"Frenchlicker" (frenchlicker)
01/15/2016 at 15:20 • Filed to: Jeep, Where's Popeye?
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"Frenchlicker" (frenchlicker)
01/15/2016 at 15:20 • Filed to: Jeep, Where's Popeye? | 1
| 21 |
In the very near future I am planning on purchasing a 2000 Jeep Cherokee. After I replace the transmission it will be ready to hit the road, at least in theory. At which point it will take up DD duties. This leads to my seemingly random question, how much weight would you trust a bone stock example to tow without breaking?
Party-vi
> Frenchlicker
01/15/2016 at 15:23 |
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About tree fiddy.
Justin Hughes
> Frenchlicker
01/15/2016 at 15:28 |
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Basic tow rating is 3,500lbs. With a tow package (4.0 auto, and heavy duty engine and transmission cooling), 5,000lbs. At least that’s what I’ve read. My MJ Comanche is rated at 5,000lbs because it has the Big Ton package, which includes stiffer rear springs and a Dana 44 rear end.
XJDano
> Frenchlicker
01/15/2016 at 15:33 |
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I flat towed another XJ from Tucumcari, NM to Tulsa, OK. Another XJ that was built, extra bumpers and loaded for the week in Moab, UT. Of course I took it easy, but it ran for a few years after that, until I lost interest & quit driving it.
Also, good choice.
Future next gen S2000 owner
> Frenchlicker
01/15/2016 at 15:36 |
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A shark and a boat.
HammerheadFistpunch
> Frenchlicker
01/15/2016 at 15:36 |
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We towed a 2500 lbs camper all over utah for years in our 91 and it was a breeze. The engine is powerful and the transmissions (with proper coolers) and axles can handle it but at a certain point you are getting in the red zone for the tail wagging the dog. Long story short? what Party said. 3500 tops for the freeway. 5000 around town (with the tow package)
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Frenchlicker
> HammerheadFistpunch
01/15/2016 at 16:44 |
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The only thing I’m thinking of really towing it is a small livestock trailer. I haven’t firmly got the weight on one but they really cannot be too much can they?
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HammerheadFistpunch
> Frenchlicker
01/15/2016 at 16:45 |
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A livestock trailer? No, they are pretty light. Livestock? Yes...those are heavy. REALLY heavy.
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Frenchlicker
> Future next gen S2000 owner
01/15/2016 at 16:50 |
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That is what reminded me of the question to be honest.
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Frenchlicker
> HammerheadFistpunch
01/15/2016 at 16:50 |
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Nothing like cows or horses, just goats. Something like a few Nubians.
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HammerheadFistpunch
> Frenchlicker
01/15/2016 at 16:52 |
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oh, that’s not so bad then.
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Frenchlicker
> HammerheadFistpunch
01/15/2016 at 16:55 |
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Yeah, some people toss them in the bed of trucks. However I don’t want a third vehicle after fixing a second.
OCD-CO
> Frenchlicker
01/15/2016 at 17:03 |
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Having owned a TJ and towed with it, AND currently owning a 98 XJ and towed with it, I say bad choice for a tow vehicle, lol.
My XJ is the Up Country version which has the towing package and trans cooler already. I think mine is rated at 5000 pounds. I have towed around 2 with it no problem.
The reason I say it is a bad choice is more than just towing. XJ’s are old enough to where you are going to have more than towing issues. Your rear springs are shot already, I promise. Check them, the leafs are almost flat if not arc’d upside down a little. Check that out.
If the shocks are stock they may be good but like the springs, they are probably shot.
You have rear drums that suck!!! I did a Grand Cherokee swap on mine and added the rear discs right away. Not a bad job but you need to know what you are doing.
While in there I did the shocks too. About 99.99999% of XJ owners experience the bolts sheering off in the unibody. So prepare for that fun.
The AW4 transmission is a “good” one but not great. Towing will expose this pretty quickly.
