Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

np231 or np242 which one is better??

Old Feb 25, 2009 | 06:03 PM
  #1  
parkerbabco's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 831
Likes: 1
From: Punxsutawney Pennsylvania
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Renix 4.0 I6
Default np231 or np242 which one is better??

whats the differences and which one would you guys rather have thanks in advance
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2009 | 06:14 PM
  #2  
finneys98xj's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,680
Likes: 2
From: Virginia
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Np 231 if it is a DD
NP242 is it is a trailer queen, it has Fulltime 4wd.
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2009 | 06:20 PM
  #3  
mike37's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 9
From: Paso Robles Ca
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by finneys98xj
Np 231 if it is a DD
NP242 is it is a trailer queen, it has Fulltime 4wd.
I would say just the opposite
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2009 | 06:23 PM
  #4  
OverlandZJ's Avatar
CF Veteran
Premium Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,188
Likes: 6
From: Bristol,Pa
Year: 94
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Originally Posted by mike37
I would say just the opposite
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.
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2009 | 06:23 PM
  #5  
parkerbabco's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 831
Likes: 1
From: Punxsutawney Pennsylvania
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Renix 4.0 I6
Default

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
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2009 | 06:25 PM
  #6  
prerunner1982's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,495
Likes: 3
From: Edmond, OK
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 ltr
Default

Originally Posted by parkerbabco
whats the differences
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.

Originally Posted by parkerbabco
and which one would you guys rather have thanks in advance
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.
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2009 | 06:27 PM
  #7  
Metmknice's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,127
Likes: 2
From: Hell, CA
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Default

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.
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2009 | 06:28 PM
  #8  
parkerbabco's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 831
Likes: 1
From: Punxsutawney Pennsylvania
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Renix 4.0 I6
Default

Originally Posted by 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.

thanks thats the kinda answer i was lookin for
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2009 | 06:29 PM
  #9  
mike37's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 9
From: Paso Robles Ca
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by 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
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
OverlandXJ
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.
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2009 | 06:30 PM
  #10  
prerunner1982's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,495
Likes: 3
From: Edmond, OK
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 ltr
Default

Reply
Old Feb 25, 2009 | 07:32 PM
  #11  
BigCountry96's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 117
Likes: 1
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 H.O. I6
Default

Originally Posted by 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

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...
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2009 | 07:45 PM
  #12  
Wrecked's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 375
Likes: 1
From: Lovettsville, VA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

sorry for the stupid question but, how do you tell them apart?
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2009 | 08:04 PM
  #13  
OverlandZJ's Avatar
CF Veteran
Premium Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,188
Likes: 6
From: Bristol,Pa
Year: 94
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Originally Posted by Wrecked
sorry for the stupid question but, how do you tell them apart?
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.
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2009 | 08:06 PM
  #14  
fixitman's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 467
Likes: 0
Year: 99
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

I LOVE MY 242!! thats why i bought my xj, it is like AWD its great
Reply
Old Feb 25, 2009 | 08:10 PM
  #15  
mike37's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 9
From: Paso Robles Ca
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

first pic 242
second pic 231
Attached Images   

Last edited by mike37; Feb 25, 2009 at 08:19 PM.
Reply

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:41 AM.