Well, Dave, let me see if I can clear up any confusion.
First, while it is true that Jeep doesn't specifically address the issue of disconnecting the driveshaft in the Book, it has been an accepted practice in the towing world for many years. Even wrecker operators use it if they don't want to mess with the little dolly setup.
Second, (ALMOST) any rear wheel drive vehicle can be towed this way, four down or on a dolly. I say almost because if I didn't, just as sure as fate somebody would ask "Well, what about an old Ford with the enclosed torque-tube driveshaft?" Obviously, if there is no universal joint at the rear differential, it can't be disconnected!
Third, (ALMOST) any All Wheel Drive or Four Wheel Drive vehicle can be dolly towed this way.
Fourth, removing the rear universal joint from the differential yoke does EXACTLY the same thing as installing a Remco Driveshaft Disconnect. It just takes a few minutes longer than pulling a cable (and it is a LOT cheaper!).
There ARE a few precautions that MUST be taken:
Make sure the vehicle can't roll when the driveshaft is disconnected.
DO NOT drop the u-joint bearing caps in the dirt.
Wrap the u-joint with tape to keep the bearing caps in place.
Tie the driveshaft up so it is held in place FIRMLY. You do not want it to fall out, or fall down and drag on the highway.
The bottom line is, YES, a Jeep (and many other vehicles) CAN be towed on a dolly, IF the rear driveshaft is disconnected.
CM1, USN (RET)
'94 Dodge 3500 4X2 CTD, Std. cab, LB, 5 speed, 4.10 LS diff., Jacobs Rambrake, 273,000 Miles
'99 Monaco McKenzie 32' triple slide
'95 Tioga 29H Ford-based Class C
Daily driver: '06 Jeep Liberty CRD
Towed: '06 Jeep Rubicon Unlimited
mowermech wrote: Well, Dave, let me see if I can clear up any confusion.
First, while it is true that Jeep doesn't specifically address the issue of disconnecting the driveshaft in the Book, it has been an accepted practice in the towing world for many years. Even wrecker operators use it if they don't want to mess with the little dolly setup.
You misunderstand - I completely agree with what you said - I'm confused as to why anyone would take out a shaft when the manufacturer says there is no need - that's all.
bacollins indicated he removes a shaft from his Jeeps - a 99 Wrangler Toad and a '99 Cherokee Toad - for long trips and if they are 4WD I can't understand why he would bother. I've towed my Jeeps over 60,000 miles and never thought of doing that.
Dave
Life doesn't come with a safety fence around it... enjoy it anyway.
mowermech wrote: Well, Dave, let me see if I can clear up any confusion.
First, while it is true that Jeep doesn't specifically address the issue of disconnecting the driveshaft in the Book, it has been an accepted practice in the towing world for many years. Even wrecker operators use it if they don't want to mess with the little dolly setup.
You misunderstand - I completely agree with what you said - I'm confused as to why anyone would take out a shaft when the manufacturer says there is no need - that's all.
bacollins indicated he removes a shaft from his Jeeps - a 99 Wrangler Toad and a '99 Cherokee Toad - for long trips and if they are 4WD I can't understand why he would bother. I've towed my Jeeps over 60,000 miles and never thought of doing that.
Dave
It is my belief that the less the drivetrain components spin while towing, the less wear and tear is ocurring. With the front hubs unlocked and the rear driveshaft disconnected, the only things turning are the wheels and the rear differential. I'm quite sure that a lot of folks think me a little eccentric for towing this way, but that's OK.
Don't you just love these RV know it all's that just complicate the answers. BUSSKIPPER you are doing right by towing it 4 down. If you have a manual for the jeep read the towing instructions, and just do what it says. One guy even mentions something about front hubs! I don't even think jeep has those anymore. I had those on a 1965 jeep wagoneer! I WOULD SAY IN THIS CASE, DO WHAT THE MANUAL SAYS, and keep from damaging the vehicle. Good Luck.
Gary. wrote: One guy even mentions something about front hubs! I don't even think jeep has those anymore. .
I installed a Mile Marker front hub conversion on my Wrangler.
You know, some people just don't understand. "It's a Jeep thing..."
I installed a Warn full-floating axle kit in the rear axle on a CJ5 a few years ago, and installed the Warn hubs on the rear. It got some REAL strange looks, with hubs on both ends. It sure made it nice for towing, though. Unlock all four hubs, and NOTHING turned except the wheels!
By the way, Jeep is a trademark, and should ALWAYS be capitalized.
As for reading the Owner's Manual and following the instruction to the letter, I agree whole-heartedly. However, the Owner's Manual does not tell the owner that a Jeep CAN be dolly towed IF the rear driveshaft is disconnected at the rear diff yoke. But it IS true!
Now is the Jeep in Question a 2004 or a 2005. There was a COMPLETE change in the Grand Cherokee line between those years. In a 2005 THERE are two TOTALLY DIFFERENT 4 X 4 systems. There is Quadratrac 1 and Quadratrac 2. Quadratrac 1 is an all wheel drive system that can not be towed 4 down or on a doily ACCORDING to the owners manual. IF I was at home I would scan the manual. It clearly states this in the manual. Quadratrac 2 is similar to the 4 X 4 systems available in earlier years and you can tow 4 down if this is the SYSTEM your jeep has. A 2004 would not have the all wheel drive type system available in the SAME CONFIGURATION as a 2005, and as such CHECK the OWNERS MANUAL for what the manufacturer recommends. THere could possibly still be warranty available on the 2004 or the 2005 for the drivetrains, so it would be foolish not to tow according to the manufacturers requirements.
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