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Topic: 97 wrangler towing instruction & precaution  (Read 539 times) previous topic - next topic

97 wrangler towing instruction & precaution

So as Im nearly ready to pull my new old jeep to Florida,  I've got a couple questions I'm hoping can be answered in short order and without much confusion. 

The jeep is a 97 wrangler 4 cylinder with a 5 speed manual AX5 transmission with  automatic locking front hubs. It's got a new engine, new transmission,  radiator,  lots of gaskets, seals, all fluids & new u-joints. I really don't want to mess anything up.

The front drive shaft has not been installed yet as the u-joints have just been installed & I noticed the whole belly pan would have to be dropped that holds the trans & transfer case. As a note.....I have been driving it with only the rear drive shaft as I'm not interested in the 4x4 at this time. So here's my concern....I am easily going to drop the rear shaft so there are no drive shafts on the jeep at all figuring it would completely disengage everything. My neighbor asked if the front hubs would be engaged and I said I didn't know. 

I really don't want ANYTHING to mess up this trip or project

With no drive shafts, that should eliminate a lot from turning......but what about those front axle shafts?? This is my only fear at this time. Can anyone shed some light on this matter for me please?

I'd like everything to be unquestionably free rolling.

Thanks in advance as always

Carl Sandel
1991 36' U280
Northern Michigan

Re: 97 wrangler towing instruction & precaution

Reply #1 –
You don't need to drop the driveshsft. Put trans in neutral and shift transfer case to neutral .if you have a locking steering column it needs to be unlocked.and tow away
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: 97 wrangler towing instruction & precaution

Reply #2 –
The front shaft is already off. The trans was just purchased from a company in Memphis & when I mentioned towing the vehicle he said if both shafts were off it would remove all doubt. My neighbor who is certified mechanic asked if I had manual lock out hubs or auto...he wondered how I'd know the front axle shafts were turning or not.
I'm definitely hearing what your saying & it makes perfect sense.  As I say, the front shaft is already off (due to fact that I've replaced all u-joints & not reinstalled) and not going back on until we return. And I'll feel better to easily access the rear shaft and drop the 4 simple bolts.
I thought I'd go a few miles and use my Lazer heat indicator to check trans, transfer & both rear end Temps after about 40-50 miles.
Any thoughts about how I'd know the front shafts were actually disengaged?  Is that simply by putting the transfer in neutral. ...or would 2wd be better?
I'm not second guessing....I just really can't afford ANY screw ups thus trip...at least nothing I can control. I did buy an old wrangler because I thought all in neutral would be the answer.

To have the key in and turned forward to unlock the steering wheel would it be best to disconnect the battery?
Carl Sandel
1991 36' U280
Northern Michigan

Re: 97 wrangler towing instruction & precaution

Reply #3 –
My thought If the front hubs are in free wheeling position the output shaft on the differential should not be turning.
Doug W.
96 36' U270 CSGI #4946
04 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
PNW

Re: 97 wrangler towing instruction & precaution

Reply #4 –
We have a 98 Wrangler.  This one has been towed about 25,000 miles.  We towed a CJ5 and a CJ7 in the before time.  When towing for the first time be sure you get a feel for braking changes and braking distances and lane changing distances. You won't be able to see the Jeep most of the time but it will follow along and go right where the coach went.

We have this pretty organized, it goes quickly. We go through the same routine, double checking each other, every time.
-----
Transmission in neutral. gear.
Transfer case in neutral.
Steering straight ahead.
Emergency brake off.
Bungie cord through the steering wheel.

Double check all of the above every time.

Check brake, tail and turn lights.

Double check hitch, wiring, brake system and break away cable. Put a lock on the coupler if you are using a ball coupler.
-----
The bungie cord goes from the bar across the bottom of the seat slide through the bottom of the steering wheel and back to the seat bar.  This doesn't need to be very tight, it just help keep the wheels going straight. Normally the front wheels will track fine with no help.  Pulling through sand or gravel in a turn can get them misaligned. Pretty rare that this might happen but a bungie cord is a good idea.

You don't have to disconnect the driveshafts.  Nothing needs to be done with the front hubs. You do not need to have the ignition key in. These did not have steering wheel locks. These tow easily.

Inflate tires to the max psi on the tire side wall.  This gets you less rolling resistance plus it makes you check tire pressure.  Don't forget to inflate your spare to the max psi.

It is a good idea to check your tow lights when you stop during the day. When you start towing lighting connections and coach to jeep wiring might come loose.  After doing this for a while you will know your connections are good and you can just check when you leave.

Break away protection is not required in every state but is a good idea to have anyway.  Braking systems are not required in every state but you should have your tow vehicle brakes working.

If you are using a hitch with a ball connection use a locking pin through the couple and lock it.  This does two things.  The latch has to be properly closed for the pin to go in and it makes it hard for anyone to just hook up your Jeep and tow it away.

Most tow setups don't allow for backing up.  I have found that I can back up (if I am going straight) about 2-3 ft if required but not more. If you have to back up it is a good idea to have someone else get out and keep watch.

Hook up, double check everything, watch your lane changing distances (you cannot see the Jeep). You will be fine.

Have fun in Florida.


Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: 97 wrangler towing instruction & precaution

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
We have a 98 Wrangler.  This one has been towed about 25,000 miles.  We towed a CJ5 and a CJ7 in the before time.  When towing for the first time be sure you get a feel for braking changes and braking distances and lane changing distances. You won't be able to see the Jeep most of the time but it will follow along and go right where the coach went.

We have this pretty organized, it goes quickly. We go through the same routine, double checking each other, every time.
-----
Transmission in
Transfer case in neutral.
Steering straight ahead.
Emergency brake off.
Bungie cord through the steering wheel.

Double check all of the above every time.

