Flat towing a new car home, question for mockup

[Lockasiam]

I’ve located another “clunker” on the lovely world of Facebook. It is a 1986 Jeep Comanche “MJ”. I’m going to attempt to flat tow it one time for about an hour. I am aware of the tow hook kits that bolt onto the frame rails and I’m going to get one of those. My question is, are the Unibodies the same between my 1999 Cherokee “XJ” and the 86 MJ? I’m going to fab a bumper with 1/4” steel to bolt a tow bar onto and want to use the XJ as mockup. Want to verify the frame dimensions are the same before I make something that won’t work

 

[Lockasiam]

hopefully this thread is in the right category

 

[Capt W]

Haven't seen one of those in eons...very cool. Four or six-cylinder?

All the dimensions should be identical to the XJ models.

 

[Lockasiam]

Haven't seen one of those in eons...very cool. Four or six-cylinder?

All the dimensions should be identical to the XJ models.

2.5L Renix controlled Throttle body injected perfection by amc. It doesn’t run which is why I’m flat towing it

 

[Capt W]

The good ol' "Hurricane 150." Actually a pretty stout little engine. They held on for years in the XJs and Wranglers (like 1995 I think). An old Kenosha Chrysler employee once told me they were basically 258s with two cylinders lopped off, which would explain the longevity. You won't be going anywhere fast, but you'll get there.

Best of luck getting her home and getting her going!

 

[Nick1994]

Yes, they are identical from the B-Pillar forward.

Assuming it’s a 4x4 you can flat tow them. Can’t with a 2WD unless you pull the driveshaft.

If it’s an automatic, tow with the transfer case in neutral and transmission in park.
If it’s a stick, tow with the transfer case in neutral and the transmission in gear, say 3rd gear or so.

 

[Lockasiam]

Assuming it’s a 4x4 you can flat tow them. Can’t with a 2WD unless you pull the driveshaft.

I thought it was the reverse. I pulled the D shaft when I dollied my XJ home because it’s a 4x4 with the 231 t-case which I read does not have a true neutral like the 241. Wouldn’t the 2wd just spin the trans in neutral? It’s a manual

 

[Lockasiam]

The good ol' "Hurricane 150." Actually a pretty stout little engine. They held on for years in the XJs and Wranglers (like 1995 I think). An old Kenosha Chrysler employee once told me they were basically 258s with two cylinders lopped off, which would explain the longevity. You won't be going anywhere fast, but you'll get there.

Best of luck getting her home and getting her going!

I’m hoping it’s something simple like a fuel pump but you never know until it’s in your yard and your money is long gone

 

[Nick1994]

I thought it was the reverse. I pulled the D shaft when I dollied my XJ home because it’s a 4x4 with the 231 t-case which I read does not have a true neutral like the 241. Wouldn’t the 2wd just spin the trans in neutral? It’s a manual

Nope. The 4x4’s are the flat towable. Very sought after for the RV folks.

I have a ‘96 XJ 4x4 that I’ll flat tow one day.

 

[CleanSump]

I had the 2.5 throttle bottle injected engine in Wrangler. Stout little engine.

 

[burbguy82]

I thought it was the reverse. I pulled the D shaft when I dollied my XJ home because it’s a 4x4 with the 231 t-case which I read does not have a true neutral like the 241. Wouldn’t the 2wd just spin the trans in neutral? It’s a manual

t case in neutral, transmission in high gear......just like my yj....no drive shaft pulling needed....the tcase is lubed from the front driveshaft

 

[Lockasiam]

t case in neutral, transmission in high gear......just like my yj....no drive shaft pulling needed....the tcase is lubed from the front driveshaft

It’s 2wd

 

[burbguy82]

It’s 2wd

drive shaft un hook at rear end ratchet strap it up=done.

 

[Exhaustgases]

Just rent a trailer, Uhaul about $65 a day. Just less hassle.

 

[Lockasiam]

Just rent a trailer, Uhaul about $65 a day. Just less hassle.

I did that with the XJ but the logistics would be difficult with this one

 

[Lockasiam]

I did that with the XJ but the logistics would be difficult with this one

And I’d rather have something permanent in case I need to tow it again or who knows maybe another one