[cruizer428]

As I understand it, all JK's can tow 1,000 lbs. Add the tow package and that goes up to 3,500 lbs. Besides the 4.10's, what does the factory add to increase the capacity? The only thing I can think of is a larger hitch receiver.

I ask this question because if I get the automatic, which comes with the 4.10's, do I need to spend the extra couple hundred bucks for the tow package? I think a few hooks are also include, but I'm not interested in those. Thanks.

[jeepers3]

Well, you will need a tow hitch...Yeah, sure, you can add one after the fact I guess, do all the wiring yourself, and so forth - but I don't think you'll save much money over just getting it that way in the first place - and you'll have to spend the time to do it yourself.

FWIW, I got mine with the tow package - glad I did. I was able to use the Jeep for some towing stuff right away.

[SecondTJ]

Originally Posted by cruizer428

As I understand it, all JK's can tow 1,000 lbs. Add the tow package and that goes up to 3,500 lbs. Besides the 4.10's, what does the factory add to increase the capacity? The only thing I can think of is a larger hitch receiver.

As long as you have the 4.10 gears, you will be able to tow 3,500 lbs (4 door) or 2,000 lbs (2 door).

There is nothing else that "adds" to the increased towing capacity. All you need is a hitch receiver

Other wise, if it comes with 3.21 gears it can only tow 1,000 lbs.

[jeepers3]

Somewhere in another thread, someone quoted from the manual, something to the effect of the 3500 pound rating assumes a load-balancing hitch, or hitch attachment, or some such thing was being used - otherwise, 2000 lbs. You might want to check out the manual and see what it actually says.