ok i have an np242 and my 4wd options are: 2 wheel drive, 4 part time, 4 full time, neutral, 4 low...my question is wat is the 4 part time? i was told it is like smarttrak on GM vehicles

 

OK I'll give this a try, its somewhat like the GM smart trak. When in part time 4 you have a limited 4 wheel dr and the front rear is not locked in, when in 4 full you have locked 4 wheel dr. You can drive on the street in part time but not in full time. Can anyone else elaborate any better...Tj

 

Actually, the other way around... You can drive in 4WD F/T on the street, but you have to have a loose or slippery road/off-road condition for the 4WD P/T. The last I had it explained and as I understood it was:
The 242 F/T allows the front and rear driveshafts to receive power, but still act independently, whereas the 231 and 242 P/T locks the front and rear axles together thru the transfer case.
I did some transfer case research and have it posted in the tech. write-up section, and Nick has one there that explains a lot also...

 

Bowtie is correct. F/T is like having a differential built into your transfer case. It give power where it can be used front or rear. P/T locks the front and rear together and gives equal power to both no matter the traction conditions that is why it can't be used on dry pavement. Under normal driving your four wheels turn at different speeds in turns and on curves. P/T would have wheels scrubbing the dry pavement and increase your tire wear while putting undue stress upon the entire driveline. You are sure to break some component if you do much of that. Plus you lose control with slipping tires even on a dry surface. But the F/T will allow for that slippage and still give you traction when you need it.
IMO the 242 is the more versitile of the two transfer cases.