Check brake, tail and turn lights.

Double check hitch, wiring, brake system and break away cable. Put a lock on the coupler if you are using a ball coupler.
-----
The bungie cord goes from the bar across the bottom of the seat slide through the bottom of the steering wheel and back to the seat bar.  This doesn't need to be very tight, it just help keep the wheels going straight. Normally the front wheels will track fine with no help.  Pulling through sand or gravel in a turn can get them misaligned. Pretty rare that this might happen but a bungie cord is a good idea.

You don't have to disconnect the driveshafts.  Nothing needs to be done with the front hubs. You do not need to have the ignition key in. These did not have steering wheel locks. These tow easily.

Inflate tires to the max psi on the tire side wall.  This gets you less rolling resistance plus it makes you check tire pressure.  Don't forget to inflate your spare to the max psi.

It is a good idea to check your tow lights when you stop during the day. When you start towing lighting connections and coach to jeep wiring might come loose.  After doing this for a while you will know your connections are good and you can just check when you leave.

Break away protection is not required in every state but is a good idea to have anyway.  Braking systems are not required in every state but you should have your tow vehicle brakes working.

If you are using a hitch with a ball connection use a locking pin through the couple and lock it.  This does two things.  The latch has to be properly closed for the pin to go in and it makes it hard for anyone to just hook up your Jeep and tow it away.

Most tow setups don't allow for backing up.  I have found that I can back up (if I am going straight) about 2-3 ft if required but not more. If you have to back up it is a good idea to have someone else get out and keep watch.

Hook up, double check everything, watch your lane changing distances (you cannot see the Jeep). You will be fine.

Have fun in Florida.




X2, we tow a 2002, its a breeze!  Great choice. 97, first year of the TJ!
Kevin

Current  1997 U295. Build #5160
Previous 1994 U300

Re: 97 wrangler towing instruction & precaution

Reply #6 –
Kevin,  you don't need to quote my whole post to agree with it.
The moderators suggest that if you need to quote something  "Clip quotes down to the relevant info".  🌞

The Jeeps make a great tow vehicle.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: 97 wrangler towing instruction & precaution

Reply #7 –
 The tow truck drivers have been told that you cannot have one axle turning without the other. Either both drive shafts or no drive shafts. Something about the transfer cases on the jeeps having a problem. It may or may not pertain to your application but why chance it.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: 97 wrangler towing instruction & precaution

Reply #8 –
I agree with Rodger. In my personal experience, take your time and do not let there be any distractions. The one time I did not follow that rule was at FT. Getting ready to leave early AM in pouring rain, I forgot that the emergency brake was on. And each time I started to move things did not sound right. At first I thought it was the coach, but after trying several times, went back to the jeep to check on it. It was the brake that was on; dumb. Lesson learned.
John
1998 U270 34'

Re: 97 wrangler towing instruction & precaution

Reply #9 –
Not sure of the logic on driveshafts (Craneman) with manual transmissions but it is probably easier to put on at home than in some CG in Florida.  Either way everything in neutral, good to go.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: 97 wrangler towing instruction & precaution

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
Not sure of the logic on driveshafts (Craneman) with manual transmissions but it is probably easier to put on at home than in some CG in Florida.  Either way everything in neutral, good to go.
It is complicated but I will give it a try. The manual transmission is lubricated by the main shaft spinning the cluster gear. If the transmission is in neutral and the tail shaft spins the cluster gear does not spin and the bearings in the back of the main shaft are spinning dry. I agree with the idea that with the transfer case in neutral it shouldn't give torque to the output shaft of the manual trans. But the spinning transfer case gears have no resistance and could theoretically spin the input shaft of the transfer case. On my Jeep I put the transfer case in neutral and the automatic trans in park. Have been doing this since 1988 and never have a problem. I once towed a manual trans car 50 miles before I knew about the issue and the main shaft seized up and spun the engine.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: 97 wrangler towing instruction & precaution

Reply #11 –

Carl,

I tow a 2005 Wrangler with six speed stick shift.

 The Owners Manual says for flat towing to put transfer case in Neutral and transmission IN GEAR. It doesn't specify which gear so I put it in first gear.

I don't know if that applies to your 1997.

2003 GV320 4010

Re: 97 wrangler towing instruction & precaution

Reply #12 –
Maybe something changed when they went to the 6 spd transmission.  I have towed a 1947, 1973, 1975, 1976 and our 1998 all with transmission and transfer case in neutral.  If the transfer case is in neutral and the transmission in gear then the transmission and the input side of the transfer case will not turn. Maybe it has something to do with lube.  Leaving the transmission in gear makes it that much more important to make sure the transfer case is in neutral.

OK .... Transmission in gear, transfer case in neutral. 
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: 97 wrangler towing instruction & precaution

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
Maybe something changed when they went to the 6 spd transmission.  I have towed a 1947, 1973, 1975, 1976 and our 1998 all with tansmission and transfer case in neutral.  If the transfer case is in neutral and the transmission in gear then the transmission and the input side of the transfer case will not turn. Maybe it has something to do with lube.  Leaving the transmission in gear makes it that much more important to make sure the transfer case is in neutral.
The transfer case is lubed from the output shaft by a chain belt. It is being lubricated while towing. Also if the trans is in gear you will know if you are not in neutral on the transfer case
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: 97 wrangler towing instruction & precaution

Reply #14 –
I just looked a 1999 Owners Manual. It says the same thing: transfer case in Neutral, transmission in gear for flat towing.
2003 GV320 4010

Re: 97 wrangler towing instruction & precaution

Reply #15 –
Looks like the consensus is to put the transmission in gear and the transfer case in neutral.  I am going to do that. I adjusted my earlier post.

Old dog and new tricks sort of thing.

Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN