anything wrong w/ running a CJ in front wheel drive only?

cbushrun · 01-06-2009, 12:02 PM

I need to get my CJ5 to a shop for them to correct the rear pinion angle and I dont want to drive it w/ the vibration, or pay to have it towed (Im cheap). Is there any problems w/ removing the rear driveline, putting it in 4WD and driving it by powering the front wheels only?

I have 8 degree shims right now, and they arent enough with the new lift. I want to do away w/ the shims and have the axle mounts cut off and rewelded at the right angle.

Any other ideas for a temporary fix to get it to the shop?? Its about 15 miles from my house.

Thanks guys!!

JoonHoss · 01-06-2009, 12:04 PM

go slow, and take it easy. not the best method, but it should work just fine.

however, this would be a good time to buy/use a tow bar/lights, that way you'd always have them if you ever needed them!

Hoss

jeepwrangler97 · 01-06-2009, 12:07 PM

I knew a kid, not a very bright kid, but I knew him and he drove his XJ as front wheel drive for a couple of months until he got a new rear drive shaft and nothing broke. I'm still not sure if it's okay, but nothing on his broke

Squatch · 01-06-2009, 01:01 PM

It should be fine, but your rear R&P will still be meshing so as long as they dont chew eachother up

neals80 · 01-06-2009, 01:17 PM

been there done that..take it easy like mentioned

**SlikRic** · 01-06-2009, 02:05 PM

I had to do it when I broke my rear driveshaft. Drove about 22 miles home and no problems, but as mentioned take it easy. I don't think I went more the 30 or 35 the whole way.

Bard · 01-06-2009, 02:37 PM

I will say this on this one. I have and would driven my Jeep over 200 miles with just the front driveshaft. Take the rear out and run in 4HI. No problems at all at highway speeds, just remember, safety is key.

If your differential is locked in the front, unlock a hub and just go easy. If unlocked diff, lock both hubs and treat it as a front wheel drive vehicle.

Mike Romain · 01-06-2009, 03:30 PM

I also have driven highway at 60+/- for over an hour to get home on front wheel drive and for a couple weeks after with no issues at all.

Just don't give it too much gas when the wheels are tuned hard, you have universals up there, not CV's.

Renegade79 · 01-06-2009, 03:46 PM

i had to do this once out of necessity when a rear universal joint busted on me. it didn't feel like it wanted to turn as well on sharp corners (going slow of course), but it didn't seem to hurt anything. its also kind of a cool feeling to go from rear wheel drive to front wheel drive, feels like you're getting pulled along.

jayhawkclint · 01-06-2009, 03:57 PM

You could just flat tow it if you are concerned. Do you have a pickup? HF has a $50 tow bar that works fine for CJs.

Joe_CJ5 · 01-06-2009, 04:43 PM

See if anyone is in your area with a trailer, If i lived close id put it on my trailer and get it to a shop for yeah. Never hurts to ask for a helping hand.

cbushrun · 01-06-2009, 04:43 PM

Thanks guys....I'll take er easy. early Sunday morning so I dont piss anyone off and see some "one fingered salutes!"

cbushrun · 01-06-2009, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe_CJ5

See if anyone is in your area with a trailer, If i lived close id put it on my trailer and get it to a shop for yeah. Never hurts to ask for a helping hand.

Thats a good point. I could always ask a neighbor....or make an excuse to the wife on why I need a double axle trailer vs a single like we have now.

I may be onto something........

Joe_CJ5 · 01-06-2009, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbushrun

Thats a good point. I could always ask a neighbor....or make an excuse to the wife on why I need a double axle trailer vs a single like we have now.

I may be onto something........

I have thought of selling my trailer a couple of times now , but something always seems to come up and I need it again. Now that I have the Jeep I am going to hang on to it.

jayhawkclint · 01-06-2009, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe_CJ5

I have thought of selling my trailer a couple of times now , but something always seems to come up and I need it again. Now that I have the Jeep I am going to hang on to it.

x2. I treat my trailer like it's a part of my toolbox, as valuable as a torque wrench; not something that gets used everyday, but when the time comes that you need it, there usually isn't a way to finish the job without it.