Wolffman

I just purchased a 2001 Jeep Cherokee that was towed, using a tow bar that was attached to the frame in the front, behind an RV for about 10K miles. Was this towing detrimental to the transfer case or transmission? If so, what damage could have been done?

It seems to drive ok, still feels pretty tight but I did find it has an oil leak coming from under the bell housing up but I have not figured whether it is coming from the engine itself or the transfer case.

The Jeep only has a total of 55,000 miles showing on the speedometer but I don't know if that would include "towing miles" or not.

wolffman

firstime00XJ

First - Welcome to the CF. Second - If the previous owner towed it right, there should be no damage to either the transfer case, or the transmission. If you've got an engine oil leak coming from near the bell housing, there is a good chance that you could have a rear main seal leaking. The mileage - I'm not sure if the odometer runs while in tow or not.

ck1

all should be good on your transfer case if towed correctly. 40k+ miles of my jeeps 73k miles where behind a motor home. your jeep has electronic speedo so that is true miles on your jeep. it does not add miles when being towed. make sure you follw the manuals procedure to flat tow and all is good.
cameron

doglover116

We just purchased a 2001 jeep cherokee sport for towing behind our 26' motorhome. Unfortunately, the pages of the owner's manual that have to do with towing have been ripped out. We have four wheel drive and would like to know what procedure we need to do prior to towing, during and after. thank you ---

F1Addict

Auto or manual?

nickxj94

Trans in park transfer case in neutral if automatic, both in neutral if manual and no parking brakes.

ehracing67

X2.

If towing flat, you'll need to leave the key in and unlock the steering wheel so front tires can track behind the RV. Usually a valet key or just have an extra one made will work, and you can still lock it up. Are you using a blue-OX tow bar?

F1Addict

The procedure is different depending on what transfer case and transmission you have.

For Selec-Trac (NP242):

1. Shift transmission into N (neutral)
2. Shift transfer case into neutral
Note: Full-Time light will stay on
3. Shift transmission into D (drive) or 1st (manual) and make sure there is no movement.
4. Turn ignition key to the unlocked OFF position
5. Shift transmission into P (Park)

For Command-Trac (NP231):

1. With your transmission in P (park), shift the transfer case to 2H and confirm the Part-Time light is off.
2. Shift the transmission into R (reverse) and drive 10 ft. backwards then shift into D (drive) and drive 10 ft. forward to make sure the axle is disengaged.
3. Shift transmission to N (neutral)
4. Turn off engine, leaving the key in the unlocked OFF position
5. Shift transfer case from 2H to N
6. Shift manual transmission into gear or automatic into P (park)

Remember to use your parking brake! With the transfer case in neutral your transmission will not hold your Jeep in place.

cruiser54

Thank you for posting this.

Firestorm500

Do NOT apply the parking brake while towing.

The above directions can be misleading.

Put everything back to normal BEFORE unhitching Jeep from tow vehicle. Disconnect safety chains last.

doglover116

Thanks for replying. To answer a couple of questions -- I have an automatic transmission and we are towing with a blue ox tow bar. Questions on the tow bar -- we bought it used and the arms seem to have some play in them (about an inch) - we don't know if that is normal or not. I don't know anyone that tows a car so have no point of reference. Thought maybe you all could help. Thanks!

ehracing67

Most blue OX tow bars have releases midway down each bar. This will allow you to hook it up without having exactly in the right spot. Once you pull straight, and have the entire weight of the jeep pulling on them, they will extend out and lock in to there road position.



Until then, there's always some play, but if there extended and locked, and there's still play, you might need to remove the boot or the release cover and check for wear or damaged parts. These are able to be rebuilt.

ehracing67

Here's a good link about the tow bar and a photo of the parts breakdown.

http://rvaccessorynews.com/2011/02/0...-repair-parts/