Ok, Dumb Flat Tow Question

So I got all ready to flat tow to the mountain cabin. Front hubs in Free, rear drive shaft off and tied to the frame, front windshield down, etc. looking forward to finally get Willie to the mountains. We got almost 5 hours down the road when we got the call that my only aunt and last of the generation in my family had died. We were expecting it at any time, naturally it come at bad time. There was no way I would not be there after getting to connect with cousins for the past 4 years that I never knew growing up. So we turn around and headded back home. Grandson started to cry as he was so excited to get to go back to the cabin and with Willie (he is my Willie buddy/helper). As I drive home I think about how I'm gonna get the jeep back in the garage so I can avoid unpacking it while we fly to NY. Then I remember people talking about so what if rear is not working, put it in 4 wheel and use the front wheels to drive. Ah, perfect solution. Then I think it thru and if the drive shaft is tied to the frame, isn't putting it in gear still going to turn the tranny? So I sweat pushing it, etc. into the garage knowing there is no way to back it while still in tow position.

So, as we sit here at the airport killing time....

Now I'm trying to understand for the future. Am I correct that it will still try to turn the driveshaft which I have tied up to the frame, thus creating a mess? Or am I missing something here?

 

You are correct. The rear driveshaft will want to turn a well.

 

sorry for your aunt
as to jeep . the rear has to be completely removed to use 4WD with front axle only

 

Sorry for your loss and the heartbreak.
+1 what they said.

(Unless you have a Dana 20 transfer case with the pill removed. Then you could put the rear in neutral and the front in high or low.)

 

That's what I was thinking. So I need see how bolts come off the front of the driveshaft when I get home. Hopefully will be easy and not spin since tranny was recently done and they took off the drum and replaced it, as I recall.

Boy do I need mountain time. Just too much over the past 2 1/2 years.

 

Sorry To hear about your loss, Mickey. You have been having a hard time for the past couple years, I hope everything gets better for You and Family soon. I have never tried to back up flat towing, seems like if you could get it lined up with the garage door you could ease it in slowly? I know you cannot back up even a little with a tow dolly like I have, it will Jack Knife in jus a few feet. Good Luck

 

Sorry....

 

Sorry for your loss...and it really stinks that it interrupted your trip, but the mountains will always be there.
The scenario you describe is exactly why I remove the rear shaft entirely for towing long distances....easy to lock in the hubs and unhook the Jeep whenever you need.

 

Condolences. There will be other trips