My 2001 Cherokee has the 231 t case currently and I don't like the only part time 4x4 option. Now I have seen tons of 242 equipped Cherokees with full time 4wd and I kinda like having the option of full time 4wd. Is there another bonus to installing a 242 or are they a weak link or hassle? Give me your opinion on 242 t cases.

 

Do you live in an area where you need full time 4x4? I lived in Montana and loved having the np242, now that I'm Cali and looking to go higher aftermarket support sucks for the np242, hack & tap only for SYE. I have a spare 231 I'm about to swap in.

If you have a need for the full time it's worth having, otherwise the aftermarket support makes it not worth it.

Also the np242 isn't as strong as the 231, that doesn't mean it's weak though.

 

Personally, I like the 242. Other guys say it isn't as strong as the 231, but by factory specs they are the same. The 2 stands for the size of the case which also corresponds to the strength, so they are basically the same. To me, the have the same strength just different modes.

 

According to specs the 231 is actually stronger.

 

Has any one actually had a problem with the 231 on the street in 4x4? I run it on street all the time with no bad effects.

 

Errrr, really? According to the Cherokee owners manual wet(rainy) conditions are enough to provide the slip needed to accomodate part-time 4x4, still I wouldn't ever put it in 4x4 for that. Why do you use 4x4 on the street anyways?

 

Well ill give a little history I have a 01 Cherokee that is a complete stocker. I am adding a Dana 44 to it but I do limited 4x4ing with it. I use it to tow my boat and for hunting purposes which entails me going into fields and woods with some iffy looking trails. It has not failed me yet but I just wonder when I see XJ in the yard with the 242 how big a difference it makes with a locked transfer case then a part time transfer case.

 

When in mountains with snow and Ice and slush. But it seems to me that everyone freaks the second they hear 231 and pavement.

 

Part time on pavement is a bad idea. Full time on pavement is perfectly fine. If you have the money for the extra gas usage that is.

 

the owners manual says it's bad so it must be. They say the same thing about my truck yet I've done over a 100mph locked in 4wd on dry pavement, as long as your not turning sharp nothing will happen. And unless your racing your jeep when would you ever run 4wd dry no matter the t-case. As long as it's at least wet out you could run either tcase in 4wd, I couldn't see the reason to do so though.

 

Exactly, rear wheel drive vehicles are perfect for drifting in the rain! Why want traction?

 

Why? And can u give me a real life case where something happened?

 

Part time binds up and hops on dry pavement, chirping tires, the wheel doesn't even have to be at full lock...

 

personal experience or he said she said? I've got over 40 trips down the 1/4 mile in my truck and making the turn at the end of the track in 4wd I've never experienced that. The steering wheel jerks a little but no chirping tires or hopping.

 

Just to clarify the 242 in full time means the center diff is open not locked and will not benefit you while towing off road, like the others have said the 242 is just as strong just has less after market support