my XJ didn't come with the factory towing package as far as I know, I bought it used, maybe someone could tell me how I can check for something like that.

I've done some other research online and for the most part all signs point that the towing capacity is 5000 lbs, however it doesn't mention anything specific to a towing package or not.

I can upgrade my brake pads for the added stress of stopping the added weight and i'm going to be towing on mainly highway, so if I put a 5000 lb rated hitch on my XJ and drive at an avg speed would I run into any issues? Assuming I don't have a factory towing package with the added bells and whistles.

 

You should always install a transmission oil cooler if you are installing a hitch, the transmission will love you for it. Not to mention last alot longer. Remember, HEAT is a transmissions biggest enemy!

 

possible to pick one of those up aftermarket or would I have to source that from a junked XJ equipped with the towing package?

and also what brand would you recommend for an aftermarket one? is it the transmission oil cooler?

 

would this work???:
http://www.quadratec.com/products/94000_4126.htm

 

Okanagan79: I would guess the rivet is there to secure the "nutstrip" that is fished with wire into position so you can run bolts for the hitch into the frame. Drag the nutstrips out of the JY frame when you take the hitch in case you don't have them installed in your rig already.

 

I need to put that picture on here... I towed my Jeep Cherokee with my jeep liberty 400 miles... lol talk about a nervous drive.
Wonder if my warranty covers stupidity... oh well we made it.

 

I bet that was a little nervous but i'm trying to really gather my thoughts here, would my XJ be ok towing a 3300 lb car if I had a 3500 or 5000 lb rated tow hitch installed?

I'm looking into a transmission cooler as well, I'm assuming I can get an aftermarket one?

 

sorry to jump in here guys but I was thinking about getting a hitch too and wanted to know if i should really be towing anything (5spd) it would be a small boat, like 14ft and trailer. I just didn't know if towing was a bad idea with a 5spd

 

should be fine... boats are light

I think youd be fine for a short distance with that load. like under 25 miles ud be fine at 3500. I would try to drag it on the high way tho.

 

is there such a thing, or need, as a trans cooler for a 5spd?

 

but would this also apply to something like a car for longer distances? Would it be ok to tow a car for like 1600 miles mainly highway on the XJ?

 

No and no, oil coolers are only needed for the automatic trans. Towing with a 5 speed standard trans is fine and preferred for towing situations.

 

X2

the reason Auto's need a trans cooler is because they have a torque converter and they produce heat from shifting since it is not a "direct drive" like a manual. With a manual it ONLY produces heat from shifting and that is caused by the friction of the clutch plates. other than that once you are in gear it is a "direct drive" and there is nothing moving but gears.

The Torque converter in the auto is where alot of the power loss to the wheels comes from and when towing you need to keep that cool or you will try it.

Another option to is locking your torque converter if you do not want to put down the cash right away for a cooler. There is a few write ups on here about how to lock them and once they are locked in your specific gear it acts just like a manual tanny but ONLY in that gear if you press the brakes or want to down shift you will have to unlock it. press the brakes automatically unlocks it. This option is fine for highway driving only tho.

 

It's not a bad idea but the weak link on most light duty vehicles, with a manual tranny, is the clutch. Starting from a stop is what kills a clutch (over time) and adding to the weight/load of the vehicle causes accelerated clutch wear. That's why most mfgs tow pkgs require an auto tranny for max towing capability.

If your XJ is 4WD, I would strongly recommend to always use 4LO when retrieving your boat and pulling it up a steep ramp. Doing this will place less load/friction/wear on the clutch. At the top of the ramp, put her in 2HI and you're on your way.

 

would someone be able to chime in on my question of needing a trans cooler if i'm going to be towing a car across a couple of states?

I've been seeing various towing capacities on the XJ and was wondering if anyone has towed a 3200-3500 car with their XJ?

thanks guy