Towing after a wreck

[quilbilly]

I am rebuilding my 93 truck after my daughter crashed it. She hit another car with the left front wheel which bent the frame and twisted the engine/ automatic transmission/ driveline. I have the cab back in shape, the door closes with a nice "thunk" and I am about ready to take it to the body shop to get the frame straightend. Yesterday being Thanksgiving, we picked my daughter up from college and I thought to ask her how they towed the truck after her wreck. (We were gone on vacation when it happened) I had always assumed that they had pulled it up onto a flat bed but actually they just lifted the front end up and towed it about ten miles to their yard. I got a sinking feeling for two reasons. First what happened to the transmission and differential since the driveline is so out of wack? It is in a Z shape as the engine came back a couple of inches. So since it rotates when towed that must have put some unusual strain on things. Also, I assume they tried to put it neutral but the linkage is messed up so I wonder if they actually did. So what I wonder if anyone can give me some advice on how to diagnose any damage before I spend money getting the frame back in shape. It is not drivable at this point. If the transmission is toast that changes the whole calculation on whether it makes sense to rebuild it or part it out. So far I only have labor into getting the cab into shape which also works out some of my aggressions of which I have many. Thanks Todd

 

[Greenleaf]

I thought I had problems; old turbo, no A/C. I feel for ya man.

I'm no expert here but I know enough that you remove the axles or the rear most drive shaft of a bus or OTR truck. I'm not 100% on this but, it has something to do with the oil in the transmission of a manual gear box. I suppose the front bearings can;t get oil???? With an auto I haven't a clue. My busses are auto and we pull the drive shaft on them too.



Your drive shaft probably will be ok as well as the diff. but the transmission should have been in "N" If it was, I'll bet everything is fine.



We need a tow truck operator to answer with his 2cents.



Scott

 

[1stgen4evr]

I know for sure that towing the manual is trouble$$$$. My tow truck friends never tow with the rear on the ground. Is it possible that they towed from the rear with the front rolling. Did the wreck incapacitate the front end?