i have a np231j under my cherokee. i am having a problem with the seal not sitting all the way to the lock ring. this will be the third one i have bought.
i have a 89 cherokee it is an auto and has the newer case in it.

 

and yes i have searched, that is why i joined this site.

 

The seal won't seat down far enough to fit the snap ring? It's the correct seal?

 

You can also ask up in 'ask a question" thread. Some smart guys there might not find you here...

 

What year is the transfer case (data plate)?

 

and can you take a picture of the problem area

 

transfer case is a 97. the seal seems to be like the right one. i looked them up on every site i could and the dimensions are the same. it just wont slide in far enough. the output shaft has no play in it. i am getting the seals from napa.

 

Do you have a transfer case extension w/bushing at the output shaft, or a rear bearing retainer?

The rear output shaft seals are different based upon which configuration you have.

If you have just the Rear Bearing Retainer the seal part number is 4798117.

With the TC Case Extension the seal part number is 4638904

Get the seal from the dealer. Parts stores are AFU when it comes to seals.

 

well i went and bought the part from the dealer and what do you know it is the same thing! no housing extension just the bearing retainer. i cannot fo the life of me understand this. do i need that lock ring? it only holds that seal in. ill epoxy that thing in there. so far i have bought 3 from napa and now 1 from the dealer and they all fit the same. help me!!! i want to wheel this damn thing

 

There is no lock ring to hold the seal in.

Do you have a FSM for the '97? It shows how to assemble the 231.

The parts catalog also shows the parts stack up.

Are you sure you have the snap rings in the proper place....

There's a small snap ring that holds the main shaft up (sits on top of the output bearing), then a large snap ring to retain the output shaft bearing in the housing, then the seal goes in. On top of the seal will be another small snap ring that wraps around the shaft that supports the washer for the oil slinger. That's it.

 

thats what im talking about. i cant get the seal in far enough for that snap ring. the seal sits right over that groove so it just leaks, and as the shaft turns rips it apart.

 

i will take pictures of it when i get home. to show what im talking about

 

Can I assume the TC is installed in the Jeep. If so it's a PITA to look in the opening, but verify the external snap ring that goes around the mainshaft, and holds the shaft out, is there, in one piece, and is in the shaft groove. These snap rings have a habit of breaking.

Verify the garter spring from the old seal is not in there.

 

ok so i got it in and took it out for a spin. it leaks a little but im not worried. like a drop on the seal. now tho it wont stay in 4 low it pops out every now and then. wtf!

 

No, your transfer case is not a "97".
There were 2 transfer cases available in 1997, the NP231J and the NP242J. Both are easily identifyed by the number stamped on the round tag on the back of the case itself.

Since you have a 1997 case you have a short tailcone...



...not the extended housing found on earlier model years.



Now that we're clear on that.
Some seals come with a lip that only allows installation one way and one way only. If your seal does not, it is possible to install it backwards with the tension spring on the outside of the case.





Correct installation: