Is Drive Shaft Disconnect Needed to Flat Tow a 1996 Ford Ranger
Question:
Can a 1996 Ford Ranger 5 speed manual 2WD be flat towed without disconnecting the drive shaft? If yes, could you please provide a complete list of parts I would need to do this? Thank you!
asked by: John K
Expert Reply:
I took a look at the online owner's manual for a 1996 Ford Ranger and it looks like the 2WD manual can be flat towed, you just need to release the parking brake and place the transmission gearshift into the neutral position prior to towing. You won't need to disconnect the drive shaft.
For a complete flat towing setup you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, vehicle tow bar wiring, a supplemental braking system, and possibly a high-low adapter. I recommend the following:
Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - # 435-3
Falcon 2 Tow Bar - # RM-520
Safety Cables - # RM-643
Tow Bar Wiring - # RM-154
Brake Buddy Classic 3 - # HM39494
A lot of flat towing setups might require the use of a high-low adapter to keep the tow bar level while towing a vehicle. I have linked a helpful article for you to reference to see if this applies to you. If it does then I have also linked our selection of adapters for you to filter through.
These options give you a cost-effective, yet high-quality towing setup that will last you a long time and a lot of these parts can be transferred to future vehicles as well. I have attached some videos that you can check out too.
Products Referenced in This Question
Brake Buddy Classic 3 Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Preset
- Tow Bar Braking Systems
- Brake Systems
- Pre-Set System
- Recurring Set-Up
- Portable System
- Air Brakes
- Air Over Hydraulic Brakes
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Brake Buddy
more information >
Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Way Flat Connectors
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Splices into Vehicle Wiring
- Diode Kit
- Universal
- Tail Light Mount
- Roadmaster
more information >
Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 6000 lbs
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Crossbar
- Fits Roadmaster Base Plates - Direct Connect
- Stores on RV
- Standard
- Roadmaster
more information >
RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs
- Safety Cables
- Coiled Cables
- 68 Inch Long
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Snap Hooks
- Coated Cables
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Base Plates
- Removable Drawbars
- Hitch Pin Attachment
- Roadmaster
more information >
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on Base Plates
