I've got a question regarding towing with my cherokee. My 2001 has an automatic trans, 3.55 gears and 235/75/15 tires. I'm going to be towing 4 motorcycles (so a trailer weight of around 2300lbs) and will have 4 adults in the car.

Do I need to take any precautions for the transmission? Can I use the over drive, or should I leave it in "3"?

 

leave it in 3 and you need a transmission cooler before you tow.

 

That's the bottom line. Install a transmission fluid cooler and keep the selector in (3). Shifting back and forth between top gear and overdrive will overheat your transmission. Jeep also recommends using premium fuel when trailer towing to eliminate spark knock.

 

alright, i've ordered a transmission oil cooler (this one) and i also read that i should swap the 75w-90 rear diff oil for 75w-140 synthetic. i'll probably do the rest of the fluids while i'm under there. anything else i should consider?

 

i think you have it covered! and yes the gear swap is a good one. if you have any sort of LSD you need the friction modifier. But other than that i think you are golden!

 

Consider installing a transmission temperature gauge as well. I mounted mine to the side of the console and it looks great.

 

Good catch on the synthetic lubricant. I have it in my diffs simply because I use my Cherokee for towing occasionally.