General Can I tow a 1988 Panda 4x4 with the front wheels on a dolly?

[Helmetless Stig]

If the 4x4 system is not engaged, is there any possibility of damage to the rear diff if towed on a dolly?

 

[bugsymike]

I would advise not.
Any chance of a small car trailer so all four wheels off the ground, I am guessing towing behind an MH?

 

[PuntoHowTo]

I would advise not.
Any chance of a small car trailer so all four wheels off the ground, I am guessing towing behind an MH?

I wouldn’t do that with any 4wd that you cannot manually disconnect the rear wheels from the drive train.

You used to remove the half shafts on big vehicles, not sure you can do that on a panda, otherwise, unbolt the rear drive shaft.

 

[Greasytrucker]

Depending on the type of dolly would it not be possible to tie the steering and reverse lift it? That’s assuming obviously that when it’s in 2wd it’s rear wheel drive? If not ignore me

 

[Dragon Man]

due to the way the panda 4x4 systems is designed you can tow it when the 4x4 system is not engaged (lever all the way to the floor). it is completely disconnected from the front gearbox when its like that. the risk would be the same as towing a standard rear wheel drive vehicle in neutral.
to the 4x4 system, normal driving of the car in 2wd mode has the same affect as if it was being towed. the system is only being moved by the wheels turning, not from the engine.
old mk1 and mk2 fiat pandas are not "true" 4x4s.. they just have a take off point from the front diff that can drive the rear wheels when enabled. an easy way to tell if its a "true" 4x4 is if the rear wheels are the ones that are constantly driven by a transfer box. the panda like what we have do not have a transfer box, just a dog type clutch that enables the rear axle.
every part of the system is lubricated via its own oil and no stress can incur from towing.

i am currently building a car that will be able to be towed (thankfully as i am building it) that will be a true 4x4. it will have 3 differentials. one on each axle and one in the transfer box (most 4x4s do not have the 3rd diff just a dog clutch). when all 3 diffs are unlocked (its normal state) no stresses will build up in any of the drivetrain.

hope this helps!

 

[bugsymike]

Depending on the type of dolly would it not be possible to tie the steering and reverse lift it? That’s assuming obviously that when it’s in 2wd it’s rear wheel drive? If not ignore me

You just reminded me of as a young apprentice in the late 60s I was put behind the steering wheel of a vehicle on a suspended tow behind a Land Rover with the back wheels off the ground , given the instructions to hold the steering in the straight ahead position as it was towed backwards through the lanes for several miles.
Every now and then I had to stop myself trying to corner with the steering wheel, it was a weird sensation, I assume the mechanic in charge had no string to tie the steering in place.