Hello there new to the forum. I just picked up a 1988 Cherokee Laredo, and it needs a transfer case. It has a Selec Trac NP242 in it right now and I was just wondering if there was a change in those transfer cases throughout the years? It seems they are quite a bit harder to find than the 231 around here anyways. Thanks for any input

 

Why not rebuild what you have?

Pretty easy to find rebuild instructions online.
My NP242 has a minor oil leak and needs to be opened up one of these days...

 

I was thinking about rebuilding it but I don’t think the case is shifting on the inside. It doesnt go into low and doesn’t lock the front output in any gear. I figured the parts to rebuild it and down time would be more than just picking up a used one...

 

If you can find one yeah. But keep in mind any salvage ones will also probably have a lot of mileage on them. Rebuilding it is really easy and you can get a good parts kit with chain with good Japanese bearings for less than 300 dollars

 

I was also thinking of just grabbing a 21 spline 231 from a yard around here for 100 bucks and going that route. I am not all that concerned with the full time 4x4. At this point I just want 4x4 period

 

At the risk of starting Forum Jihad...

242!
242!
242!

 

Not a bad idea, the 231 is a direct swap.

 

The front drive shaft etc. would still rotate 100% of time you are driving unless you...

I would just rebuild the NP242

 

Lol where were you going with that first part?

 

Make sure to pull the bezel and shift gate from the donor. Its not absolutely necessary but will round out the swap

 

I hate to tell you that after living with a 242 for 10 years in my WJ and ZJ, I really miss not having one in my XJ. I could get close to having the same thing by putting a lunchbox locker in the rear end to give me the traction I need in the snow when I get one wheel in the snow and have to shift into 4wd, then back out after getting free. Part time doesn't do sharp turns very well unless the snow is deep. I think the major difference between the years of the 242 is basically input shaft splines and output shaft configurations. My 97 ZJ had a flanged drive output and my WJ has a long slip joint spline output and no speed sensor. Your 242 probably just needs bearings, a chain, and the nylon slipper-shoes on the shift forks. If the case isn't cracked, it's easy to fix and well worth fixing.