1997 Toyota 4Runner Owners Manual - Page 174

TOWING PRECAUTIONS: Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by the state/provincial and local laws. The wheels and axle on the ground must be in good condition. If they are damaged, use a towing dolly. Two-wheel drive models- (a) Towing with wheel lift type truck From front- S Manual transmission We recommend using a towing dolly under the rear wheels. If you do not use a towing dolly, release the parking brake and put the transmission in neutral. S Automatic transmission: Use a towing dolly under the rear wheels. From rear-Place the ignition key in the "ACC" position. NOTICE zWhen lifting wheels, take care to ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Otherwise, the bumper and/or underbody of the towed vehicle will be damaged during towing. zDo not tow with the key removed or in the "LOCK" position, as the steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels straight while towing. (b) Using flat bed truck (c) Towing with sling type truck from front Follow the instructions for twoing from front in "(b) Towing with wheel lift type truck". Four-wheel drive models- (a) Towing with wheel lift type truck From front- S Manual transmission: We recommend using a towing dolly under the rear wheels. If you do not use a towing dolly, release the parking brake, put the transmission in neutral and set the transfer in "H2" mode. S Automatic transmission: Use a towing dolly under the rear wheels. NOTICE Never tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission from the rear with the front wheels on the ground, as this may cause serious damage to the transmission. From rear-We recommend using a towing dolly under the front wheels. If you do not use a towing dolly, place the ignition key in the "ACC" position, put the transmission in neutral and set the transfer in "H2". NOTICE Never tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission from the front with the rear wheels on the ground, as this may cause serious damage to the transmission. 173