I found out that I need a new transfer case. So I've been looking online and locally for a replacement.
Here's the question; does the 242 out of a Grand Cherokee match one from an XJ Cherokee?

I've been checking ebay and keep getting listings that say it's from a Grand but will work in an XJ.

It's way to cold out for me to try to swap it out so I will be taking it to a shop. Are there parts that will have to be transferred over or is it a pull one put the other in?

I'd love to get a rebuilt or rebuild the one I have, but the cost to do that vs buying a junk yard one is very lopsided in favor of the junk yard.

 

ZJ 242 has an .840" 23 spline input..

97+ XJ has the same so it'll be a bolt in.

You can rebuild your old one for ~$250

 

Thanks for the info, that should make it easier to find a replacement.

Yes it could be rebuilt for ~$250 in parts there are a few things keeping me from doing that.
I would love to rebuild it, that way I know it's just like new, but I'm missing a few things to do that.
I park outside at my apt, and it's 3 deg out. I don't have access to any kind of heated work shop. I can't wait until it's warm out to do this, I really would like 4wd, and I'm worried that if I let it go I could cause more damage.
I don't have all the tools to be able to take it out and rebuild it. I have a socket set, but I don't have jack stands, snap ring pliers, or the various other tools I will need.
This is my only vehicle, so I don't have any way to get around while I'm rebuilding the TC.

I'd love to have a shop with all kinds of tools like a lot of people on here do, but I just don't have access to them.

 

I'm curious. The bolt pattern on the transfer case is the same? I mean I know ZJ and XJ have different transmissions but is the transfer case bolt patterns the same?

 

Yes should bolt right up.

 

Didn't know that.

 

Clocking of bolt holes may change but not the patterns.

 

I'm putting together a bastard gc right now, I had to trim the output shaft on the 42re to make the 231 slide all the way on and bolt but it works haha

 

I understand that.. and can sympathize. I'm just outside Philadelphia and offer rebuilding, if you'd like a quote drop me a PM.

Bingo..