toshalynne

Hey Ya'll, just wondering... we are bidding on a XJ through a government auction site and I do not think the Jeep has a key, 95 Cherokee sport automatic, 2wd. going to use it for engine swap in my 89 xj. Anyway, we will need to load it onto a trailer to get it home, how can I free the steering and put it into neutral without a key?? I spoke to a local locksmith and they told me that they would be able to make a key but I need to get it home first... any suggestions
Thanks in advance!!

freegdr

Remove steering wheel and remove ignition key switch install new one ?

brian0128

Couldn't you just go under the Jeep and disconnect the linkage and then shift the transmission into neutral by hand?

toshalynne

thanks, It is sitting in an impound lot right now and I don't think they will allow me to pull the wheel in the lot, I should be able to crawl under and shift it into neutral, I think the way it's parked we can back the trailer up directly in front of it...and winch it on or pull it on with the ATV...I'll post a pic if we win the auction!! Wish me luck!

Firestorm500

What difference should it make if a locksmith has to come to your house or the impound lot? He's still got to make the call.

I'd call another locksmith. Once you get the key made, you can start it and drive it around.

Simplest & easiest.

dmill89

If you have any trouble shifting it into neutral you can also just pull the driveshaft (just remove the 4-bolts on the rear yoke and straps then you can pull it right out).

freegdr

Hhow ya gonna steer it .....

tmac

I would just remove the driveshaft, probably take 2 minutes max. Just four bolts and it's out.

freegdr

Best bet .

toshalynne

thanks for the suggestions, I contacted the agency and they say that 9 times of 10 they will have the key...if not steering will be a problem... it looks like it is sitting pretty straight.. we should be able to back in very close and pull it forward...taking the drive shaft out may be the ticket... I looked on my current XJ and I thought I might be able to pull the cover from the shifter and use a screwdriver but it doesn't look like I can do that

MonacaYankee

You can disconnect the steering tie rod from the one tire and jack it up and both wheels will turn.

Firestorm500

Just not in the same direction at the same time.

MonacaYankee

If you take it off at the pitman arm is what I mean.

HudsonN

Am I missing something?


Can't you just pull the TCase into neutral? Then you wouldn't have to remove any shafts.

MonacaYankee

It's a 2wd if you read op. >.>