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Oscar Mike · 02-11-2013, 01:23 PM

I've spoken with Melinda at Southwest Drive lines of Yuma, AZ and got a quote of $1,350.00 to furnish the parts and labor to install a drive line disconnect...

$1,350.00 is a far cry from the $33,709.19 I am looking at for a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sahara.

With all of the tow equipment, braking systems, and tpms I could be out the door for around $5,000.00...That's a $28,000.00 savings...which equates to lot of travels.

Oscar Mike · 02-15-2013, 06:14 AM

Back to square one...

After doing more research I discovered that even with the drive shaft disconnect the FJ Cruiser will more than likely have problems over the short term if used as a toad.

There is NO definitive answer to the FJ Cruiser as a Toad question...I have spent the last three days researching the question to make absolutely certain the FJ is suited as a toad... The short answer is no, it is not suited as a toad.

So now what...back to square one...

dsbike · 02-15-2013, 06:33 AM

Curious what you found to make it not usable as a toad even with the ds disconnect?

Oscar Mike · 02-15-2013, 06:41 AM

The FJ transfer case has an oil pump which is driven off the main shaft. If you dingy tow the FJ your output shaft is spinning the gears in the back of the transfer case. These gears and bearings have no lube at all since the oil pump is not turning. The main shaft is locked with the transmission in park or if it's a standard the main shaft is still not turning as the trans is in neutral. What will happen is the rear bearings will run dry and a major meltdown will occur.

Oscar Mike · 02-15-2013, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsbike

Curious what you found to make it not usable as a toad even with the ds disconnect?

I have a 2008 FJ Cruiser too, and I would love to tow it. How are you towing yours? What procedure do you use to tow...transmission in Park, transfer case in neutral?

Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376 · 02-15-2013, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnmbeard

Back to square one...

After doing more research I discovered that even with the drive shaft disconnect the FJ Cruiser will more than likely have problems over the short term if used as a toad.

There is NO definitive answer to the FJ Cruiser as a Toad question...I have spent the last three days researching the question to make absolutely certain the FJ is suited as a toad... The short answer is no, it is not suited as a toad.

So now what...back to square one...

I think if you were ready for a FJ, a new Wrangler would fit the bill quite nicely. They are not anything like Wranglers 2006 and older. They ride pretty well, build quality is very good and they hold a fair resale value. I've had ours since new in 07. Now with new 100k on the clock, it's a solid as it was new. Give it a fair test drive. I think you'll be impressed

Oscar Mike · 02-15-2013, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376

I think if you were ready for a FJ, a new Wrangler would fit the bill quite nicely. They are not anything like Wranglers 2006 and older. They ride pretty well, build quality is very good and they hold a fair resale value. I've had ours since new in 07. Now with new 100k on the clock, it's a solid as it was new. Give it a fair test drive. I think you'll be impressed

You're absolutely right...my problem is that I own a 2008 FJ Cruiser. I would love to make the easy decision just to buy a new Wrangler and trade in my FJ. Too bad nothing is as easy as it appears.

jd956jd956 · 02-15-2013, 08:39 AM

Good morning John. You sound a lot like me. Research, research, research. I, too, could not find a definitive answer about flat towing an FJ. I spoke with dealership mechanics, private transmission shops, but what finally convinced me it is okay to flat tow an FJ was finding and talking to others who do it and HAVE DONE IT without issues. Also, several who either know others you flat tow them or have personally have talked to those who do. I absolutely love my FJ and love flat towing it even more. When you use the disconnect, the rear axle spins freely just like the front axel does when it is in 2H. I beat myself up for months trying to find FJ flat towing success stories, and am glad I have. Call David Massey, owner of the "Drive Shaft King" in Dallas and talk to him. He has been installing disconnects for more than twenty years. I think his years of actual true to life EXPERIENCE will help you reconsider. And at $1100 dollars installed, it is not like he will be trying to sell you something where he makes enough off of your so be can retire early. In other words, I found him to be honest and more importantly EXPERIENCED.... PS - this all assumes your FJ also has an automatic transmission.

Oscar Mike · 02-15-2013, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd956jd956

Good morning John. You sound a lot like me. Research, research, research. I, too, could not find a definitive answer about flat towing an FJ. I spoke with dealership mechanics, private transmission shops, but what finally convinced me it is okay to flat tow an FJ was finding and talking to others who do it and HAVE DONE IT without issues. Also, several who either know others you flat tow them or have personally have talked to those who do. I absolutely love my FJ and love flat towing it even more. When you use the disconnect, the rear axle spins freely just like the front axel does when it is in 2H. I beat myself up for months trying to find FJ flat towing success stories, and am glad I have. Call David Massey, owner of the "Drive Shaft King" in Dallas and talk to him. He has been installing disconnects for more than twenty years. I think his years of actual true to life EXPERIENCE will help you reconsider. And at $1100 dollars installed, it is not like he will be trying to sell you something where he makes enough off of your so be can retire early. In other words, I found him to be honest and more importantly EXPERIENCED.... PS - this all assumes your FJ also has an automatic transmission.

Yes, I have an automatic transmission. What configuration do you tow in...Transfer case in H2, transmission in Park?

jd956jd956 · 02-15-2013, 08:59 AM

A final thought to ponder... WHY does Toyota says "no"? I concluded it is because Toyota does not set them up for flat towing at the factory and non-Toyota modifications must be made... Legal liability... They don't want any part of it...

jd956jd956 · 02-15-2013, 09:00 AM

Yes - 2H, transmission in park. Key not full turned off to keep steering wheel free with no battery drain...

Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376 · 02-15-2013, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd956jd956

A final thought to ponder... WHY does Toyota says "no"? I concluded it is because Toyota does not set them up for flat towing at the factory and non-Toyota modifications must be made... Legal liability... They don't want any part of it...

You hit it right on. Problem is though that they write the rules. If you have an FJ out of warranty, I'd set it up for towing as well but in warranty? You know Toyota will try to point anything related to warranty coverage on the fact that the owner modified it for flat towing. they may say it affects the front suspension,..... you name it. They can void a new car warranty over it. With that? Buyer beware.

Oscar Mike · 02-15-2013, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd956jd956

Yes - 2H, transmission in park. Key not full turned off to keep steering wheel free with no battery drain...

I really appreciate your feedback. I am scheduled to have the drive shaft disconnect done by Southwest Drive Lines in Yuma, AZ on the 27th of this month at a cost of $1,350.00 installed. I am also getting the base plate, tow bar & wiring, and the SMI Play-IN-Stay Duo for a total of $4,700.00.

Southwest Drive Lines like Drive Line King are recommended by REMCO.

The entire set-up nuts to soup including the TST TPMS is going to set me back around $6,000.00+/-.

I am still uncertain about the FJ...I wish I didn't like as much as I do, it would be easier to get rid of and buy a Jeep...

jd956jd956 · 02-15-2013, 09:26 AM

You're welcome. I too like the FJ over a Jeep as found the FJ (for me) to be significantly smoother riding (is my daily driver) and more roomy inside.

Be sure to get AND KEEP IN YOUR SUN VISOR POCKET WRITTEN STEP BY STEP Instructions for the driveshaft engagement and disengagement. Think of it as an aircraft pilot's pre-flight check off list AND ENJOY