Hey everyone! First time on a forum so I hope I do this right! I am flat towing my 95 yj behind my motor home and before hooking everything up I did a little research on what to do and what not to do. I have T/C in neutral and trans in 5th gear. As I did a test run around the block before the big trip in the morning the jeep was tracking good but I could hear a clicking noise coming from behind the motor home. As I was pulling back to the house I had my wife go to the jeep and listen as moved forward slowly and she said that it sounded like it was coming from the T/C. Is this sound normal when towing? Thanks for the advice in advance!!
You got the TC /Trans settings right. Shouldn't be any clicking.
Make sure you have the TC fully in Neutral.
Does the clicking increase with speed? I would not head out on a long haul without figuring it out. Possibly a u joint or something you either don't hear when driving or is under a different load when towing.
Could also be chain slap in the t-case due to stretch over time. Would be worth checking the fluid level in the t-case as well if you haven't done so recently.
The clicking does increase with speed. after coming to a stop I did start the jeep put it in gear and pop the clutch to see if it was in gear and it did seem free or in neutral but I'll will double check.
My YJ has had transmission and transfer case issues from towing and highway travel. The transmission was recently rebuilt by the previous owner; he bought the Jeep from a guy who towed it in gear... Ouch. Then, while taking it home, my dad (he wanted to drive it home, and I agreed because I wasn't the best with the clutch at that time) took it up to 70 MPH in 4H. Then both the speedometer and odometer went out.
You shouldn't have any issues, but if you do end up having issues down the road regarding the speedo or odometer, look in the transfer case.
New here but I just got a 95. Plan on towing on a dolly. I did one time and put both in neutral. From what I read in the book that's how it said. Is this correct? What's the 5th gear thing about?
One thing guaranteed on the internet. Guys will post with conviction absolute rubbish. Flat out, best advice, get a copy of the Owners Manual for the Make, Model, Year of YOUR Wrangler.... and read it. Trust is a stupid thing to do.
But I am certain you cannot dolly tow a Wrangler without damaging the transfer case. Either flat tow, all 4 wheels on the ground or put it on a trailer.
I have a copy of the AAA Towing Manual for Tow Truck Drivers. The only way we can tow a Wrangler from the front is either with a rear wheel dolly or with the rear driveshaft disconnected.
Another option? IF you have a dealer you trust... ask them.
Crash594, billiebob is right. Towing a RWD vehicle must be done with all four wheels on or off the ground, unless the driveshaft is disconnected. The drivetrain should not be moving during a tow, it can damage the transfer case or other components too easily. However, flat towing is alright because the drivetrain is moving the way it should. Still, I wouldn't go through the trouble of disconnecting the driveshaft unless I'm in a pinch.
If you want to tow your YJ with another vehicle, just buy a tow bar. I've seen some as cheap as $70, while a dolly at U-Haul is about $50. Only thing is, you have to install the mounts. Shouldn't be any trouble with the metal front bumper, the bolts are just a b**** to take out. The tow bar hooks onto the ball of the towing vehicle, and the two mounts of the towed vehicle. With some nicer ones, you can even work the brakes of the towed vehicle. Just be sure that you unlock the steering and have the TC in neutral so the engine doesn't lock.
The driveshaft is a pain to disconnect, as I've seen. It can fall on your gut, and is rather heavy to be bungie-strapping up. Bottom line is, no tow dolly.
One thing guaranteed on the internet. Guys will post with conviction absolute rubbish. Flat out, best advice, get a copy of the Owners Manual for the Make, Model, Year of YOUR Wrangler.... and read it. Trust is a stupid thing to do.
But I am certain you cannot dolly tow a Wrangler without damaging the transfer case. Either flat tow, all 4 wheels on the ground or put it on a trailer.
I have a copy of the AAA Towing Manual for Tow Truck Drivers. The only way we can tow a Wrangler from the front is either with a rear wheel dolly or with the rear driveshaft disconnected.
Another option? IF you have a dealer you trust... ask them.
I received my owners manual today. Page 110 says it may be necessary to tow a 4wd vehicle with the front raised and the rear wheels on the ground. Ensure that the transfer case is in neutral and the transmission is either in park (automatic) or in gear. Do not disconnect rear prop shaft because fluid will leak from the transfer case and damage the internal parts.
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