What does the OEM tow package consist of?

NYSLC93 · 01-07-2009, 11:03 AM

I'd like to add a tow hitch to my XJ, but I'm not sure how involved it is.

What does the stock tow package consist of? Can I just bolt on a hitch? Is the wiring already there?

Thanks!!

Signed,

Dumb Jeep N00b.

jeep95xj · 01-07-2009, 11:12 AM

Not 100% sure of everything included. You will need to buy a hitch and wiring. The wiring is not already there. I also strongly advise you install a tranny cooler. Other than that i dont know what else they added if anything.

NYSLC93 · 01-07-2009, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeep95xj

Not 100% sure of everything included. You will need to buy a hitch and wiring. The wiring is not already there. I also strongly advise you install a tranny cooler. Other than that i dont know what else they added if anything.

I don't plan on pulling anything larger than a small jetboat, is a tranny cooler required?

Does it come with the OEM set up?

jeep95xj · 01-07-2009, 12:27 PM

I dont tow at all but i have 33" tires and i put a tranny cooler on anyway. They are never a bad thing to have.

justanotherjpr · 01-07-2009, 12:50 PM

Even if you wearn't going to tow, still advise a transmission cooler. They are ~$50 at most parts stores and take about an hour to install.

FransWhiteXJ · 01-07-2009, 12:51 PM

Here's a recent similar question. My reply is #5.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/2001-cherokee-sport-towing-w-o-package-661147/

Fran

**Jason, aka: Jeepin.com** · 01-07-2009, 01:10 PM

Get a Class III hitch. Your 2000 will already have the required mounting nutstrip in the passenger side frame rail, you'll just need to get one for the driver-side. You can probably get one from a dealership, or seach online (maybe ebay or some place). You can also try to fish nuts or bolts down the frame rail to the mounting holes. You'll have to remove the rear bumper to do the install unless you've got a factory gas tank skid plate (in which case you've already got nutstrips on both sides).

For the wiring, you'll need to get a T-connector kit. These are plug-n-play kits that give you a basic 4-way flat plug, which is what most boat trailers use anyway. I've got an install write-up here: http://jeepin.com/features/trailerwiring/

Like the other guys, I'd also highly recommend installing a transmission cooler (which was part of the factory trailer package). These are relatively inexpensive and fairly easy to install yourself. FWIW, we can get you set up with all the parts you'd need, other than the nutstrip.

NYSLC93 · 07-02-2009, 12:22 PM

Does anyone sell a complete tow kit? Thanks!

fishermanfloyd · 07-02-2009, 05:54 PM

^^

The guy right above has you covered except for the nutstrip.

**GregB_00XJ** · 07-03-2009, 01:33 AM

Posts above have it right...

Factory tow kit included a 4 core rad, trans cooler, class 3 hitch, wiring and a different mechanical fan if I remember correctly?

I highly recommend a trans cooler, as noted easy install and well worth it even if you have the factory radiator side style. I installed a B&M and it is great, towing a 2700 pound trailer up and down the mountains I never got it hotter than 165-170 range.

Oh also remember that if you tow, you MUST use synthetic fluid in your rear diff and add the friction modifier if you have a factory LSD. This is right out of the Factory Full Service manual and the owners manual.

Unless you like replacing rear gears/clutch packs I suppose?

From FSM...

(8) For Trac–lok differentials, a quantity of
Mopar Trac–lok lubricant (friction modifier), or
equivalent, must be added after repair service or a
lubricant change. Refer to the Lubricant Specifications
section of this group for the quantity necessary.
(9) Fill differential with Mopart Hypoid Gear
Lubricant, or equivalent, to bottom of the fill plug
hole. Refer to the Lubricant Specifications section of
this group for the quantity necessary.

CAUTION: Overfilling the differential can result in
lubricant foaming and overheating.

(10) Install the fill hole plug and lower the vehicle.
(11) Trac–lok differential equipped vehicles
should be road tested by making 10 to 12 slow figure eight
turns. This maneuver will pump the lubricant
through the clutch discs to eliminate a possible chatter
noise complaint.

winkosmosis · 07-03-2009, 03:26 AM

I just ord3rd a Hiddn Hitch from trail3r. According to th3 instruction vid3o you pull th3 bolts and squar3 wash3rs through with a string, so you can l3av3 th bump3r on

mnoeltne · 07-03-2009, 01:20 PM

It's actually a wire, not a string, and I did exactly that on the driver side. There is already a nut strip on the passenger side that the exhaust bolts to, so it blocks where you would pull bolts through. Hidden Hitch includes the 12mm bolts that you use with the nut strip on that side, although I had to run a tap up through them first as they were rusted enough that the bolts wouldn't thread into the strip. Everything worked great and assembled quickly after running the tap through. That was the only part that took a bit of extra work.

I'll add my recommendation for a tranny cooler to those above. Definitely worth the price and hassle.

multmigs · 07-03-2009, 04:09 PM

Can anyone confirm if the fan clutch is definately a different HD version? I constantly think that mine will die soon out and I want to buy a replacement before I need it so I can just toss it on there.

D-BOI · 07-03-2009, 04:12 PM

ive never discovered this how do you tell if your xj has trac lock

99Greenmachine · 07-03-2009, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D-BOI

ive never discovered this how do you tell if your xj has trac lock

Here is an open carrier on left....trac lok on right