Hey guys,

I'm looking at http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/1715607477.html. It's a 96 cherokee sport with 210,000 miles on it. It seems like a lot but it's the trim I like and it's a stick.

Here are my questions:
1) Does this have the 242 or the 231 transfer case?


NP242 - "Selec-Trac" part-time OR full-time - 2.72:1 ratio low range - shift pattern 2wd - 4part-time - 4full-time - N - 4LO - used 87-01
NP231 - "Command-Trac" part-time only - 2.72:1 ratio low range - shift pattern 2H - 4H - N - 4L - used 87-01

They both give the year range and it's not specific unless I'm reading it wrong.

2) If it is the 231 then it's only part time. So, What is considered part-time? How long can I drive it in 4WD until I have to switch back to 2WD?

3) Can I shift it into 4WD on-the-fly or do I need to be stopped?

4) Are Jeeps normally cheaper to repair than other vehicles?

5) This is what I'm looking for: Something that I can do some off roading with that is also going to be my full-time vehicle. Is this a good choice? I've read that the '96-'99's are the best years.

That's all i can think of at the moment. Any input is good. I live in Colorado, so it will get good use. But I'm new to truck-type vehicles. I've dealt with smaller sport-like vehicles all my life.

Thanks!

 

The NP-231 is what I have.It's command-trac and is able to be shifted at any speed at any time.I would'nt drive it on dry pavement for long though you could split the tc in half.The full time NP-242 can be driven on dry pavement without any problems.The XJs are pretty easy to work on and are the perfect vehicle to learn on.Part time should only be driven on loose surfaces only.Full time , any surface.You heard right 96-99 are the best years IMO.

 

Thanks for the input.
How do I know which it is?
Do I need to take it to a dealer?
If it's the 231 then I can use it full-time on snow, dirt, off-road conditions, rain, right? Just not on dry pavement, right?

Thanks!

 

That price is high and will need some work to make it worth that price. I'd keep looking or offer him a price more in line with that it's worth.

 

got the same exact jeep ish.. jeeps are never the same.. lol but 96 sport, stick, 170k on it and it drives like a camp.. i beat most GT's off the start.. AX-15 tranny is one of the best.. you probably have the np231 as i think it is the most common.. and as for owning an abused 94 as my last jeep this one pwns it.. 96+ the unibody was reinforced and the sound bar speakers were added.. its actualy pretty good but im moding the back hatch to put 4x7s in there aswell.. after owning 3 jeeps 94xj 05 laredo and my 96xj.. my 96 totals all the others ive owned..

 

got the same exact jeep ish.. jeeps are never the same.. lol but 96 sport, stick, 170k on it and it drives like a camp.. i beat most GT's off the start.. AX-15 tranny is one of the best.. you probably have the np231 as i think it is the most common.. and as for owning an abused 94 as my last jeep this one pwns it.. 96+ the unibody was reinforced and the sound bar speakers were added.. its actualy pretty good but im moding the back hatch to put 4x7s in there aswell.. after owning 3 jeeps 94xj 05 laredo and my 96xj.. my 96 totals all the others ive owned..

 

got the same exact jeep ish.. jeeps are never the same.. lol but 96 sport, stick, 170k on it and it drives like a camp.. i beat most GT's off the start.. AX-15 tranny is one of the best.. you probably have the np231 as i think it is the most common.. and as for owning an abused 94 as my last jeep this one pwns it.. 96+ the unibody was reinforced and the sound bar speakers were added.. its actualy pretty good but im moding the back hatch to put 4x7s in there aswell.. after owning 3 jeeps 94xj 05 laredo and my 96xj.. my 96 totals all the others ive owned..

 

i appologize for the spam.. my pc went crazy..

 

'96 cherokees came with either the 242 or 231, there's no way to know without looking (or calling the guy and asking). yes they are shift on the fly up to around 45 or 50 (i think, although i've never tested that) to shift into 4 lo you have to be stopped and in neutral. 210k + on the mileage makes a 3000 dollar price tag seem a bit steep to me, definitely talk him down and if he doesn't bite keep looking, a better deal can be found. replacing the windshield will likely set you back 200 bucks and it won't pass inspection without it. as far as reliability cherokees are well put together and parts are relatively cheap especially if you can do the work yourself. a manual trans with that many miles might be close to needing a clutch depending on how it has been treated - plan accordingly if you decide to buy it. a 14 year old vehicle will not be without problems of some sort regardless of what the current owner says try to find out what they are before you finalize any deal. good luck!

 

Thank for the input!! I'm going to look at it today. He's going to give me a list of what has been done to it and I'll post it.

 

yeah man i bought my 94 sport auto with 220k and it was only 900 bucks =]

 

How's it doing now? Any major repairs? New engine?

 

i got a 93 for 700 with 225***K only big repair was this week with the alternator but that was a easy fix, and some rust in the rear floor boards that i patched up and put a equine stall mat in the back since the carpet was wet and i didnt feel like messing with it

 

nope normal jeep stuff cracked flexplate replaced all the steering and shocks still needs a new set of exhaust headers (cracked right now) and a better radiator (live in az) and i want some le baron hood vents. but other then that it's a beast I think my fuel pump might be going but that's not bad at all

 

Call the guy, ask him to tell you what the shift pattern is on the transfer case shifter bezel...

NP242 - "Selec-Trac" part-time OR full-time - 2.72:1 ratio low range - shift pattern 2wd - 4part-time - 4full-time - N - 4LO - used 87-01
NP231 - "Command-Trac" part-time only - 2.72:1 ratio low range - shift pattern 2H - 4H - N - 4L - used 87-01

Pretty easy to tell which is which... DO NOT USE 4WD on pavement w/231, unless you want to replace lots of grenaded parts... use ONLY 4Fulltime on pavement w/242...