Jeep Driveshaft Coupler

[michael3536]

I have a low milage really clean 86 Jeep wagoner with a command-trac 4WD shifter. It has a 207AM transfercase. The book seems to say that I should put it in neutral and can tow flat as long as I start it up and run it every 200 miles.

I asked my trans shop and was refered to the dealer who referred me to Remco Towing and they are recommending a $750 Drive Shaft Coupling disconnecting unit that they build for you. Its not balanced either.

I've never really heard of one and wanted to hear from others with experience.

I thought that any 4wd shifter that could be put in neutral was ok?

Do you think that Drive shaft decoupler is optional?

I've purchased Blue Ox and Aventa & baseplate and the M & G braking system.

[fxdwg]

In all my studies of the Jeep systems, as long as the owner's manual tells you you can flat tow it, you're okay. They had (have) a couple of transfer cases that cannot be flat towed, but it tells you how to tell in the manual. So if your's says you can, don't worry about the driveshaft coupling. One less thing to go wrong. If you wanted to add something, I would consider adding a tranny lube pump. This should elimnate having to stop every 200 miles to lube the tranny (that's all the starting and cycling through the gears is doing).

[Randy Dupree]

i know lots of guys that just let the toad idle the whole time they are towing it,its cheaper than the remco and all of that.

[birds_first]

I don't think the Command Trac can be towed 4 down. I don't think it is a true free wheeling four wheel drive system. It is more kin to the newer AWD systems with the electro-mechanical connection. But if you have a mechanical shifter in the floor which has a 2WH, 4WH N & 4WL then you just put the transfer case in N and put the transmission shifter in P and then tow. Unless you have a mechanical unit you might have to use a transmission luber or the Demco disconnect. The reason for the 200 mile limitations is because the transmission will not sling enough fluid to keep it lubercated while towing, that is whay they suggest the luber. It would be cheaper to buy a late 80's Cherokee. The Wagoneer is about 1000 lbs heavier then the Cherokee, you lose the weight and you can tow 4WD without limitations. Or you can do as Randy suggest tow with it idleling. If you really want to tow that beast you ought to put on the lube pump. You will still add on miles to your odometer while it is towing, the newer Cherokees don't add miles.

[bwinter1946]

First I would trust the book as long as no modifications were done to the transfer case and drive line.

Second this link may be of some help concerning different transfer boxes: http://forums.jpmagazine.com/70/7802...eep/index.html

My Cherokee has a 242 transfer case so they are different. On mine I put the transfer case in neutral and the trans in park. Turn the key to the off but unlocked position and then do the hook ups to the MH.

[jcarrolljr]

I use the Remco drive line disconnet and love it. I have it on the second GMC Jimmy and love it. First one got sandwiched between an 18 wheeler and an Escalade. I tow in park and use the Jimmy as a regular driver every day. As far as I'm concerned, the best way to go.

John

[michael3536]

My owners manual states

Caution: Comand Trac vehicles require minor transfer case modifications before recreational towing. See your dealer I've spoken to two dealers and posted on some Jeep sites and am looking for a TSB or other documentation the exlains what the minor T-Case mods are.

John It's good to now you like the Demco. I may be going that route if I can not fine out about my transfer case and if the pump is turned by the rear drive-shaft.

Brad thanks for the helpful link; it refers to 207's that are 1987 and newer and I have a 86 AM and not a NP (New Process)

My transfer does have a mechanical shifter with a neutral position.

Thanks for your input.......

I hope to hear back from the 2nd Dealer today

[bwinter1946]

Some of the local 4X4/Jeep shops may be helpful as they may have some experience with towing or overhauling your transfer box.

It is also possible you could swap out the transfer box for another unit that could be towed with out mods. Maybe a 231 or 242 might fit? It might be cheaper than a drive shaft disconnect. Used transfer boxes around here are $100 - $200. You would need to see what would fit. Ensure the cross member would hold the new box and make sure your drive shaft lengths are OK, shift linkage etc. Again a local Jeep shop may be of help.

[curtsprenger]

Try this link. Not sure what axles you all have. I did this change on an older CJ7. Worked great...lock out 4 wheels and go.

http://www.gowarn.com/PartLists.aspx?plID=4583