Towing a 240z

[Corganx33]

I dolleyed my Z from PA to NC ( about 500 miles ) with the front wheels on the ground and the rear on the dolley.... it works fine as long as you remember to lock the steering column straight so that the wheels won't turn while you are driving.

Its definitely the easiest methoid to doing it, the alternative is removing the driveshaft and having the rear wheels on the ground... or putting it on a full trailer.

[jmortensen]

I'd stick it on the dolly backwards too. Both the transmission bearings in the front and the front pinion bearing will be completely out of oil and running (although not under power) if you have the rear rolling.

[EScanlon]

The full bed trailer is the BEST option.

You don't have to worry about the condition of the car, nor of any damage that the tow might incur. If you can afford it, then it is the best way to go.

E

[ecp48]

For what it's worth...

My normal method of "Z Acquisition" is flat towing with a tow bar, even though I have a tow dolly. The tow bar and brackets slide into my pickup, while on work trips very effectively. While the dolly is a little much to haul around on speculative ventures.

Having said that, My 78 five speed was towed from Fairfax, VA. It was non-running with approximately 130,000 miles on the clock. Hadn't been driven in five years or started in three. I've driven it extensively since then (cleaned the fuel system), but it has a fifth gear whine. I've often wondered if I caused that by the flat tow, due to lack of lubrication to the fifth gear lay shaft. The latest acquisition, an 81 280ZX, I disconnected the drive shaft, which was a major pain, but I did not want to risk the tranny.

I've towed at least 7 assorted Zs and ZXs this way, let alone other non-Z acquisitions. The automatics always get the drive shaft pulled. Of the others, the 76 280 four speed showed no wear afterward. it shifted fine, etc.

The other 78 280, I haven't taken the time to get running, so I can't tell on that five speed.