parkerbabco

whats the differences and which one would you guys rather have thanks in advance

finneys98xj

Np 231 if it is a DD
NP242 is it is a trailer queen, it has Fulltime 4wd.

mike37

I would say just the opposite

OverlandZJ

x2

The nice thing about the 242 is the ability to drop it in Fulltime if you expect the possibility of black ice or are running in snow conditions. I make sure all my wife's Jeeps are AWD or have a 242. I also run a 242, and wouldnt put a 231 in unless it was stricly an offroad rig.

parkerbabco

i see some mixxed opinions can somebody just tell me the big differences other then one is parttime 4 wheel the other is full time 4 wheel

prerunner1982

NP231 is parttime 4wd and should only be used on slick/off road surfaces, NEVER on dry pavement.

NP242 has parttime and fulltime 4wd, Parttime is as listed above, fulltime is more or less AWD, it can be used on dry pavement. This tcase also has 2wd setting.

I am fine with the NP231 in my 93.. it is my daily driver and I understand when/where to use the 4wd.

However, if I get a XJ for my wife as a daily driver I would rather it have the NP242 so she can put it in fulltime 4wd when the weather is bad and not have to think about it.

For myself though I wouldnt turn down a vehicle because of either.

Metmknice

What it comes down to is personal preference, and what you want/plan on doing with your vehicle. Also, where you live may be a factor. They both have their ups and downs as with everything else.
As for if you are just looking for opinions.. that is what the 2 previous posts have stated.

The full-time option is really nice, if you live in a place where it rains/snows a lot, or road conditions can change rather quickly.

parkerbabco

thanks thats the kinda answer i was lookin for

mike37

as far as strength difference they are the same
but you will have more and cheaper after market parts for the 231
and you can get a sye for it way eseyer

but for a DD the full time that the 242 ofers is a great option for the resons given by

prerunner1982

BigCountry96

exactly, personally i like the 242 so i can throw it 4 full time when its snowing and just drive, and you can do it on the fly, you can be going down the road doing 45 and see there are deep snow drifts up ahead, just grab the t-case shifter and rip it back into full time, dont have to try and stop in the middle of the road and put it in neutral and cause a big accident like with most 4x4 vehicles, and when your wheeling with it your almost always gonna be in low anyways so theres no difference there between the two...

Wrecked

sorry for the stupid question but, how do you tell them apart?

OverlandZJ

Look at your transfer shift bezel, see if it has a Fulltime position.

Or look on the tag on transfer case, it'll say either NP231-J or NP242-J.

fixitman

I LOVE MY 242!! thats why i bought my xj, it is like AWD its great

mike37

first pic 242
second pic 231