JTR Manual Tow Capacity Limit - Centerforce Dual Friction

[greg.appel]

Hi all - I was told by the dealer and on several forums that the limiting factor on the JTR towing capacity with a manual was the clutch (not hard to believe). I have upgraded to the Centerforce Dual Friction clutch with new flywheel and hydraulics (LOVE IT!) - I would like to confirm that this will resolve the towing capacity issue vs automatic trans? Looking for real insights as I would like to use my JTR for local (mostly flat land) towing of my boat when needed (will use other rig for real distance towing).

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[cranbiz]

Legally, no it won't. No matter what clutch you have, your tow rating stays the same.

In real life, the better clutch will tow more. Your issue is if you get into a mishap, your insurance company may not cover you.

 

[@californiajeeping]

Clutch wont slip and overheat. That is all you are improving.

The manual lacks torque multiplication of a converter AND has less gear to find while towing.

The towing on these things are really limited by power. The diesels can pull harder but overheat. Its the entire powertrain being 1/4 ton really.

 

[Rahkmalla]

nothing will resolve the towing capacity issue . Once a vehicle is built, that tow cap is minted. You can never legally tow more than 4500#

Now, most people in the towing game follow the 80% rule. That is: you should never buy a vehicle planning to tow more than 80% of the vehicle's tow cap on the regular, or over long treks. 100% of the towing capacity is for emergencies and short distances.

IF (not legal advice) you feel that your manual JTR with a new clutch SHOULD have a tow rating 5625# or higher, and therefore you now feel comfortable using the 4500# cap as you used to use your 80% rule, well i can't imagine anyone where would take issue with that train of thought.

You wouldn't be the first person who modified a vehicle to tow better so that they could use more of their legal cap on a regular basis.

 

[greg.appel]

Thanks all for your comments. I hadn't thought about the torque multiplier effect of the torque converter, nor had I thought about legal/insurance risk if there was an accident. Begrudgingly I agree that I am just looking at more usable capacity (vs 80%) with a clutch that won't slip/overheat. Well - I have a great clutch now at least - that will have to be enough!

 

[Beungood]

Hi all - I was told by the dealer and on several forums that the limiting factor on the JTR towing capacity with a manual was the clutch (not hard to believe). I have upgraded to the Centerforce Dual Friction clutch with new flywheel and hydraulics (LOVE IT!) - I would like to confirm that this will resolve the towing capacity issue vs automatic trans? Looking for real insights as I would like to use my JTR for local (mostly flat land) towing of my boat when needed (will use other rig for real distance towing).

What did that set up cost and install?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

No because it's also heat rejection and RPM at mph. The manual doesn't have the gear ranges/ratios to keep it in the ideal RPM ranges to minimize engine heat.
If you look at the last portion of the quest to get the ratings - a lot of it was based on tire size, gear ratios and engine RPMs.

 

[greg.appel]

What did that set up cost and install?

I bought the clutch at Quadratec (link below) - currently it is about $1600. Install was about $1100. Make sure you use a shop that either has real experience installing these in JL/JTs or is willing to follow the install instructions and addendums to the T. If not you will get unhappy results.

https://www.quadratec.com/p/centerf...t-flywheel-wrangler-jl-gladiator-jt-KDF157077

 

[greg.appel]

No because it's also heat rejection and RPM at mph. The manual doesn't have the gear ranges/ratios to keep it in the ideal RPM ranges to minimize engine heat.
If you look at the last portion of the quest to get the ratings - a lot of it was based on tire size, gear ratios and engine RPMs.

True - all are factors. My JTR is regeared to 4.88 on 35" tires - that overgears me a bit which should help as well.

To be clear - I have no intention of really towing anything at capacity since my boat/trailer weighs closer to the Max Tow capacity. As such it looks like flat land or otherwise, my boat won't be pulled by my JTR.

 

[Frank...]

How are you going to handle the MT recall now that the Centerforce is installed?

Only asking because I’m in a similar situation. Just reageared to 4.88 on 35’s with the Centerforce in my garage.

 

[greg.appel]

How are you going to handle the MT recall now that the Centerforce is installed?

Only asking because I’m in a similar situation. Just reageared to 4.88 on 35’s with the Centerforce in my garage.

It takes me out of the recall mess - frankly I don't think Jeep is going to materially change the clutch - so making the change to have something that works for me was important to get to a stable clutch system. The last recall fix was a software detune if the clutch got hot. Not interested in something like that again.

 

[Frank...]

I get it, not interested in whatever fix they have in mind. Just didn’t want to leave an open recall on my Jeep.

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