Does it have a 231???

 

If you look at the selector plate and it shows.. 2H,4H,N,4L then you have a 231. If it shows 2H,4H,4H-FT,N,4L then you have a 242.
In other words if you have Fool Time 4 WD capability it is a 242. If not, 231.

 

Do you have

1.) 2 hi 4 hi N 4 low

Or

2.) 2 hi 4 full time 4 part time N 4 low


1. Is 231
2. Is 242

 

If I were to say find a 242 transfer case and swap it out with my 231 transfer case, would that work? What would I have to do to make everything work properly?

 

What issues are you having, no need to swap unless there is something wrong internally. Usually the linkage gets out of wack and just needs adjustment.

 

There is nothing wrong with my transfer case. I just really wanted that full time 4H. My linkage is messed up and that's the next thing that is going to be changed. I just really wanted that full time.

 

Just curious. Why do you want full time so much. I thought I needed it when it first for my jeep years ago, then with good tires, change of driving style and knowing how to shift on the fly, my 231 suits me well in rain dry, snow an offroad

 

I just kind of figured full time would be easier on everything when I'm plowing. I don't know how to explain it. I just thought full time would be better

 

As someone who's plowed in a Cherokee (I don't recommend it to be honest), you need to put frame stiffeners all the way down the frame rails. And you absolutely want a VERY BIG transmission cooler. And you will be better off with a 231 when plowing anyway.

 

To be honest. The Jeep has been used to plow since 2001. Nothing has happened to it. I'm worried about the tranny but that's it. I know the limitations to my Jeep

 

a friend of mine has the 242 and he wants to change it out, i dont know if i am right 100% but i think its 4h is a 1:1 with a 50/50 power split, ft4h is a 1:1 with a 25/75 power split, then 4l is a 2:1 with a 50/50 power split.

again i may be wrong, but my friend said he can fill a change between 4h and ft4h

 

231 is locked 50/50 in high or low. A 242 has a center diff in full time it acts like a open diff when the rear losses traction all the power goes there thats why you can run it on dry pavement but in part time or low it is split 50/50 like a 231. If your plowing snow just stick with the 231. Now i will say if your locked up front and rear a 242 can make it more fun in boring wheeling areas lol

 

What do you guys think is better for longitivety?

 

The 231 or 242?

 

Strength wise a 231 and 242 are about the same. A 231 has a big support in the aftermarket industry were the 242 is lacking. The 242 is a bigger more complex unit and would cost more to rebuild. Its not worth switching either way unless yours is bad. Myself im a big fan of 231s but my jeep has the 242 and has served me well.