What Gear Should A Manual Transmission Be In For Flat Towing A 1985 Jeep CJ7?
Updated 04/17/2026 | Published 04/10/2026
Question:
By some miracle I was able to locate the owners manual for a 1985 Jeep CJ7! For models with a manual transmission and model 300 transfer case follow these procedures to get the vehicle ready for flat towing: 1 Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to unlock the steering wheel. 2 Shift the transmission into gear and the transfer case into the Neutral position. 3 Turn the ive drive hubs to the 4x4 or Lock position for axle lubrication. For models that have an automatic transmission and model 300 transfer case follow these procedures: 1 Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to unlock the steering wheel. 2 Shift the automatic transmission into the Park position. 3 Shift the transfer case into the Neutral position. 4 Turn the ive drive hubs to the 4x4 or Lock position for axle lubrication. QUESTION IS WHAT GEAR? 1-4?
asked by: Frank G
Expert Reply:
Hey Frank, thanks for reaching out, and good question. When it says to put the manual transmission “into gear,” it’s not calling out a specific gear like 1st through 4th. The idea is just to have the transmission engaged so nothing inside is free-spinning. In practice, most people will just put it in 1st gear, but honestly any forward gear will do the same job.
The key part of that whole setup is really the transfer case in Neutral, that’s what disconnects the drivetrain for flat towing. Putting the transmission in gear is just an added safeguard so things stay put internally while you’re towing.
Are you needing a flat tow package for your Jeep? Let me know and I'm happy to throw together a parts list for you.
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Mark
4/17/2026
I would use fourth, the transfer case will be in neutral, it should not rotate the trans output shaft. In case the transfer case is not in neutral and you stage it away you won’t over speed the engine destroying everything. I have an acquaintance who did that .