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Flat Towing With Th350

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by 53A1, Mar 28, 2019.

  1. Mar 28, 2019
    53A1

    53A1 Member

    Kern Co. Ca.
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    I have a hydromatic 350 connected to a Dana Spicer 18 transfer case. What I've read is the transfer case in neutral could turn the output shaft of the transmission so I"m wondering if I should keep the tranny in park and transfer in neutral. Park on a 350 locks the output shaft which makes me not want to do this. Does it really matter with an automatic? I would rather have both in neutral.

    I found this for the Wrangler with an auto trans. Confusing.

    Flat Towing a Jeep Wrangler

    Thanks.
     
  2. Mar 28, 2019
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
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    Best bet is to pull the rear driveshaft.
     
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  3. Mar 28, 2019
    Iandavidh

    Iandavidh Member

    California
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    Ditto on that
     
  4. Mar 28, 2019
    Cowboyjeeper

    Cowboyjeeper Member

    Show low az
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    pull the drive shaft only sure way as others have said. I always go by safe rather than sorry
     
  5. Mar 28, 2019
    53A1

    53A1 Member

    Kern Co. Ca.
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    Thanks.
     
  6. Mar 28, 2019
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
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    Basically its transfer case neutral, transmission park, key on first click for steering. Lots of MotorHome folks tow Wranglers (me included)because there so simple to tow
     
  7. Mar 28, 2019
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    But with the D18, Nickmil has stated that there can be oil starvation problems.
     
  8. Mar 28, 2019
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
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    On my 420/D18, 420 in gear, D18 in neutral.
    All the way to CO and back....twice.
    I think the D20 can burn up.....
     
  9. Mar 28, 2019
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
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    Yes I understand that .This was in reply to him trying to read instructions for towing a wrangler. BTW never had a problem flat towing a d-18 but I maintain my equipment and use common sense. To each is own.
     
  10. Mar 28, 2019
    Tom_Hartz

    Tom_Hartz Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    North Carolina
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    Full float rear axle conversion with hubs.
     
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  11. Mar 28, 2019
    kenb

    kenb Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult

    Detroit
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    Can someone explain the oil starvation problem of the D18? Not following that. Army TM for the M38A1 says transmission and transfer case both in neutral for towing.
     
  12. Mar 28, 2019
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    Here is a thread that will give you some reading....in short, it is oil starvation of the transmission, not the TC that occurs when both are put in neutral. What was thought to be best practice in 1950's has changed a bit with hard learned experience...
    Flat Towing - Trying to separate facts from all the hype
     
  13. Mar 29, 2019
    Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Unhooking the rear shaft is easy as pie, and only takes a few minutes. I put a ratchet strap from frame rail to frame rail to hold the shaft up out of harms way, and duct tape the universal joint caps on when I tow my Jeep on a dolly. Just something to consider.
     
  14. Mar 29, 2019
    kenb

    kenb Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult

    Detroit
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    I read through that, thanks for the link. Do people normally put the trans in 3rd gear for towing?
    Good point re unhooking the rear shaft, I'll definitely do that if I tow any distance
     
  15. Mar 29, 2019
    53A1

    53A1 Member

    Kern Co. Ca.
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    Thanks for the responses. I included the wrangler link because it talked about towing with automatics. I have a different auto trans so it may not apply. I should have pointed out I'm only towing maybe 10 miles to a rock crawling spot. I would just drive it out but I just don't want to pay these rediculous CA registration fees to test out my vehicle.
     
  16. Mar 30, 2019
    Tom_Hartz

    Tom_Hartz Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Technically if the Jeep is even rolling on the road it has to be registered. I lived in Southern California for 53 years, don't ask how I know.
     
  17. Mar 30, 2019
    53A1

    53A1 Member

    Kern Co. Ca.
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    That's insane. Thanks for the heads up.
     
  18. Mar 30, 2019
    Alan Rogers

    Alan Rogers New Member

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    I have towed mine many times t/c neutral and trans in neutral. No issue. I also have f/f rear. And just pull drive caps and put on my hubs on long trips
     
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  19. Apr 14, 2019
    53A1

    53A1 Member

    Kern Co. Ca.
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    Can anyone ID what brand/type of towbar would be used with this setup? The brackets are about 33 inches apart and the gap in the picture is 3/8. Thanks.
     

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  20. Apr 14, 2019
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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