Towing a CJ5 with a towbar

I have a towbar for my CJ5. I've towed it 40 miles behind my F-150. I was concerned about doing over 40, but it seemed fine at 55 MPH.

Is 55 MPH too fast to tow the jeep with 5.87 rear?

I have freewheeling hubs in the front, and fun the transmission and transfer case in neutral.

 

Unlock the front hubs, pull the rear driveshaft at the rear diff and go!

 

i tow mine w/tow bar at 55mph i dont disconnect the rear diff i do unlock frt hubs and put trans and transfer in neutral....prolly better off unhooking driveshft but i never do... i tow mine roughly 5-10 times per year like 50 miles round trip. i wired in my tail lights to a 4 flat to hook to the back of my f250

 

x2 pull the shaft ,
I only pull the rear diff side ,I have it down ,and can change it in 5min.

 

ok also i never saw a dually jeep that is awesome! but is there a reason for it or just to look badass?

 

I always disconnect the rear driveshaft at the differential for flat-tow.
Remember that even with the transfer case in neutral (single shifter), the transfer case gears and front driveline is still turning with the rear drive shaft connected.

 

This jeep originally had a grader blade and backhoe or trencher on it. When I got it, it had a half cab and 5000 miles on it. The rear is a Dana 70. 12 leafs in the back, I removed 5 now have 7, hoping for a little better ride.

Tires are original 1968.

 

Do a search on flat towing. This has been covered ad nauseum. Said it before, will say it one last time. DO NOT FLAT TOW WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL! PUT IT IN A FORWARD GEAR!
You are asking for transmission damage if you leave it in neutral. Do the search and you'll see why as I've been explaining it on this board for 8 years.
The transfer case must be in neutral. The best is to either use a trailer or if that's not an option remove the rear drive shaft as others have said.

 

:iagree:

 

I flat tow mine at 65 mph all the time. Once a year, we go to Durango (approx. 300 miles one way). For that trip, I'll pull the rear shaft, just to reduce drag a little. For shorter trips, I just put the TC in N and off we go!
I'd like to add a word about tow vehicles-be sure it's up to the task! I tow with an F250 4x4 and have never had a problem. You have to remember that you're stopping and turning 2 vehicles. Make sure you have adequate brakes! I used to have an F150 that I towed with, 1 panic stop while going down a steep grade was enough to convince me that I needed something with bigger brakes!

 

I'm gonna go with remove the rear driveshaft, and unlock the front hubs, keep the TC in neutral and the tranny in forward gear. With the rear driveshaft removed the R&P gearing won't matter. If you don't have on the front, then pull the front shaft also.

If you leave the tranny in neutral your asking for issues; ie: heat build up, welding gears via friction, all kinds of not good stuff.

 

I know some fellas that run the 5:87s in 44s and they have had some issues with 80-90 gear oil foaming up real bad at highway speeds with that ratio. They have found that if they use Torco (sp) brand gear oil, it doesn't seem that bad.
I'd just make sure you gear oil is fresh and full.

 

didn't we have a member here ,that was flat towing on a bummpy road at 60 mph and it went into gear,,,,,, I just remember him saying it broke everything ,including the carb.

 

Thanks for all the great info.