I was wondering what the difference between the two transfer cases are and if the years really matter. I just pulled the engines out of my 89 and 94 Cherokees and selling parts off the 94 keeping the 89. I would like to keep the better stuff for the 89 cause it will be my daily and will see mud, snow and off road trails. So actually I would like to know what should be put on the 89, aside from the engine cause I'm doing the full swap and putting the 94 HO in due to the 89s blowing up on new years. Thanks in advanced for any help you give.

 

I personally would like a 242. Had one in my 92 and it was great in the winter for everyday driving. SYE was a pain but do-able myself. I would keep the 242 if it will fit/work.

Otherwise sell it to me!

 

Different spline counts on the 89 and 94 trans and transfer cases.

 

I know there's different spline counts, but to adjust for that I would take them apart and follow the steps by Matt on BleepinJeep of changing the input shafts.

 

For a Daily Driver the 242 is ideal. 4FT is the mode I use most of all because of the extra traction when you're pulling out of junctions or fast corners. It's perfect for snowy roads. Some say the 231 is stouter but I don't think it's an issue for a DD unless you drive like an animal

 

I prefer the 242 myself as the winters can be spotty at times. Sometimes slick. Sometimes dry. Sometimes both, which could make life difficult for a 231. Hit a dry patch in part time 4wd and it will hate you forever. With the 242 i can shift into full time 4wd and forget about it.

 

The NP242's FT 4wd mode would be essentially nullified unless you have LSD diffs in the front and rear. The VCD in the transfer case is designed to transfer power to a wheel with traction in the event of wheel spin... it won't do that with open diffs... so essentially you'd be back to 1wd.

There is still some debate as to the effectiveness of the 242 with auto-lockers as well.

Personally, if you don't have LSD, I wouldn't run the 242.

 

But, the 242 becomes a 231 when you shift it into part-time......

 

Okay. Just making sure.

 

I'm not sure what you mean by VCD but the 242 is either open or locked. I take your point that in theory you can end up spinning away all your torque through one wheel in 4FT but in practice you're dividing the torque between 4 contact patches instead of two so you'e still better off.

Also over here all XJs came with a 242 and a rear LSD which is a pretty sweet combination at least until the clutches rear out.

 

Go with the 231, more parts availabe, and it shifts in and out of 4x4 much quicker. I have a 242 and I am getting ready to put a 231 in. My 242 has always takes awhile to get in and out of 4x4. I have adjusted the linkage and changed the fluid and it is still a problem, I never use the full time mode either so losing that isn't an issue.

 

Keep it simple. NP231

 

Very true. Really just stating that if finds the 231 for a lesser price than the 242, there's not really any point in spending the extra coin on the 242 unless he's got LSD. 242 is certainly not a DETRIMENT by any means.

Sorry.... I used VCD in error (was thinking of the WJ's Quadra-trac II system with the gerotor coupling)... the differential in the transfer case is what I was referring to.

Again, nothing at all WRONG with the 242. I wanted one myself for quite some time, but as I'm going to be going the route of lockers (and have 33" tires now which from what I hear all but nullifies the factory LSD) and larger tires, the 242's FT 4wd option is superfluous. Just wanted the OP to be aware that unless he has LSD, the 242's FT4WD isn't something to pay MORE for if he finds himself in that situation.

I'm a fan of the 242 though, trust me.

 

Thank you for all your input, I will be keeping the 242 on it for now until something happens to inspire me to take them apart and swap around the input shafts. If anyone wants or needs parts off a 94 xj stock give me a shout. Also check out the page if y'all interested I post all the work on my Jeeps on there over at Facebook.com/XJeepNJoe or just search Jeep N Joe. Again appreciate all the input guys.

 

HA! Didn't read that first post correctly. I didn't realize you already had the 242 in it! Well yeah, definitely keep the 242! lol