The 4.0 engine is a tank and will do you good always. That is one of the best engines ever made. But, they are prone to over-heating at that age. Ask me how I know?!
And,......2000/2001 is the timeframe of the bad heads. Do your research and find out what head you have. There was a run of heads that overheat easily and crack. Once done you have a mess of a project. That is why I sought out a ‘98.
All of your bushings in the suspension will be shot. You will see this when you replace your leafs. The two mounts inboard the unibody will break free from the inserts and you will have to cut them out. This is a VERY common problem.
Your u-joints should be ok if not wheeled to hard. I had to do both axles and that was a pain.
So, if you take any credence to what I have written you will pick up on what I am saying - an XJ of that age is going to be plagued with issues. You may have found a good one, but be prepared for all of these things. Start towing and you will expose them all.
I have had to do all of this work and did a slip yoke with a cardan rear driveshaft as well to remove vibes from my small lift as well. I am running JK 32" Muds on Rubicon 17's as well.
My ‘98 XJ at 95 mph is like a Cadillac and I would tow with it any day. Again though, this is after I had to invest a significant amount.
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OCD-CO
> Frenchlicker
01/15/2016 at 17:09 |
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I towed a 1500 pound 4x8 utility trailer 4 times a week with mine and it was never an issue.
Is the livestock trailer enclosed? How long is it?
After reading all of this and responding to a few, I think you need a used truck.
Cherokees are no good for anything other than short trips and wheeling. Add women/men, kids and animals, etc......
They are not that great!!!
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Frenchlicker
> OCD-CO
01/15/2016 at 18:03 |
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From what I understand they bought the Jeep new and it was what they used to haul the family around. It’s not in amazing condition but it has not been used at someones toy. Also it would not be used for towing very often, if my plans go through it may be used to tow a small livestock trailer once or twice a year. However thanks for the heads up on the things to look at and work on.
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Frenchlicker
> OCD-CO
01/15/2016 at 18:08 |
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I had thought of getting a used truck but more often than not what I need is an SUV. In reality I would be pulling that trailer once or twice a year. Due to that I would probably get something that is cheap, so probably an open two horse trailer. The main reason that I am thinking of getting the Cherokee is because it is cheap and the lady friend’s mom owns it.
E92M3
> Frenchlicker
01/15/2016 at 18:12 |
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I’d tow up to 5000lbs with it. US tow ratings are overly conservative. Of course common sense applies for extra room to stop etc. I accidentally towed a 8000lb+ trailer across the country with my MDX that is rated at 5000lbs with no issues.
The Compromiser
> Frenchlicker
01/15/2016 at 20:31 |
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Needs more tiger shark.
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Frenchlicker
> E92M3
01/15/2016 at 21:14 |
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How does one accidentally do that. Also I think they are technically the law and if there was an accident it would play into liability.
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Frenchlicker
> The Compromiser
01/15/2016 at 21:15 |
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I think the never dying AMC 4.0 will do
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E92M3
> Frenchlicker
01/16/2016 at 09:13 |
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I was moving using a 6x12 enclosed trailer. The trailer weighed a little over 2000lbs empty. I packed it tight as could be, but didn’t think all the belongings would be much over 3000lbs. I took what felt like minutes to get to 55mph, but once I got there it cruised okay (minus kicking down a gear frequently). It wasn’t until about a year later when I towed a 3750lb pickup on a 2200lb car transporter that I realized what I had done. It towed this combination with ease and didn’t even break a sweat. Thats almost a 1000lbs over the recommended capacity, but it felt like I was towing an empty trailer in comparison to my move.
Just look at Europe. They tow campers with 100hp hatchbacks.
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Frenchlicker
> E92M3
01/16/2016 at 11:39 |
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I was looking to Europe for inspiration to be honest. They tow horse trailers and the like with Land Rovers, and we're not talking Defenders here. I know that Jeep differentials are not the most stout, I rebuild enough to know that, but one should get the job done.