Flat RV tow ? Gen 1 T/C case swapped into a newer Gen ?

CCRaider

New member
So I currently flat tow a couple of SWB Gen 1 Raiders behind my RV, a 88 auto with a 2.6, and a 88 2.6 with a 5 speed. Both engines need a rebuild, ones low compression and the other blew a head gasket. Reading all the Mitsu forums for days leads me to the conclusion the Gen 2 and above are not flat tow capable anymore because of the newer transfer case (no neutral ).

I’m wondering if a Gen 1 transfer case can be swapped into a later Generation Montero ? Older case and freewheeling hubs may be possible ? Would the computer throw codes which an early T/C swap ? The 2.6 are pretty gutless uphill and moving to a later Gen would be preferred. Anyone ever swapped a early T/C to a later Gen ?

( Great forum btw, spend hours getting a Mitsu education !)
 

lordtrunks

camp loser
You can put manual hubs on the gen 2's and just unbolt the rear drive shaft when towing and tie it up on the frame. Another option is to get a driveshaft disconnect which any driveshaft shop can Do for you
 

Toasty

Looking for that thing i just had in my hand...
It's not that Gen 2's don't have a neutral in the T-case it's that automatic trucks don't have a neutral. Gen 2 Manual has a T-case neutral, its used for the PTO as well. You can remove the shift rail and make a neutral position on an auto T-case but you can't easily adapt a manual T-case to an automatic. It would be easier to swap a Gen 1 auto case if you have one with a neutral detent (none of mine ever did). It requires some real work and dedication, same as swapping a Jeep T-Case.
 

Toasty

Looking for that thing i just had in my hand...
Like lordtrunks said though, the easiest and cheapest option is a rear driveshaft disconnect.
 

CCRaider

New member
Thanks for the feedback.
Looks like I may be rebuilding one of the SWB’s I have, they’re pretty light to tow compared to the Gen 2 weight it seems.
I headed to AZ to pick up a clean low mile Gen 1 again, called the seller twice and told him I was coming, drove two days to get it and he sold it a couple hours before I got there. Major frustration so I’m leaning toward a rebuild after that clusterfawk.
 

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