My 1994 Cherokee that I just bought has a clunking or skipping noise in 4 wheel drive in the front end. I think its the chain in the transfer case (from experience with other 4 wheel Dr vehicles) so how hard is it to switch out the NP 231 transfer case with another one and does anyone in the New Jersey area have one? I found one for $350 and my core, is that a decent deal? Thanks as always...TJ

UPDATE> I don't know if its the transfer case or not and some help would be appreciated. It has a 231 j case in it and if I even put it in 4 wheel high or low and start to roll there is a loud clunking sound coming from it. I had a blazer with a chain driven transfer case but it only slipped when I put lots of pressure in 4 wheel drive. any ideas would be welcome. thanks...TJ

Any ideas from anyone?

It's hard to tell without hearing it, but if it only does it in 4wd it is a good bet it is your tcase. You could jack up the Jeep at all 4 corners and with it in 4wd, have someone spin the rear tires while you listen for the noise. I dont believe it is in your front axle as the components spin all the time...

What condition is your front driveshaft in? U-joints good? How about your front axle, differental and axle u-joints good?

I'm having a friend help me check everything because I'm disabled so I will give him all your great ideas on what to look for. It sounds like a "snapping" noise more than a clunk of a u joint imo. Will the t-case snap even if your just rolling without giving any gas or light gas?

Unless the case is bad you can rebuild your current case for much cheaper than the stated $350. The 231J is a common case and rebuild kits are around for them. Try this site, which is one of my favorites. HERE

Thanks for the link. Is there a chain in the t-case that needs to be replaced also?

a chain and both the gears it rides on along with all seals and bearings if your going to do it right

Just kidding. I'm dumb.

I did the rebuild a month ago and replaced all three parts with seals and it works awesome now...Tj