Hey guys, my uncle gave me a 1993 xj and it needs a whole new transfer case. It used to be my cousins but he got another jeep and was taking suspension parts from the xj, so my uncle gave it to me as a project. My cousin is sure after looking under the jeep that it says 242 on the case but from reading around looks like I need a 231 rather then a 242. The options inside the jeep are 2HI, 4HI, N, 4LO. So I'm looking for some help to identify what case I need so I can get this jeep running ASAP, its supercharged lol! Thanks in advance.

 

u could have either one. proabably a 242 will be easier as u just install and hook up linkage to be able to shift it. 231 will fit also but u will need u linkage to make it work and a new bezel on shifter to be able to shift into the right gear

 

The 242 in my 97 XJ has a bezel that reads (from top to bottom):

2Hi
4Hi Part time
4Hi Full Time
Neutral
4Lo

It sounds like the bezel you have is for a 231. If you indeed do have a 242 T-case, you might want to make sure which linkage you have before buying a T-case. Or at the very least, get the correct linkage with the T-case you replace it with.

Was it previously running with the T-case that is in it now? Why not just rebuild the one that's in there? Is the T-case housing cracked?

 

That my friend is a 231. I just looked at mine and I have 2. Both are the same configuration. Do yourself a favor, just get one from the junkyard. They run 300.00. Around there anyway. Get it running the way you want it to, make sure its safe and reliable, then think of uprading what you want. Do what you have to, then do what you want to. But just my humble opinion........and by the way, get under it, look at the little round red tag attached to the t/c. It will say what model it is.....but I bet ya its a 231.......

 

My bet is you have a 231 TC and your cousin misread the 272 (the ratio) at the bottom of the tag and mistook it for 242 thinking it was the model # of the case..... The model will be at the top of the ID tag.

 

If the bezel and Tcase are original you have a 231 Tcase. The 242 Tcase has a bezel that reads. Plus 231s are more common and easier to find than the 242.

2Hi
4Hi Part time
4Hi Full Time
Neutral
4Lo

 

Based on the info about what the shifter options are, it's lookin for 231

 

Thanks for so many quick responses guys, I'm going to drive out to my cousins ranch and get pictures to confirm what number Tcase I need in the morning. I will post it up asap. I hope its a 231 a lot of people on this forum have been telling me they have em for sale.

 

The housing is not cracked just everything inside is broken, basically it can only run in 2wd. Idk how it happened but yeah.

 

wht u should do is open up the t-case and see whts wrong with it could be something simple or something difficult u never know till its opened

 

True true will do

 

I just Googled "Jeep 231 transfer case" and came up with a bunch of links. This particular one has all the parts that you might need to do everything from a simple reseal up to a full rebuild.

http://www.drivetrain.com/parts_cata...rts/np231.html

I'm not trying to advertise for them, I'm just trying to show that any and all parts are everywhere for these. They've got a few good pics of the actual T-case variants, as well as the ID tag you need to look for. Once you get it opened up and assess the damage, then you can figure out what parts will need replacement. If the parts carnage is too extensive/expensive then it might be better to just get a used T-case instead. Then again, it could just be a bad bearing or something. No way to know until it's opened up.

Be sure to pick up a service manual if you've never taken one apart before. A good one should have trouble shooting tips in it to help you pinpoint any issues.

 

Guys the Tcase is all busted up and cracked, loading pics as I type.

 

 

Bump got pics now