Forgive my ignorance... please!

I have a challenge I thought the good folks here could help me with.

Simply put, I'm trying to figure out a way to tow my 2wd Liberty behind my motorhome, without having to resort to trailering it.

When we bought it, I did not do sufficient research and relied on the salesman's "knowledge"... which was, of course, stupid! I know, I know, why did I buy a 2wd to begin with"? On that, I'll have to plead "temporary insanity".

I've looked into the possibility of installing either a transmission pump or a driveline disconnect system, but they are no longer available.

Now for the (cringe) "idea" another motor-homer suggested... install locking hubs on the rear axle. Then I could merely disengage the hubs, tow the Jeep to our destination, then re-engage the hubs and off we go.

Please be kind with your responses, I can already imagine the thoughts of, "what the heck are you thinkin'", or something similar, running through your minds... but, is this feasible. Or, should I continue flogging myself over NOT buying the 4wd? (Don't worry, I do that anyway...)

While it is true that the 4x4 was designed to be flat towed (the transfer case allows for a neutral that disconnects the wheels from the transmission) and it is really easy, the 2x4 can still be towed without too much trouble. Essentially, you just need to unbolt the driveshaft from the rear differential and wire it up so it doesn't drag. It's a little bit of labor, but not really that bad.

I've always contemplated putting locking hubs on the rear axle, but never heard of anyone actually doing it... I always wonder about whether it can put up with constant stress---but they're on front axles all the time.

I hope this helps.

Phil + Neela said:

While it is true that the 4x4 was designed to be flat towed (the transfer case allows for a neutral that disconnects the wheels from the transmission) and it is really easy, the 2x4 can still be towed without too much trouble. Essentially, you just need to unbolt the driveshaft from the rear differential and wire it up so it doesn't drag. It's a little bit of labor, but not really that bad.

I've always contemplated putting locking hubs on the rear axle, but never heard of anyone actually doing it... I always wonder about whether it can put up with constant stress---but they're on front axles all the time.

I hope this helps.

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Thanks... I too considered just unbolting the driveshaft. I'm trying to find alternatives to laying on my back, in the dirt... but, unless the locking hub scheme is workable, it looks like it may be my only choice.

Problem is, whenever I touch anything that requires something be unbolted and then re-attached, I always end up with at least one "extra" nut or bolt. (lol)

Taking the driveshaft is your only option,besides trading it in for a 4wd.No one makes "lockouts" for the 8.25,they make them for the D44,Ford 9",and I believe the Ford 8.8.

I'm not really knowledgeable about RV towing, but would it be possible to get a dolly or something and tow it backwards, with the rear wheels off the ground?

HoosierJeeper said:

I'm not really knowledgeable about RV towing, but would it be possible to get a dolly or something and tow it backwards, with the rear wheels off the ground?

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Yeah, but how would you secure the front wheels from moving and have them perfectly straight? (my steering column doesn't lock unless I turn the wheel 180 degrees and then the wheels would not be perfectly straight and possibly dangerous and tear something up)?

I would just disconnect the drive shaft. It's only a couple of bolts and tie it up and done with it and beer time in 5 minutes.


Dave

So I take it the salesman told you it's easier to tow a 4x2 than a 4x4 Liberty?

Typical...

Here is the website for REMCO the manufacturers of driveline disconnect products,

Remco DriveShaft Coupling

Research the web before buying I have seen a few complaints about the cable stretching.Most seem to be from people who ordered the product and had a local mechanic install it for them.

I have a BlueOx baseplate on my 4X4 KJ and it tows well

I've checked Remco's wbsite and saw no listing for a disconnect kit for my Jeep... my understanding is they quit making them. I've sent an E-Mail, asking if it's something off catalog they could build... I'm not expecting a response until after the holidays.

In the meantime, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

honu said:

Thanks... I too considered just unbolting the driveshaft. I'm trying to find alternatives to laying on my back, in the dirt... but, unless the locking hub scheme is workable, it looks like it may be my only choice.

Problem is, whenever I touch anything that requires something be unbolted and then re-attached, I always end up with at least one "extra" nut or bolt. (lol)

Click to expand...

I've seen vehicles being towed backwards on a dolly, swaying all over the place. scary shit :badidea:
a piece of card board or plastic would keep you out of the dirt and could be dusted off and put into the back of your kj or where ever for storage. just a thought.

Well... good news! I spoke with a representative of Superflow.com and he said the drive shaft disconnect IS available.

Apparently, the owner of Remco retired and sold his business, part to Superflow, which manufactures the disconnects. They can be reached through the Remco website. (the transmission pump side of the business was bought by another company)

So, it looks like I won't be having to jury rig some off-the-wall, backazzward means of towing my Liberty.

Thanks to all who offered advice and suggestions.

Glad you found what you were looking for! Keep us up to date about how it goes.