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Pulling CJ2A with Tj

7K views 81 replies 36 participants last post by  brewmenn 
#1 ·
I have a CJ2A I want to take north to the trails. I am trying to figure out the best way to pull it. I don't have a trailer, or a truck to pull it, so that really isn't an option.

My question is what do you think about flat towing it or using a car dolly behind a TJ? TJ is rated for 2,000 lbs, the Willys is about 2200 I believe. Flat towing seems to be the best option however the loose steering concerns me a bit.

A car dolly seems like it would require more effort on the TJ.
 
#73 ·
Look what you did! :junk:

Sorry, I have been recovering in the hospital after rolling my jeep. I tried to pull it all up north and everything was going great but then I decided to stop by my buddies place and hook his bass boat up to the back of the cj2a. Unfortunately, I rolled my TJ/CJ2A/Bass Boat caravan on my way up 75.
 
#4 ·
I don't even know if I would flat tow. You have a drivetrain that couldn't make it past 55 because it was geared so low, and now you want to flat tow it up I-75? I would dolly it at the very least.
 
#8 ·
YEs...otherwise you will smoke the transfer case. (Also make sure transfer case is in N) I use to flat tow mine to the Keewanaw w/an XJ, no problems. They do sometimes feel a little squirrly on roads where the lanes have depressions like a two-track....the narrow Willys width causes it to wander between the "ruts". Drive defensive, especially when braking.

With the TJ having a shorter wheel base also be careful of the Willys "pushing" the rear-end thru the corners....like when turning onto a side street...especially if sand is on the road and going downhill. Don't ask how I know...I was young...flat towing w/another Jeep.
 
#9 ·
I vote no. I flat towed a CJ behind 1/2 ton Chevy and said I would never do it again.going straight is easy, its any evasive turning that can make you crash and backing up is about impossible. I went just a little too fast around a corner and almost ended up in a ditch. Cant imagine flat towing with a TJ.
 
#14 ·
You've got to have a friend, coworker, or family member with a 1/2 ton or better truck/SUV....why not see if you can borrow it? Fill the gas tank and buy them a case of beer as a thank you. If they have a trailer use that, or rent a U-Haul car trailer for cheap. Or rent a U-Haul box truck and put the flattie inside it. Be creative, there are plenty of options better than flat towing with a TJ. Can it work? Sure. Is it a good idea? I seriously doubt it.
 
#17 ·
I do not know anyone on the west side of the state that has a truck. I am from the east side of the state and don't really know anyone out here. I could borrow a truck on the east side but by time I do that I might as well just rent a uhaul. I did consider doing that. However, I was hoping to have both jeeps up there which is why I wanted to drive mine.
 
#21 ·
Hook it up, drive 30 miles and see what it does if you are that worried about it. Seriously, it is not rocket science.

I flat towed mine all over the state until this year when I finally bought a car hauler. I did use a truck or JK for my flat towing most of the time, but I have towed much larger loads with my YJ before.

If it is a busted ass piece of shit that doesn't belong on the road period, you likely will have a problem. The bearings etc all will need to be greased and in good shape just like if you were driving it.
 
#24 ·
I won't even go in to all of my experience towing over the years. The list is just too long.

DO NOT DO THIS

It may work fine, but if not it will be a world of hurt.

Just my opinion, now back to your regularly scheduled GL idiocracy.
 
#31 · (Edited)
If your tjs a 4.0l I'd rent the dolly from uhaul for $50 one way. I've towed a lot on dollies and as long as you aren't driving stupid you'll be fine. I'd pull the rear shaft reguardless of what trans tcase you have, just a good idea.

Now if your tj is a 4 banger you shouldn't mess with it at all.


Edit. Also if your tj is a soft top uhaul won't rent a dolly to you period.

Another thought is price wise I'm sure someone on here can and would haul it up cheaper.
 
#37 ·
Holy shit. Take your time. Dive careful. Wear depends if you must. I once hauled a d3 dozer on a backhoe trailer from Mason to Clare with a c4500 work truck. If you don't drive like a fuckin moron you'll be good. Kickstand is right... fawk it do it!
 
#43 ·
Uhaul wont give you a dolly for it. They have a tow vehical to towed vehical weight ratio that they look at. I tried to get one not so long ago and they said no. I was gonna tow a buick regal with a regular cab Chevy 1500.
 
#47 ·
I flat towed a lifted yj on 33's from lansing to silver lake with my 02 tj. 4.0 nv3550 4.10 gears on 35's. I mean you're not hauling ass but I was fine, also stopped fine and went 65 the whole way.
 
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