Flat towing a CJ5 ??

What would I have to do to flat tow a '55 CJ5. Is it necessary to drop the drive shaft. If so, has anyone installed a fluid pump on the transfer case so that one can flat tow without removing the drive shaft?

 

Moved to Tech section as this isn't really restoration.

Transmission in gear, transfer case in neutral, if equipped front locking hubs in free position. I'd suggest dropping the driveshaft but not completely necessary and neither is a pump.

Try the search function for "flat towing". You will find more to read than you want...

 

I've never been comfortable flat towing, but if I had to for a short distance I guess I would.

I bought a '45 MB 3 weeks ago that was mechanically destroyed from flat towing. The front driveshaft or u-joint broke, the driveshaft dropped to the ground and was jammed back into the T-case. The transfer case front output and case were destroyed. Then the driveshaft swung around and slammed into the side of the block busting out a chunk about the size of a baseball.

Now, this jeep didn't have locking hubs which probably bound up the driveline. I would pull the front driveshaft for sure if you have flanges, and make SURE that the hubs are unlocked otherwise. I think I would consider a driveshaft safety loop in the rear as another upgrade on a longer tow.

 

Mine gets towed everywere but I have set it up the rear axle with a full float with locking hubs, all four hubs go to free and just for insurance I leave the transmissin and T-case in neutral.

 

I've flat towed mine with t90/D18 and T-98/D18 thousands of miles. Never an issue. I ususally leave the tranny in gear and T case in N.

 

A search for "flat towing" came up with 148 threads...... Just sayin

 

Not quibbling or anything but please explain this. Maybe I'm missing something.

I flat tow mine with front hubs unlocked, trans and transfercase in neutral and the rear driveshaft out. My transfercase would get quite warm with the rear driveshaft in place so I take it loose and hang it from the floor pan with baling wire and a built clamp for the u-joint caps.

 

If you have rear hubs and there disconnected theres nothing turning.

If you drop the rear driveshaft and disconnect the front hubs for a normal setup, nothing turns to starve for oil.

 

Where does leaving them in gear as you stated add insurance when he said the hubs were unlocked??