Towing the bus—driveshaft disconnect or not

[captnredbeerd]

Getting my international 3800 t444e “8 window” towed tomorrow. Can anyone tell me if the driveshaft Must be disconnected? If so, does the wrecker know how to do this?? Cause I sure don’t. I believe it will be lifted from behind and pulled. I thought it could just be pulled in neutral and brake released. What’s the real scoop? Thanks

[Brad_SwiftFur]

If towed from the back, the steering wheels will need to be secured/restrained. If towed from the front, either the driveshaft must be dropped, or the axle shafts have to be pulled. The wrecker driver should know how to do this, and it is generally accepted as part of his job to do so. If he doesn't, find another company to move it, as this *WILL* roast the transmission. This is even true for manual transmissions.

[banman]

You'll most likely be towed from the front -- see my avatar -- that's me getting my bus!

The Thomas bus manual says the driveshaft needs to be disconnected for whichever allison tranny your bus has -- mine came with either the A545, A2000, MD3060.

Allison's website confirmed this.

My towtruck driver disconnected my drive shaft at the rear diff and used heavy duty bungee cords to secure it outa the way. He said they do that for all tows rather than risk any damage to the drivetrain.

The driveshaft clamps are only 4 bolts -- it's a 10 to 15 min job for the experienced.

*Your parking brake will not function if it's a driveline brake like mine is.
Just chock your tires to be safe.

[Native]

They will also "cage" your brakes so they do not lock up unexpectedly.

[bus-bro]

On some rigs they'd just pull an axle shaft.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by captnredbeerd

Getting my international 3800 t444e “8 window” towed tomorrow. Can anyone tell me if the driveshaft Must be disconnected? If so, does the wrecker know how to do this?? Cause I sure don’t. I believe it will be lifted from behind and pulled. I thought it could just be pulled in neutral and brake released. What’s the real scoop? Thanks

Gotta disconnect the driveshaft and cage the brakes if they're air.