I flat tow my CJ behind my RV. Right now I have to pull the driveshaft and disconnect the battery so I can turn on the ignition key to unlock the steering column. I'm going to modify the D300 so I can flat tow with out removing the driveshaft, but I don't know how to mod the steering column so it doesn't lock up when I remove the key... Any suggestions? Rich
That is not entirely true about what you have to do to flat tow your CJ7.
Set the ignition to the OFF position and the steering will not be locked. Nobody is going to steal it while you are towing it, and the key probably can be removed with out setting the ignition to the Lock setting. My key is brand spanking new, and it comes out.
I also leave my front hubs locked. This forces the front drive shaft to turn, which forces the tcase to spin, which lubricates the output shaft bearings for the rear driveshaft. Keep in mind that the tcase is set at an angle, so the front gears and bearings are soaked in oil all of the time. As they turn (from being dragged down the street behind your mo-home) they will sling oil onto the rear output shaft bearings for you. Leave the tcase set in N, and the trans set in 1st or R (or P, if available).
I looked at the cost of modifying the tcase on my CJ5, and the hassle of disconnecting the driveshaft for short pulls of typically under 100 miles, and decided a trailer is the way to go. An advantage of a trailer is that if the Jeep breaks, all you need worry about is getting back to camp and getting it loaded up. I had a wheel bearing decide to take leave while out in the desert. I had to replace the bearing before I could go home. That could have been a serious problem. Actually, iit was a serious problem, but I had the tools needed to overcome the obsiticle.
My original CJ7 owners manual says it is ok to tow it in t-case neutral with the driveshaft still hooked up. You then stop every 200 miles and run the engine in gear with the t-case still in neutral for a bit to lube it, then drive on again.
My key also comes out once the ignition is unlocked so the wheel can move. No battery disconnect needed.
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
His Dana 300 is just like mine, too. The manual does say you can flat tow, but it says you have to stop every 200 miles and let the motor run to splash some oil onto the output shaft bearings and gear. If the front hubs are locked, the front driveshaft will keep this stuff lubed while you drive.
Pull the steering wheel. Inside the column you will find a ring with teeth that engage when the steering is locked. Remove, file off the teeth, reinstall. That's it.
Hey I just thought of something... I've got a Detroit Locker in the front diff.... Hmmm..that could definitely affect how it follows the RV...Any thoughts? I wish I could get a trailer... but cash is pretty low after buying the RV. Also towing weight is already close to max without adding the weight of the trailer.
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