An intro and Q

[Jason S]

Hi,

I'm expecting to finalize a purchase on a '76 CJ5 this weekend. (AMC 304 , 3sp) The owner says it's stock. From what I have seen of it, I'm not certain, but then I'm not the most knowledgeable. The only Issues that I am currently aware of are a TC issue (broken tooth according to owner) and an exploded muffler. Due to the TC issue, I didn't drive it, (Poor judgement on my part?) and I intend to pull the driveshafts when I tow it home.

My concern is getting it home. I have a '94 S10 with a 4.3 and a 5sp that I know is powerful enough to flat tow the CJ5 (it has a towbar) and I think is big enough to safely stop it. The problem is my '94 only has a spot on the bumper for a ball (i.e. no reveiver hitch). The trip is only about 60 miles of mostly freeway and a ferry ride, but experience shows that it only takes a mile for disaster to strike.

On short notice like this, my only other option is to rent something else to pull it. Though, I have been tempted to call a flatbed and not mess with it until I have a better idea of the condition of the driveline.

I think that if I take it slow and easy, then I should be alright, but I would like to hear opinions of those with more experience.

TIA.

 

[ftwflh]

Good luck!Dont you just love an adventure.
Congrats on getting your CJ

 

[CJKrawler]

May be a little late, but what is the bumper rated at? IIRC, it is 200 tounge/2000 trailer. The short distance you may be ok, but I would only do it once. You would have to take your time, and not get crazy with it.

Congrats on the "new" CJ. You don't always have to test drive, esp if you got a good deal.

 

[Cheepjeep85]

yeah man tow it. my wife's previous vehicle was a s-10 blazer with a bumper hitch, trust me it will be plenty strong enough to pull that jeep around. now i'm not saying hitch a car trailer to it and load the jeep up but with the tow bar you will be fine. just take it easy as suggested previously. oh yeah congrats on the "new" jeep.

 

[GoldenEagle36]

Does your buddy have a bigger truck so you could use a trailer to pull it no problem??? if you were to use your truck take back roads so you dont run the risk of a highway accident.

 

[Jason S]

Thanks for the replies. The 200 and 2k weights sound about right for the bumper, and is why I am concerned. I know that the engineering standard is 20% overengineered, and if IIRC the advertised/listed ratings for the bumper are lowered below the actual in an effort to push the factory towing package or a dealer installed class three hitch.

The only guy I know with a trailer, retired a month or so ago and took a vacation to celebrate and visit family. Uhaul told me that their trailer is booked for this weekend and the nearest one is a couple hours in the wrong direction, something about some antique and classic swap meet this weekend. I was thinking about figuring out where it is and stopping by to see what jeep parts might be available.

Some of the state and county roads around Puget sound can get a little hilly which is why I figure that a straight shot down the interstate early-ish on a Saturday morning is my best option for route.

I'm confident that if I take it slow and easy, giving myself plenty of room to stop, and minimize jery starts or stops, then I will be OK and my bumper probably wont fall off.

 

[Sasquach]

The CJ is 3200# + and your bumber may "maybe" rated at 2000# but are your brakes rated? No.

Even though you only need to do it once that will be the one time your up to speed and you come around a turn and there will be a turnip truck stoped in the middle of the road cuse he ran out of gas, then what?

Can you rent a truck from Uhaul or ?

 

[Old Dog]

I'd put off getting the jeep till I had a truck with a hitch that was rated higher.
It only takes the jeep breaking that bumper hitch one time to hurt somebody.

 

[jamie]

and the headlines read.. run away jeep on the interstate.

 

[dslywalker]

Welcome and congrats on your purchase.I'd find another way on account of the brakes.Also you might want to see what the Law has to say about towing that way.Just another 2 cents worth.Besides you don't want to give Wally World any extra money for new shorts
Mike

 

[ftwflh]

Bring it home.....just stay off the freeway.Take the back streets and have a good time.Hell we drag cars home here in So IL with just a chain(a 6pak and luck help too):drool:

 

[Jason S]

After giving it some more thought, I called a buddy and talked him into letting me borrow his '09 f150 for the day. Unfortunately, I had to leave him with my TT so he would have wheels to get around and take his girl out to some show or other. It's only fair, but if I didn't know any better I would think my car was being held hostage until he gets his truck back.

It has a higher tow rating/capacity so I think I'm in better shape now.

 

[mylittlecj5]

That'll do the trick nicely! Make sure to check over the hitch real good, air up the tires, remove the rear driveshaft (leave the front one on, just unlock the front hubs) and release the E-brake!
Get us some pics when it gets to the new home!

 

[CJ]

Welcome to our site Jason S! I'm a little worried about the "broken tooth"... Sure hope it works out for you...

 

[Sasquach]

That'll do the trick nicely! Make sure to check over the hitch real good, air up the tires, remove the rear driveshaft (leave the front one on, just unlock the front hubs) and release the E-brake!
Get us some pics when it gets to the new home!

And if it has column steering lock turn the key to unlock so the wheels will follow you.

 

[Cheepjeep85]

you woulda been fine with the s-10 i'm telling you guys its stronger than what you think it is i can attest to that fact.

 

[Jason S]

Well, I made it home with no issues. Pictures will be up later. After a shower and maybe a beer or three.

CheepJeep: It's not that I really doubted the S-10's ability to pull the jeep. I had concerss about the bumper. However, my greatest concern was the Jeep. After all, it is/was a giant unknown.

 

[Jason S]

Photos are up. To check them out, head over here:
http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f49/here-some-photos-6848/#post58991

 

[CJ]

Welcome a new CJ owner!

Glad you made it to it's new home!

And no - that is not the original emission sticker...