flat tow and locking hub questions

Test towed the Jeep this afternoon and 2 problems -

1 - it doesn't track worth a dern anymore. Would bigger tires cause this - any suggestions for remedies are appreciated

2 - Unlocked the rear hubs to tow it home. When I got home I relocked them and unhooked the jeep. Now picture this - I'm on a slight incline with the Jeep rolling toward the tow car thinking the hubs are gonna snap lock into place any second. Never happened. Luckily it was just a slight incline and I was able to muscle the Jeep to a stop. I put it in 4wd and locked the front hubs with just a slight rocking motion and drove into my driveway in front wheel drive. What would cause the rear hubs not to re-engage. They're used but cleaned out real well and seemed to be ok prior to this. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Bob,

Tracking problem. I've notice HUGE differences in tracking depending on tire pressure. Higher the pressure the straighter they run. I tow at 40 PSI. At trail pressure, an asphalt seam will send me into the sagebrush.

 

Thanks Joe.

After searching here - I'm gonna try to pick up an angle finder tommorrow and double check the caster too.

 

#2- transfer case in neutral would be the only thing I can think of
what brand of hubs on the rear?

 

Warns. X-fer was in gear. I heard one pop into place after I drove about 20 ft.

 

If there was too much grease in the hub or if it is too sticky it could cause the clutch ring to engage slow. Once it started rolling it would be hard for the clutch ring to engage the drive gear also. Nickmil.

 

If you've got a Warn OD and it was in neutral, it would also roll with the trans/ xfer in gear.

 

X2 what Chris said
the rear axles are also a fine spline, 27 spline maybe?
that might also explain the delay, more precise engagement
lesson learned, rock the Jeep before disconnecting from m/home

 

yeah, and I didn't think about it till I found out the hard way, the emergency brake isn't much good either with the hubs unlocked.

JB

 

yeh............ got 33's on mine and drive/tow it at 27ish psi.

 

I used 3 degree shims to bring the pinion down and my jeep drives and tows much better