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Ok, Dumb Flat Tow Question

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by mickeykelley, Jul 17, 2019.

  1. Jul 17, 2019
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Republic of Texas
    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2015
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    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?
     
  2. Jul 17, 2019
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
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    You are correct. The rear driveshaft will want to turn a well.
     
  3. Jul 17, 2019
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    sorry for your aunt
    as to jeep . the rear has to be completely removed to use 4WD with front axle only
     
  4. Jul 17, 2019
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    Sorry for your loss and the heartbreak.
    +1 what they said.

    (Unless you have a Dana 20 transfer case with the pill removed. :sneak: Then you could put the rear in neutral and the front in high or low.)
     
  5. Jul 17, 2019
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Republic of Texas
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    Oct 10, 2015
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    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.
     
  6. Jul 18, 2019
    Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I live South of...
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    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
     
  7. Jul 18, 2019
    dozerjim

    dozerjim Member

    western New York
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    Sorry....
     
  8. Jul 18, 2019
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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    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.
     
    FinoCJ and Bowbender like this.
  9. Jul 18, 2019
    mortten

    mortten I can’t put my finger on it 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Peninsula, Ohio
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    Condolences. There will be other trips
     
  10. Jul 19, 2019
    termin8ed

    termin8ed I didn't do it Staff Member

    Mason, MI
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    I've shoved mine in reverse on dirt before. It doesnt like it but will go. Have someone in the jeep to steer. That should help some.
     
    Tom_Hartz likes this.
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