Towing Question

[sassee]

Can you tow an 89 Trooper with automatic transmission? I was looking at putting a tow bar on an 89 Trooper but it has an automatic trans. The transfer case does not have a "neutral" selection like Jeep CJ's. Is it safe to tow the trooper with the transmission in neutral?

[atfdmike]

I am not first hand familiar with the trans in the Trooper ll, but generally, you cannot tow an automatic more than a short distance because the engine needs to be running in order for trans fluid to lubricate and cool the tranny. You could remove the rear prop shaft but you may need to find a spline yoke to put on the shaft to keep oil from leaking out. I don't know if you have a flanged or splined yoke on the trans for the trupr. I will try to find out more and post it. One guys opinion.

[sassee]

Just for info............

I finally got over to pick up the 89 Trooper. The owners manual was in it. The vehicle can be towed on all fours with the tranny in neutral. (According to the owners manual anyway) It stated just don't go over 30 MPH or tow for more than 50 miles. But WHO actually pays any attention to that kinda stuff?

[atfdmike]

No sarcasm intended, but the owners manual is likely referring to short tows for repair purposes. An auto trans without a secondary pump to circulate fluid will overheat and destroy itself. I infer the stated restrictions to mean that is the case. I guess you tow at your own risk. I would not construe the manual to mean that you can get away with repeated tows of under 50 miles without some cumulative effects!
I wonder if there is not some easy way to disconnect the rear prop or get the transfer case into a neutral state that will allow your goals?
Good luck.

[sassee]

I stated the manual said under 50 miles (short ???) Of course, the manual also stated with both prop shafts OFF, not to tow over 30 MPH for over 50 miles! Seems like the 30 / 50 number is just stuck in their head. With both shafts off, you could tow as fast as you could safely handle the vehicle for as long as you wanted.

[Ramblin Fever]

Just put her up on a flat-bed - least that's what I would do.

On our move back to the Rockies, I then owned 2 Rodeo's - '91 & '97 both with automatics; one was automatically going to be towed, while the other pulled the boat because we also had a 30' rental truck that the other person was gonna have to drive.

Well, I opted to put the older Rodeo, the one with the smaller engine up on a flat-bed behind the rental truck. Best thing I ever did, we also covered it and shielded it for the 1k mile ride home.

I would never tow an automatic any other way; though, had it been a stick shift, I'd have towed it on it's own feet.

[[iV]Kermit]

Hey guys, by chance I'm needing to tow a 93 Manual. I don't have the vehicle manual to refer too.

Could I just put it in neutral? It is a 93Trooper LS, 4WD, V6, 5speed manual.