Towing a CDNM101 with a locked jeep.... (1 Viewer)

[GzrGlide]

Hey folks;

Ok. I know this is a Toyota forum, but I hope you guys can help a jeep guy out with a beloved CdnM101.

We just came back from a camping trip towing our CDN M101 behind our TJ that has a new Detroit locker in the rear.

Noticed that when we shifted from 4 to 5 or when letting off the gas in 5th, that the jeep pulls to the right pretty quick and severely. Enough that you have to counter steer to keep it in the lane.

Is this normal in a swb, locker equipped vehicle pulling a trailer?

I know that its common for the locker to make the back end twitch a little in the back when shifting, but does the heavy trailer with short tongue make it that much worse? Not enough tongue weight? I'm pretty careful when loading any trailer to make sure I have some amount of tongue weight.

Open to any ideas!

Thanks for any help/advice.
Mike

 

[KY854RUN]

Hi Mike,

Check to see that the trailer's brakes are not dragging. If they are, then you should notice it some in any gear. So, I don't think that it is the trailer's brakes. Also, unless you have the trailer loaded really heavy, it should not push your TJ around like that.

I would suspect that the new locker in the rear is not working exactly as it should. Try driving the TJ without the trailer and do the things that were making it pull with the trailer attached. If it does the same things without the trailer then it is the locker.

I had a Power Trax No-Spin that didn't work correctly and it gave me the same troubles that you are having. Power Trax warrantied my locker and the new one has worked flawlessly.

The Detroit Locker is a good unit, but even they can have a bad one slip through quality control.

 

[REZARF]

Maybe try driving the trailer absolutley empty, to determine if it is a weight thing or not.

 

[KevinNY]

Rear Steer when letting on and off the gas is usually associatted with bad suspension bushings in the rear.

 

[GzrGlide]

Firt off thanks for the replies! I now have a short list of things to check.

I had to pull our other utility trailer today and had absolutely no problem whatsoever. The only movement was the typical Detroit twitch when shifting, but nowhere near wht we experienced on our trip.

I'm going to pull the M101 empty tomorrow and then check to see if the brakes are dragging at all.

I'll keep ya updated.

Mike

 

[bj70_guy]

off topic here, but going by your handle, do I assume there's an FLHT in your garage?

 

[atavuss]

I have a 77 CJ7 that I ran a detroit locker in the rear for many years. the locker was great off road but on the road made for a beast to drive, especially on twisty mountain roads. really had to watch your driving. finally got tired of the locker and took it out.

 

[GzrGlide]

off topic here, but going by your handle, do I assume there's an FLHT in your garage?

Yup! 02 Classic. Most of it is blacked out. I hate chrome!
http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/44156/2517165970101986741S500x500Q85.jpg

Ride hard or stay home!

"Kleine Sheisse-wagen" <<<< Cute!

 

[bj70_guy]

Thought so! Mine's a '00 FLHT with a tour pak and a 95" kit. Love it.
My other toy is an '81 Sturgis, so I'm with you on the chrome thing...

 

[Rubiconcruiser]

There should be no pull, left or right, or when applying the brakes, locked axel or not, you may need to check the alignment on the tongue of the trailer as a start. I have pulled my trailer several thousand miles with both my FJ40 as well as my TJ and never had an issue as you describe. I even did a power brake from 70 MPH and she was as steady as a rock.