Towing Jeep Cherokee XJ 4 down--front axles shafts removed
I have towed my 2000 XJ behind my motorhome in the past with 4 wheels down without issue. A few years ago, after breaking the front spider gears and an axle shaft while snowplowing (Boy do I wish I was retired then!!!), I added an Aussie lunchbox locker in the front Dana 30 axle. The only thing that typically wears out now is a front axle shaft u-joint, because of the stress of plowing.
I noticied if I now tow the XJ, even for about 100 miles, something seems to break in the front end (typically axle u-joints or hub bearings). I'm at the point where I don't want to tow the XJ anymore. My best guess is the extreme stress on the front end while towing is being worsened by the Aussie possibly locking up and not releasing (probably from the tires scrubbing while turning). The wheel speed differential may be binding the u-joints or wearing the hub bearings on dry pavement.
My Jeep's Owner's Manual states: "Internal damage to the transfer case (I have a NP231) will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used when recreational towing.", which means I can't tow the XJ on a dolly (which I really don't want to do!!). In this mode, I'm thinking the damage comes from the rear driveshaft turning, but the front driveshaft can't turn because the front wheels are locked down on a dolly.
Is this a correct assumption?
If I were to remove the front axle shafts (and possibly the front driveshaft) and tow 4 down, effectively making my XJ a 2WD, will the transfer case still get damaged? Of course I would remount the outer stub shaft so the bearing hub doesn't come apart!
In a few days, I will be towing the XJ about 1,500 miles to Florida and don't want to have ANY issues with the XJ. I won't need 4WD in FL, so I can live without it for a few months until I get back North in the Spring.
So what do you LJ, TJ, XJ, transfer case experts out there think?
Can I remove the front axle shafts and tow the XJ 4 down, without destroying the transfer case?
Thanks, Fran
PS, I thought about unbolting both DS, but disconnecting the rear DS may not be a viable option. I'll need to fill up my 75 gallon gas tank every 400 miles in strange gas stations along the way. If I get into odd situations, I won't be able to back up. You guys know the drill!!! I don't think people waiting to get gas would appreciate it when I'm under the XJ reconnecting the rear DS!!!
RE: Corvair Ultra Van
Ultra Van
If you go to the very end of this link, the webmaster is Ken Wildman. I believe he is the same person as "Ultraken" on RV.net. Maybe he can shed more info on the Ultravan. :B Ken? Ken?
Fran
RE: Retracting Leveling Jacks in Sub-Freezing Weather
HWH says significant time to retract is normal in cold weather, like over 30 minutes. Cold weather increases the viscosity of the fluidl
There--I fixed it fo you!!
RE: 2006 ITASCA SUNRISE 35A
Hi all,
I'm looking at a 2006 ITASCA SUNRISE 35A with about 16,000 miles. Should this be a good coach or is age starting to become a factor? I know the mileage is low but it's 7 years old so does age present any significant issues? The asking price is $74,000, is this what a unit like this usually sells for? What about the Workhorse Chassis?
Just wondering where you are at looking at the 35A? Is it in Conway, NH? We just bought the same model. It was listed for about the same price and mileage. Our 35A is in like-new condition. I am currently writing this from a local campground for a shake-down run to make sure all systems work under live conditions. BTW, we ended up paying $67K, which included the dealer installing 6 new Michelin tires and replacing one fogged window.
RE: Southern Florida class A resorts
Not class A - no pads - but beautiful sites - nice pool - terrific owners. Seminole Park in North Fort Myers. a regular stop for us.
We're staying here for the first time during the month of February. Recent reviews indicate it's a wonderful place. It's very pet (dog) friendly!
Fran
RE: led docking / backup light recommendation?
You may want to give these DDM Tuning LED lights a look at. Although this tread is from snowplow guys, it might be worth investigating.
DDM Tuning LED Lights
Fran
RE: Champion Pull Cord Broke
The recoil pull cord on my Champion 3500/4000 snapped. Are there any instructions on how to disassemble the recoil housing and rewind the cord?
Thanks, Fran
Thanks for the great feedback everybody. MrWizard, the video was great. It makes it so easy to fix the pull cord.
Thanks again, Fran
Champion Pull Cord Broke
The recoil pull cord on my Champion 3500/4000 snapped. Are there any instructions on how to disassemble the recoil housing and rewind the cord?
Thanks, Fran
RE: Lithium Ion Batteries for MH
Yes, it is too high for me also. However, as an RC flyer, we3 have been using LiPos for a number of years, and they are the best thing going so far...these are what atr being used in the electric cars and hybrids, and Toyota has an excellent safety recore with them.
Actually, my Generation III (2010) Toyota Prius uses a sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Traction Battery with a power output of 27 kW. Toyota is far too conservative to use LiPos in its hybrid cars.
Fran
RE: Rear camera displayed on laptop
A WiFi camera might be something to consider if you have a WiFi router running when underway.
This sounds like an interesting concept. I have a wireless router I could bring along with us in the MH. Any thoughts on other hardware--camera type? Would I need to reverse the image? I could see using this setup at home for an outdoor security camera, when not mounted on the MH. The camera probably needs IR LEDs for nighttime viewing
Thanks, Fran
