Flat towing a Wrangler with Lockers

[Jeeper]

Hmmm, I tried posting this earlier, must be server problems. Anyway, I recently made a Tow-Bar for my YJ so that my friend does not have to use his 5th wheel trailer to get us to the trail head. I planned on using my '99 WJ-ltd to tow the YJ. Problem is that when I attempt to turn the WJ while towing the YJ, the YJ tends to keep going straight due to the front locker (the YJ tranny is in neutral as well as the x-fer). The result is that the YJ "Pushes" the rear end of my grand so bad that I have to stop, get out, turn the wheel on the YJ and then proceed. Am I doing something wrong? Is there a solution to flat towing with a front locker other than manual hubs? Will airing the front tires to the max help by lessening the rolling resistance?

Thanks,
Jeeper

[FNG]

When you're towing the YJ, you do have a key in the ignition and the wheel unlocked don't you?
If not, of course it's going to go straight
The locker without power is "open" anyway.

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John
95.5 YJ Rio Grande with "stuff" Jeep Rating:224
SonsOfThunder4x4.com

[Jeeper]

I Guess I should have mentioned that I removed the Steering lock from the column a while ago so that's not an issue (steering wheel turns freely regardless if the key is in or not). I'm not sure about the fron Diff acting as an open diff. I even tried it whith the front drive shaft removed and the same thing happens. It's a Detroit EZ-locker in the front.

Jeeper

[This message has been edited by Jeeper (edited 01-19-2000).]

[FNG]

To answer another question from your first post, full air pressure will lessen the resistance.
I only have a rear locker, so can't say 100% on flat towing with a front locker (only locked in rear).
If your axle isn't under power, it shouldn't close the locker. Otherwise, it's like running a spool.

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John
95.5 YJ Rio Grande with "stuff" Jeep Rating:224
SonsOfThunder4x4.com

[DippStick]

What u need is a trailer m8

DS

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DippStick '98 XJ Sport with extensive mods www.extremejeep.com/colins.htm + a '98 TJ Sport

[Jeeper]

Dipp, yeah I know but I haven't finished it yet and its getting harder to find some free time to work on all my projects and play. Just thought there might be something I was doing wrong and correct it while the trailer is being made. Oh well.

Jeeper

[92YJ]

Friction from your driveshaft might be enough to close your locker, I doubt it though. Since your drivshaft was removed that theory is most definatly dismissed. How about your steering caster? Are you using a huge shackle lift? If your steering caster is in to the negative your jeep will want to pull your Grand all over the road. When driving your Jeep does your steering wheel have trouble returning to centre? This is the only thing that I would check. How about a high power steering damper, are you using one of those? Since the YJ has a vacume disconnect on the passenger side axleshaft, the locker itself would have nothing to do with the steering during 2wd.

[Jeeper]

92YJ, All good thoughts but unfortunately, probably not the answer. I have a Rancho 5000 Dampener, No shackle lift (got revolvers). Steering Wheel does return to center (while driving) and the Vacume actuator fork has been replaced with a manual Roc-Loc from BDS. I'M STUMPED!!!

Jeeper

[FNG]

I've think you've about stumped us all.
I was coming back to ask if your disconnect wasn't working, but the rock lock should solve that. Have you made sure that it's working correctly?

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John
95.5 YJ Rio Grande with "stuff" Jeep Rating:224
SonsOfThunder4x4.com

[Jeeper]

Well, come to think of it...at the time I tried it wasn't. But it wasn't working in that it was not engaging properly...kept disengaging when I was off-road so that I was in 3-wheel instead of 4-wheel. That's fixed now. So that's probably not it. I have no idea now! AAAAaaaarrggg! Keep the thoughts comming though...every suggestion has been great...unfortunately not the fix yet.

Would the length of my tow bar from the YJ to the ball on the grand make a big difference??? for that matter, what about the width? I'll have to measure the length but the width is from mid frame to mid frame.

Jeeper



[This message has been edited by Jeeper (edited 01-19-2000).]

[92YJ]

You have covered all the bases. It most likely is a combination of:

(a) Your Grand is most likely the same or lighter than your YJ.

(b) Your damper is so "heavy duty" that steering is affected during towing.

(c) The revolver shackles are most likely 3/4 of an inch longer than stock, as a result, steering caster is affected.

I don't think there are any other factors involved. You could remove the damper, switch the revolvers for the little wimpy stock shackles and find somebody with a Suburban to test it. Or you could sell the tow bar and find one of those trailers that lift the front wheels. Those little thingys.

92YJ

[Jeeper]

Thanks for all the help guys! The weight might be a factor that I didn't consider. The YJ is pretty heavy, especially upfront with all the mods (winch and all). I guess its time to get moving on the trailor!

Thanks,

Jeeper

[FNG]

What's the curb weight of each vehicle?
I tow my YJ behind my Z71 that weights about 5000 pounds without any problems. It is a wider wheelbase, but not longer than the Grand.

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John
95.5 YJ Rio Grande with "stuff" Jeep Rating:224
SonsOfThunder4x4.com