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Flat towing a CJ7.

Flat towing a CJ7.
Greenwithenvy

Greenwithenvy

Jeeper
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Location
Chelan, WA.
Vehicle(s)
79' CJ7, 401 AMC, T18, D20, D44, D44.
Just last night I bought a motor home. My question is can I flat tow my 79' CJ7 ? It has lock out hubs on front axle. A Dana 20 Transfer Case and T-18 manual Transmission . If I remember right, I would have the front hubs unlocked, Transfer Case in 2 high and Transmission . in neutral, right? Will this work for a trip like to Moab? Or do I need to get a trailer? Will I burn things up?
 
Well, looking up the topic in the search, I found out some things. Sounds like to tow more than 300 miles, I lock the front hubs in so the drive shafts lube the Transfer Case . The Transfer Case should be in neutral along with the Transmission . Does this sound right? In the long run, I'm going to start watching for a trailer to put the Jeep on, as I do have an extra winch I could put on the trailer if I break things! Never tried flat towing a 4x4 very far before!
 
I would suggest disconnecting the rear driveshaft. The issue with leaving it on is poor lubrication in the Transfer Case . If you look this topic up, you will find that the driveshaft disconnect will eliminate any questions, as some say it is not needed with the Dana 20 . Also with front hubs in the "free" position, make sure there is a slight toe in on the front wheel alignment to help it track better. Have the tow bar either setting level or facing a bit down in front. If you have to slam on your brakes this will help keep the tow bar on the ball. Leave the ignition key in the "off" position so the wheels will track correctly. Make sure your motorhome can safely tow and stop a vehicle weighing in the vicinity of 3500-4000 lbs. Having the tow bar mounted to the front bumper is a weak location as it is not well secured to the frame. Here is a pic of my CJ tow setup:
img_0855.webp
 
Here is my 2 cents for what it is worth. This discussion has been a heavy topic on the forum before.

I had a motor home and at the time a Jeep Cherokee. I bought a trailer (car hauler 18') for around $2000. I towed the trailer with the Jeep on it everywhere I went. I went that way for the following reasons: Didn't want the ware and tear on the Jeep, trailer tires are cheep compared to my MT Baja Claws. I wanted to be able to back everything up without unhitching. This can really only be done with a trailer. I'm an idiot and will go the wrong way a lot, so I need this feature. And finally if anything happened to the Jeep, I had a trailer to get it home on.

A lot of others have flat towed their Jeep all over the Country. Their experience and reasons are different than mine. You'll have to weight the pros and cons and decide for yourself.
 
Thank you for the response, Torxhead and Peanut Butter.

Torxhead, thank's for the picture. That did help and made sense.

Peanut Butter, I like the idea of a trailer for the reasons you stated.

Guess I will have to see how much I can save up over the winter. It's only a money thing and with my wife and I separated, we will see how that goes! The motor home is a 35' home and set up with a tow package and a back up camera.
 
So I have a towing question. Im moving next week probably a 20 mile trip, was gonna hookup a tow hitch I have have to the CJ7 vs renting a trailer and use my friends suburban but do I run a risk with the lockers in the diffs? They are not select. Any things in need to know?
 
Honestly Dan, I've flat towed my all over the place, and to tell you the truth, it's just less of a pain in the butt to rent or borrow a tow dolly. That's just my 2¢, I've flat towed mine probably a thousand miles all told, and it's just easier to do with a dolly, the last time we moved, about a month ago, from by Baltimore MD to Chesapeake VA I rented a full on car trailer.
 
yeah Im lucky if I break 25 miles where Im going to. And I dont have the tow bar mounted yet it was given to me and figured if it worked. If I just did the 2 wheel dolly from uhaul, any precautions?? or do you think full trailer is best
 
Unlock the front hubs, and remove the rear driveshaft at the diff.
 
Posi said:
Unlock the front hubs, and remove the rear driveshaft at the diff.
Click to expand...

so I should have no issues with the front/rear lockers?
 
With your D/20 t'case, you shouldn't have any issues with hubs unlocked and t'case and tranny in 'N'.
The D/300 t'case has a history of rear output bearing lube issues when towed.
So I just disconnect the rear DS at the pinion and have towed all over the western USA doing this.
DON'T FORGET TO UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL.:p
LG
 
Dan86CJ7 said:
So I have a towing question. Im moving next week probably a 20 mile trip, was gonna hookup a tow hitch I have have to the CJ7 vs renting a trailer and use my friends suburban but do I run a risk with the lockers in the diffs? They are not select. Any things in need to know?
Click to expand...

For that short trip-No issues at all.
Don't forget the steering wheel is to be unlocked.
LG
 
ok, maybe ill just mount the bar then. I just know she rips tires around corners with the lockers and was more worried about towing it and those. So pop the rear shaft and neutral all around, steering unlocked. off I go? perfect thanks guys.
 
You should have no problem running 20 miles if you remove the rear DS and unlock the front hubs.
I'm flat towing 120 miles Friday, full Detroit in the rear.
I typically use my trailer, but I'm not doing any super hard stuff this weekend.
 
quick question, all of this is ok mounted to the normal stock front bumper?

thanks posi!
 
Dan86CJ7 said:
quick question, all of this is ok mounted to the normal stock front bumper?

thanks posi!
Click to expand...

The OEM mounting(4, 3/8"dia. bolts)of the OEM bumper, IMO is not built for this.

The lockers are not being driven via the DS. Should be no issue.
What lockers are you using?
LG
 
my front bumper is the same mounting as stock? yes 4 bolts, also just has a receiver on it. The locker ive been told is detroit in rear some powertrax in front.
 
I added reinforcement tabs from the bumper to the frame's vertical section, and upgraded the bolts in size and strength.
My bumper is also tied into the Warn winch mount for my 8274.

Flat towing with a DL, is not an issue.
LG
 
mines just held on by the 4 3/8"? bolts. the bumper thing may push me to a dolly or trailer rental. Never thought about til now.
 
I tow mine hooked to the stock bumper I just changed the bolts to grade 8. Have towed over high mtn passes and have never had any problems.
 
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