gazillion loose needle bearings trying to make their escape.
And no matter how you take it apart, make sure to paint alignment marks on the U-joint knuckles at both ends, and make an index mark where the slip-splines in the driveshaft meet in case it comes apart there, so you can get it put back together in the same position. On certain cars, you will throw the driveshaft balance all out of whack if you put it back together out of phase.
DO NOT try taking the big nut out of the yoke on the rear axle - that nut sets the preload for the pinion bearings and the pinion gear, and you'll make a big mess if you touch that.
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Hey Jim, Your reply brought a question to mind. I know a RWD vehicle can't be flat towed with the drive wheels down, but what about a FWD such as a Taurus? I've never tried it or even considered it. I always tow with the non powered wheels down. I never really considered FWD though.
Same deal with the FWDs. Tom... without a rear fluid pump (IIRC, the old cast iron Powerglides were about the last to have a rear pump), there is nothing to circulate fluid to cool and lubricate bearings and bushings. While most FWD cars have the third member and trans sharing fluid, the "splash " isn't a sure way of getting lube to where it needs to go.... FWD transmissions aren't much different from RWD transmissions other than the location or arrangement of the various members.
FWIW, even those automatics equipped with a rear fluid pump had some caveates to consider when flat towing... though these cars could be push started,
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