How to modify my XJ to be able to Tow?

[dm0326]

Hello All,

First post here! I have a 1998 Grand Cherokee with an Inline V6. I do not have the tow package, and from what I understand from reading, I can only tow 2000lbs max if I don't make modifications. I have just recently purchased a 3300 lb trailer and I would like to be able to tow it with the XJ. What can I do to my XJ to make it tow worthy? I have heard rear air bags, tranny cooler, P/S pump replacement, new axle ration. Do you agree with these suggestions? I am not sure what I need to do. Thanks in advance!!!

~Dave

 

[ChiXJeff]

For starters, you don't have an XJ. That's either a ZJ, or a WJ, I don't remember exactly when the split was.

On an XJ, the tow package was more a transmission cooler than anything else. A limited slip rear diff also came with it, along with a hitch receiver (maybe a couple of other fumbly bits.)

 

[95REDXJ]

go get a class 3 hitch receiver put in. a tranny cooler would be a good idea, but it really depends on how much towing you plan to do and how far you'll be towing, and will it mostly be flat or hilly...???
rear airbags are a pretty penny to get the set up, but if the trailer is 3300 only like 500 of that should be on the tongue.
new gears is costly, around here its 1600 for both. i would not suggest regearing unless you plan to only tow with it or have put bigger tires on.

soo please tell us a bit about what you want to do with this grand cherokee.

 

[snail]

tow package XJs should come with nutcerts/nutstrips in each of the rear frame rails (its basically a strip of metal with nuts welded to it that you thread bolts into from the bottom through the already existent holes in the frame rails)

if you dont have them, or your XJ is quite rusty, just pull the rear bumper and replace them. these nutcerts are the best way to attach a hitch IMO

i did exactly this on my old XJ so i could have a cheap point of rear recovery. the nutcerts were $15 each, and a got a used hitch for $20. a quick clean up job and new paint on the hitch landed me with a completed hitch install for under $60.

i didn't do the wiring though

 

[xjtrailrider]

The grand Cherokee is a little heavier, longer and does have better brakes than the XJ.....but the Chrysler tranny sucks and wont last long if you tow to max capacity. I would add a tranny cooler whether you tow or not, its just good insurance. You could possibly find some stronger rear coils for the ZJ but you might want air shocks for a cheaper alternative to air bags.

A tranny temperature gauge is good insurance as well.

Anything around 4-5K and I would make sure the trailer has brakes and use a weight distributing/equalizing hitch and a good quality trailer brake controller.

Good luck

 

[RCP Phx]

Hello All,

First post here! I have a 1998 Grand Cherokee with an Inline V6.~Dave

Have you ever opened the hood?:roflmao:

 

[DetroitStyle]

Have you ever opened the hood?:roflmao:

LOL.... inline V6

 

[CherBear]

Have you ever opened the hood?:roflmao:

We were all noobs once too...

The engine you have is an inline 6 cylinder, the "inline" part refers to how the cylinders are arranged in the block. V6 engines and Inline 6 engines are different, you either have one or the other.

 

[FlexdXJ]

For starters, you don't have an XJ. That's either a ZJ, or a WJ, I don't remember exactly when the split was.

On an XJ, the tow package was more a transmission cooler than anything else. A limited slip rear diff also came with it, along with a hitch receiver (maybe a couple of other fumbly bits.)

98 was the last year of the ZJ.

 

[itbrokeagain]

For starters, you don't have an XJ. That's either a ZJ, or a WJ, I don't remember exactly when the split was.

On an XJ, the tow package was more a transmission cooler than anything else. A limited slip rear diff also came with it, along with a hitch receiver (maybe a couple of other fumbly bits.)

Its also possible he doesnt have a Grand.