Driving without rear driveshaft?

[E from Chicago]

We are going to be dolly towing our 2003 KJ behind our motorhome next week, and planning to remove the rear driveshaft at the pumpkin (can't afford to equip it for flat towing yet, unfortunately).

Question specific to the KJ... can I pull the driveshaft entirely and drive as a front wheel drive? I know some model Jeeps can, but the Internet seems to be silent on KJ's...

I've got a Limited with the V6 and 42RLE, NP231.

 

[JasonJ]

Not sure... probably, theoretically..

if it were me, being a risk taker, I'd try it out in my driveway and see what happens.

 

[jeeptorino68]

Yes...but it will behave differnet than you expect since it is....front wheel drive...

 

[mrlavalamp]

I drove my 2006 without the rear shaft for a few weeks.

No problems, but I was easy on it not being sure.

 

[LibertyTC]

Make sure you mark the driveshaft correctly before removal.
With a command track it may bind easily in turns.
You may want to consult the dealer, before hand.

 

[sota]

I thought towing with the t-case in neutral was the preferred/acceptable method?
IIRC the t-case pump is driven off the rear output shaft, so it being spun while towing is a good thing.

 

[lfhoward]

^^^ This.

The Liberty is designed to be flat towed with the transmission in park and the transfer case in neutral. No driveshaft removal needed. Check your owners manual for the correct steps involved.

 

[LibertyTC]

I thought towing with the t-case in neutral was the preferred/acceptable method?
IIRC the t-case pump is driven off the rear output shaft, so it being spun while towing is a good thing.

His front wheels be off the ground.,on the dolly.

 

[lfhoward]

His front wheels be off the ground.,on the dolly.

Ah. Sorry. Missed that detail.

 

[sota]

being on a dolly or a toad won't make a difference. it's one of the reasons liberty's were common for RV'ers to buy.

 

[Birdman330]

If overheating is a major concern, depending on the RV there are cooling kits available that you hook up from your RV to your towing vehicle I have seen them in person they are quite nice. These kits allow the transmission to be cooled while being towed flat or on a dolly.