'91 Wrangler YJ towing info needed

[CMcCardell]

Hi all -

We're the proud new owners of a '91 Wrangler with a 6" lift, new Chevy V8 and paint and wheels and tires and way too much more to list - we actually weren't intending to get one, but it was a great price and we needed a toad for our '04 Adventurer 35U so...

It came with a decent towbar (having been used as a toad before) and light bar for the back, as well as an odometer disconnect (didn't know they were legal, but I don't much care since we know the previous owner).

My question is, what do I need to do to tow it? Transfer case in neutral of course - what else do I need to be concerned about?

I'm not planning to install a brake system at this point -

Thanks,

- Clay

[mfire1339]

Clay, Transfer case in neutral and trans in a high gear 4th or 5th. Also turn ignition key one click to unlock steering wheel. Don't forget e-brake off. I would use an SMI brake system also.

Mike Fire

1990 yj toad

[CMcCardell]

Excellent, thanks Mike - I appreciate it. I think the transfer case and tranny are stock, but we'll find out!

I just found out this afternoon that it's a '90 as well. What does your weigh?

- Clay

[Mike Canter]

With a four cylinder motor is weihed right at 3000 lbs. Probably a couple of hundred more with the V8 it now has

[mfire1339]

Clay, Ours weighed 3,070 lbs. with a bike rack and half tank of gas.
4 banger also, no bells or whistles.

Mike

[Mike Canter]

I had less gas on no bike rack (lol)

[CMcCardell]

Well, I hopped on over to the local Port of Entry with a full tank of gas last night, and it came in at 3,650 (3,900 less me and my dog). I guess that lift kit, wheels/tires and the motor are heavy!

One last question - it seems that to unlock the steering wheel, one click with the key does it but locks the key in the ignition. It doesn't seem like any electrical accessories come on. I assume that's the standard configuration and people then run with the key in the ignition? Or is there a workaround?

- Clay

Thanks everyone for your input -

[Mike Canter]

Yes, turn the key untill the engine lights come on and back it off one clich so the power is off but the steering wheel is unlocked. The reason you put the gear shift in fifth gear when the transfer case is in neutral is so if the transfer case slips back in it will not over rev the motor. If it was in neutral then hitting a bump or something might make the gear shift lever slip in 2nd or third and that would detroy the motor at 60-70 mph. It is just a safety item.

[CMcCardell]

Makes perfect sense - thanks Mike!