Towing Issues: 1999 Ford Explorer EB - AWD, ford explorer sport, ryder truck

Question
I will be towing my Explorer behind a Ryder truck and was needing help on disabling the drive shaft for the tow.  The easiest way would be most beneficial.

Thanks in advance....

Answer
I would not suggest towing it behind a ryder truck,as a owner of a 99 ford explorer sport I would put it on a car hauler getting all four wheels off the ground. If you desire to tow it behind your hauler(ryder) you will need to remove the four bolts that connect to the rear end and pry it back away from the rear end housing, then you will will need to remove the four bolts at the tranny the same way as you did @the rear end at this point the shaft will be out. Remember when you remove the shaft secure the wheels (blocking ) and leave the tranny in nuetral so to keep the pressure off so the shaft will come out without taking your head off. Looking at my ford it appears you will need a 12 point wrench to do the job. Good luck and remember DO NOT DRIVE IT WITH THE DRIVE-SHAFT OUT. Trying to move the truck on the front shaft only will cause the truck to lock-up .