New Tow Vehicle Question

dodge guy wrote:
You cannot use a tow dolly on a 4WD vehicle. You will damage the transfer case. You cant have one end stationary and the other end spinning.

:h

dodge guy wrote:
You cannot use a tow dolly on a 4WD vehicle. You will damage the transfer case. You cant have one end stationary and the other end spinning.

Only on full time 4WD or AWD vehicles.

A Jeep Wrangler is part time 4WD. Front differential is physically disconnected in 2WD and Neutral.

EDIT: I suppose one could argue that the transfer case could somehow randomly slip into 4WD, explode the case or driveshafts, and/or jump off the dolly.

That seems far fetched to me, they don't jump into 4wd while you are driving down the road and most shifters have detents to prevent this.

But if that worries you, do a tow bar. Although if the case slips into gear then you could still ruin stuff.

You cannot use a tow dolly on a 4WD vehicle. You will damage the transfer case. You cant have one end stationary and the other end spinning.

1995brave wrote:

parker.rowe wrote:

1995brave wrote:
A tow dolly is for front wheel drive cars. Your Jeep is either 4 wheel drive or two wheel drive(drive shaft and rear wheels driven). You need either to trailer it or use a tow bar.

I can't think of a reason you couldn't use a tow dolly over a tow bar if you already own one.

Just put the transfer case and trans in neutral and roll on.

What am I missing?

It is all going to depend on the transmission and transfer case if it can be towed on a dolly or not. Some transmissions will not pump oil through the drive shaft connection. Some transfer cases require the front drive train to turn for oiling. Best to check the Jeep manual you got with the Jeep.

The np231 (older jeeps) and nv241 (jk jeeps like the OP) transfer cases both have pumps on the main shaft, so it should work the same wether on a dolly or not.

I've definitely seen a np231 run for a 1200 miles or so with the case and trans both in neutral in a 93 jeep wrangler.

That year has an axle disconnect so the front driveshaft doesn't turn unless it is in 4wd.

Either way consulting the manual is never a bad idea!

parker.rowe wrote:

1995brave wrote:
A tow dolly is for front wheel drive cars. Your Jeep is either 4 wheel drive or two wheel drive(drive shaft and rear wheels driven). You need either to trailer it or use a tow bar.

I can't think of a reason you couldn't use a tow dolly over a tow bar if you already own one.

Just put the transfer case and trans in neutral and roll on.

What am I missing?

It is all going to depend on the transmission and transfer case if it can be towed on a dolly or not. Some transmissions will not pump oil through the drive shaft connection. Some transfer cases require the front drive train to turn for oiling. Best to check the Jeep manual you got with the Jeep.

Have you contacted Crysler or had a chance to read the owner's manual? What do they say. They should have the final word.

cyclerider52 wrote:
Thanks guys, that seems to be the two opinions I am getting. I was hoping to use the dolly but not sure about the outcome.

Thanks guys, that seems to be the two opinions I am getting. I was hoping to use the dolly but not sure about the outcome.

1995brave wrote:
A tow dolly is for front wheel drive cars. Your Jeep is either 4 wheel drive or two wheel drive(drive shaft and rear wheels driven). You need either to trailer it or use a tow bar.

I can't think of a reason you couldn't use a tow dolly over a tow bar if you already own one.

Just put the transfer case and trans in neutral and roll on.

What am I missing?

A tow dolly is for front wheel drive cars. Your Jeep is either 4 wheel drive or two wheel drive(drive shaft and rear wheels driven). You need either to trailer it or use a tow bar.