will7798 Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 I have a 1990 2WD Pioneer with a 35 rear geared to 3.55. I was wondering if that would be able to tow my stock (for now) TJ about 400 miles to college and if not, what do I need to do to make it happen. Thanks! P.S. I planned on lifting my TJ and putting new tires and some armor on in March, should I wait until I move to keep it easier on the MJ or does it not make enough difference? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 Are you planning to flat tow it, tow it with a 2-wheel car dolly, or load it onto a full-length, flat-bed auto transporter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yxmj Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 First make sure flat towing (towing with just a tow bar) is legal were you plan on going. Towing with a towbar is a bit easier on the tow vehicle because tongue weight (the weight of a trailer hitch) is not a factor. I myself have done the exact same thing your describing many times. my advice aside it being legalwould be this: Make sure you have good breaks on the tow vehical (it will be stopping for 2) I personally would take off both drive shafts (just at the axle and strap it up) get a good set of lights that you can string from the tow vehicle to the rear of the TJ...they sell them but you can make your own with a simple trailer light kit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
will7798 Posted February 22, 2016 Author Share Posted February 22, 2016 Will the stock rear drum/ front disc be good enough? I planned on flat towing originally but if theres a better option ill do it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yxmj Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 Stock brakes in good shape would be fine....are you experienced in towing...even pulling a trailer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
will7798 Posted February 22, 2016 Author Share Posted February 22, 2016 Ya I used to race super cross so I got real used to towing dirt bikes to the track and ATVs out to deer camp, just never a full vehicle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 I think a tow dolly with brakes is probably your best bet. keep in mind you are looking at stressing out every aspect of your 26 year old truck, including engine cooling, bumper, brakes and transmission. they had better be up to snuff. another choice is to get a friend to drive the TJ behind you and buy them a plane ticket back. might even be cheaper that way. lord knows it's safer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
will7798 Posted February 23, 2016 Author Share Posted February 23, 2016 Alright ill consider that. Thanks for all the input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnj92131 Posted February 23, 2016 Share Posted February 23, 2016 Brakes are the most important thing on your truck when you are towing. Using a tow dolly with brakes is excellent! That will also solve your tail light/brake light issue. Surprisingly cheap too. I rented a Uhaul tow dolly for 2 days and $75 last July to tow a car back from Vegas with the Comanche. Watch your speed and leave way more room than you ever think you will need. Getting a buddy to drive it for you is quite smart also! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krustyballer16 Posted February 23, 2016 Share Posted February 23, 2016 i pull an 18ft. car hauler with my side by side and quads on it and have trailered a little cavalier before. no problems but this is all with brand new brakes and everything. and my little Cummins handled it like a champ. no problem with pulling it. and i have a trailer brakes so that helps a lot. 400 miles is quite a trip though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
75sv1 Posted February 23, 2016 Share Posted February 23, 2016 I'd put in here, flat land or hills? Also, auto or manual? I did tow with my one of my Cherokees, but not that weight. And it was a '98. So, the dual diaphragm brake booster. It did very well, but the cars were only 2,200 lbs or so. I also towed some machinery. Still, about 1000 lbs. A trans cooler would help if an auto. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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