Towing Issues: Towing a 2 wheel drive Jeep, jeep grand cherokee, jeep grand cherokee limited

Question
Hello,

I hope you can help me with some information about my vehicle.  I have a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited V8, 2 wheel drive with a 45RF2 Automatic transmission.  I want to tow it on four wheels.  I would like to know what product I can purchase to do this.  I have been told by one company that unless I have a different transmission that I can not tow this vehicle four down.  I also have been told that the pumps available will not support this transmission and that the differential lock-outs are not working.  Please let me know if you can assist with this request.

Thank you,

John Baker


Answer
The easiest thing to do is remove the driveshaft.  It isn't as hard as it sounds, especially after the first time.  As I understand it, towing with the tranny in neutral won't work, because the wheels moving would turn the driveshaft and internals of the tranny, without the pump going.  For VERY short distances, a towing service once towed my son's 67 Impala with the rear wheels down with the tranny in neutral and the engine idling to keep the pump working.  for the appox 30 miles, the tranny seemed just fine.  But that was with the front tires off the ground.

Really though, if this is a one-time thing, renting a flatbed trailer is much easier than hooking up a tow bar, and probably not any more expensive.  If you plan on towing a lot, I would still recommend a flatbed trailer.  Less wear/tear on the jeep.

Don