Hello,

I recently acquired a 94 Cherokee that I'm going through bumper to bumper and learning a lot about these things...I can understand the allure and have already begun to discuss what the next Jeep is. Southern, solid vehicle running great and got for $1,000. Within several weeks, I have put $2,500 to get it to as nice cosmetically and mechanically sound as "stock" as possible before any next steps (lift, wheels, tires, etc.).

I finally have gotten around to driving it and within 100 miles noticed a low toned "whirling" sound coming from the center console. When I put my hand on the 4wd shifter, I "felt" the sound...it changed slightly as I put pressure on the shift selector. The sound is directly correlated to my actual speed, not engine RPM's, etc. I went to a gravel lot and played with the 4wd gently and noticed no lights coming on or disengagement in "N". Think I'm in 2H currently when the noise is happening.

One of the recent fixes was replacing a bushing in the shift linkage that had the linkage just hanging in place.

When I crawled under the Jeep tonight, I noticed the tag says its the 242...not the 231 as the 2H, 4H, N, 4L shifter in the Jeep suggests.

I also noticed the old vacuum switch (round *** on end) was not screwed in/plugged in and the female end of what I assume is the indicator switch on the 242 has nothing going into it. I see the indicator light issue.

Here's my suspicion and I"m looking for advise:

Previous owner for whatever reason swapped the 231 for the 242 but failed to install the correct linkage and the correct shifter so they left it hanging and hopefully in 2H full-time. I replace the bushing thinking that was the issue, and the new un-adjusted linkage and un-proper shifter is confusing my transfer case.

If that's the case, do I need to replace the shifter, shift positioner and linkage to match a 242? I see the linkage aftermarket, but shift position for the Selec Trac I'm not seeing.

Thanks all, this site has been very helpful with several other learnings.

Frank

 

The shift linkage is the same for both transfer cases. I actually just did the opposite and swapped my 242 for a 231 just because the chain was loose in mines. The 242 case should not have a vacuum for it since it does not have the provisions for it. THe 231 does however have a vacuum. The 242 should have an extra electric connector while the 231 doesnt and is vacuum controlled. Well atleast on the older ones. Where in Charlotte are you?

 

I work off Tyvola/Billy Graham and live in Gaston County.

You say the shift linkage is the same which is good once I can get the rod loose to adjust...though, I assume that the shift selector in the cab is not as you go from (speaking to 231 to 242) 2H, 4H, N, 4L (4 options) to 2H, 4H Full time, 4H Part time, N, 4L (5 options, one extra "notch")?

Regarding connectors, I have the vacuum switch hanging there from I assume the 231 (pigtails out of the same lines that hold the speedo wires) and I assume the indicator (electric) switch in the top of the 242 but no wire going into it. While it would be nice to have the indicators working, my focus now is to make sure the mechanical is right.

 

Ah I work right around that area also LOL. My jeep is currently in the shop now though. The shift points will definately be off if you use the 231 shift gate. The 2H and 4L will be the only 2 that will be correct. 4High, fulltime 4wd, and neutral will all be off and your just going to have to "feel" the shift points. I would advise you look for a 242 Shift gate either from the junkyard or from this forum. As far as the indicator lights, the cherokee should already have the lights there, you will need to get an extra electric connector peice that connects your Tcase sensor to the transmission. There should be a loose connector on your transmission (2 prong) you need an connector that goes from that (2prong) to the transfer case sensor for the indicator lights to work. Also you need a bulb for the full time 4wd in the cluster.

 

Great info, thanks...out of curiosity, do you still have the shift gate and bezel from your 242? I have the 231 obviously so that may work out well if you haven't changed yours yet.

 

I do but Im going to be swapping the 242 case back into my jeep sometime later on. I already swapped in the 231 shiftgate and bevel for now. I only swapped out the 242 because my chain was loose. (you might want to check yours also since you mentioned that whirling sound) I stuck the 231 in it temporarily to go wheeling and until I can get me a 242 chain (well afford to order one)