jeep wrangler towing questions

Both machines you describe are in the TJ series. We've towed our 2004 Jeep Wrangler with the automatic transmission (TJ series) well over 100,000 miles without any problems. As long as it's a 4 wheel drive version it can be towed 4 down without any modifications. It can't be towed using a dolly.

No 2 wheel drive models of the TJ series can be towed 4 down without disconnecting the driveshaft. There aren't that many 2 wheel drive Wranglers of that era around. They were sold mainly in the south east and other tourist areas as rentals for use on the beaches.

tmoore2 wrote:
Towed a 2000 wrangler with auto transmission for 6 years. Mine had to have the
key in the ignition to unlock the steering wheel. Sometime in the past few models
they eleminated the steering wheel locks. Don't know what year that started though.

Sometime after the introduction of the JK series in 07 and for sure by late 09. However, I'm most sure I saw a two door 07 or 08, without the lock, so have never been able to put a real fix on it....

Slightly off topic, but I'm planning to buy a newer Wrangler to tow and will probably change the bumper to something more heavy duty for offroading. Do you know if you can attach the tow bars of these like the stock bumper? Thanks a million - JB

IMAGNLife.com wrote:
Slightly off topic, but I'm planning to buy a newer Wrangler to tow and will probably change the bumper to something more heavy duty for offroading. Do you know if you can attach the tow bars of these like the stock bumper? Thanks a million - JB

There's usually a somehow, someway. I like DEMCO base plates for the Wrangler and you could always install it first, before buying the after market product and when all else fails, weld the base plate on the outside. Just make sure the the bumper is on there good first, as the DEMCO plate fits in behind the bumper plates, so no way they can come off unless it rips them completely off the frame itself.

There are adapters to fit certain tow bars that allow attachment to an aftermarket bumpers D Rings. I'm using a Smitybilt bumper with a Blue Ox tow bar connected by adapters from Warrior products. Just make sure the bumper is strong enough.

This is the bumper D-ring adaptor that I use from Blue Ox...

tmoore2 wrote:
Towed a 2000 wrangler with auto transmission for 6 years. Mine had to have the
key in the ignition to unlock the steering wheel. Sometime in the past few models
they eleminated the steering wheel locks. Don't know what year that started though.

My 2000 had to have the key in ignition also, but I fixed that, take the plastic cover off the steering wheel collum you'll find a little flat panel held on with two screws, first you have to brake off the little needle like points in center of screw head. Take screws out, and a little 1/4" x 1/2" shaft with a spring falls out. Leave that out, and put panel on. You never have to leave you keys in ignition for it will never lock again.

Retiredblade wrote:

tmoore2 wrote:
Towed a 2000 wrangler with auto transmission for 6 years. Mine had to have the
key in the ignition to unlock the steering wheel. Sometime in the past few models
they eleminated the steering wheel locks. Don't know what year that started though.

My 2000 had to have the key in ignition also, but I fixed that, take the plastic cover off the steering wheel collum you'll find a little flat panel held on with two screws, first you have to brake off the little needle like points in center of screw head. Take screws out, and a little 1/4" x 1/2" shaft with a spring falls out. Leave that out, and put panel on. You never have to leave you keys in ignition for it will never lock again.

Does your 2000 model have an air bag? Friend has a 2003 Wrangler, I believe and it has a lock as well that should be removed, but he has some concern about the air bag.

If you get the proper tool for the secure torx screws, you don't have to break the "little needle points" in the screw heads.
With the prevalence of these "secure" screws in Jeeps, you should have a set of the proper tools anyway. they are available from any good tool dealer(Snap-On, Mac, Matco, Perhaps Craftsman, maybe even Harbor Freight!

RoyB wrote:
I have towed my 1999 Jeep Wrangler with manual transmission and the transfer case in NEUTRAL many times with my Truck. No problems at all...

Roy Ken

You might want to check your owners manual, but I think even with a manual transmission it needs to be in gear for proper lubrication.