Cool thanks. Kinda what I figured. Sounds like it may have an issue in full time, but honestly I don't care as long as the 4wd works. I'll just use it like a traditional system.

 

Well im glad my current rig has the NP231. Much simpler and no issues to date!

 

This should clear up operation of the 242 transfer case. I know it is for the WJ however the 242 used in our jeeps is the same. http://www.wjjeeps.com/tcases.htm

 

Coming from someone that lives in MN and has used a NP242 everyday for the past 5 months I can tell you 100% that you can use full time on dry pavement with no issues. Never use part time for any road conditions if you have the option to use full time.

 

I had mine on a small ditch last week. The right rear was up in the air about 6 inches with all others making contact. I put her in 4FT and no go. The other three tires would not go. Is there something I did wrong. I put it in 4LO and she was outta there. I have a NP242 T-case. I've used her in 4FT at the beach before and worked fine.

 

Sticker from sun visor....

 

In a situation where a wheel will come off the ground or where an obstacle is driven over, use Part-Time or 4-Low, this will keep the center differential locked.
On the beach and forest trails where all 4 wheels keep traction, FullTime works well, but if you get into a 'situation' will need to shift to PartTime.

 

Got it! Thanks for the heads up! I wasn't sure if something was wrong or this is the way it should operate.

 

242 is great, I'm very happy with mine. You can find that it binds up a bit when switching modes which will make it stick in Part Time. Check your tyres are all the same size and pressure, and change modes when moving in a straight line. Maybe try easing off/on the throttle if it is still stuck.
Beyond that you'll need to get it checked out but it could be something as simple as adjusting the linkage. FT is well worth having if you ever encounter snowy roads.
Good Luck!

 

When would you use part time 4wd vs using low range?

 

This also helps when shifting a 242.

Shifting the NP/NV242J Selec-Trac Transfer Case

2WD Position
This position is for driving on hard-surfaced roads under normal driving conditions when 4-wheel drive is not desired.

4x4 PART TIME Position
This position is designed for temporary use of 4-wheel drive when on-or off-road conditions such as deep snow or heavy ice require increased traction. When engaged, both the front and the rear axles are mechanically locked together and turn at the same speed. Do not use 4x4 PART TIME on dry, paved roads.

To engage, shift transfer case from 2WD to 4x4 PART TIME while the vehicle is moving at any legal speed.

An amber PART TIME lamp will illuminate on the instrument cluster when 4x4 PART TIME is selected.

4x4 FULL TIME Position
This is the primary 4-wheel drive position, which offers better traction when roads are wet, snow covered or icy. When engaged, the front and rear wheels axles are permitted to turn at different speeds to enhance maneuverability. Use 4x4 FULL TIME year-round on all road surfaces if you wish.

To engage, shift transfer case from 2WD to 4x4 FULL TIME while the vehicle is moving at any legal speed. When shifting, do it in a swift and firm movement.

When shifting from 2WD through 4x4 PART TIME to 4x4 FULL TIME, two momentary releases of the accelerator may be required after shifting.

A green FULL TIME lamp will illuminate on the instrument cluster when 4x4 FULL TIME is selected.

4 LO Position
This position is designed for temporary use of 4-wheel drive when off-road conditions require added low speed pulling power. Do not use 4 LO on dry, paved roads.

To engage, slow the vehicle to 2-3 mph (3-5 km/h), shift the transmission into Neutral (N), then shift the transfer case lever to Neutral, then to the right and pull firmly rearward to 4 LO.

Never attempt to engage Low Range when the vehicle is moving faster than 2-3 mph (3-5 km/h). Transfer case damage may result.

An amber PART TIME lamp will illuminate on the instrument cluster when 4 LO is selected.

 

4 low is part time. As Is 4hi part time. Difference is low adds in a 2.72 gear reduction. Youd use 4 low when traversing rough terrain and you want to use a little more finesse, pulling someone out of a stuck situation, steep hill climbs for the extra torque stuff like that. FWIW if I'm in technical off road terrain I'm typically always in 4 low and only go 4hi for loose forest service roads and sometimes gravel roads and the like. If it's a hard pack dirt road I just leave it in 2wd

 

It's pretty bad when you have to teach your dad how to drive a 4x4! He had a Chevy Suburban with the NP208 t/case. We went hunting one day and were driving down a hard dirt road in the woods. We came upon a wet rocky spot with standing water. He stops, shifts to low range, transmission into 2nd, and starts forward slowly! After getting thru the wet spot, I told him he forgot to engage the hubs! This started a heated discussion that went on for some time and changed the mood. I would have just driven thru it in 2wd! After all, he had good tires!

 

Not sure about the Suburban but I had a Ramcharger with the NP208 and it didn't have manual hubs. It was shift on the fly.

 

Good to know. That could explain some of the weirdness I had with mine.