so i just ordered my NP231 SYE and need to remove the t-case anyway cause my tranny seal in the back is leaking. i was wondering if i should opt for a new chain while i am at it just for added security, my car has 172000 miles on it and is a 94. 4x4 was not used much when i bought it as the little bristles on the shifter were all still immaculate (like it has been in 2wd its whole life) i would like all opinions and am open to suggestions. thanks in advance.

 

Can't hurt. .02

 

X 2, As long as the transfer case is opened up anyway get a new chain!

 

^x2 You can actually up grade the chain, I don't know what case it is but you can take the chain from one model transfer case and install it in your 231 and it is I think 1/4 inch wider and much stronger. Do a search here and on other XJ sites

 

the chain insnt THAT cheap. but if need be you can do it. also you can remove the tcase without opening it up. fairly easy just did mine. my advice is go buy a cheap 15mm box rench. cut that thing in half (seriously). then buy a shorty socket. you will need it for the top two. the reason i say cut the 15mm box wrench the bolt next to the exhaust you can remove without taking the exhaust off if you do that

 

thanks. appreciate it, but i don't want to upgrade to a used chain, would rather put a new one in. they are about $80 bucks each...to me that is cheap. any other small upgrades i should consider being that the transfercase will be opened up?

 

not really inside the transfer case. guess i missed why your opening up the transfer case anyways? if your 4wd is working dont mess with it IMO. if the time comes that you need to upgrade it then do it. pulling the tcase isnt that bad. i swapped mine in about 3 1/2 hours and that was because i did it on the ground by myself with a jack. (PITA).

 

I would go with a new wide-chain kit.

 

i know what you mean, i did a clutch and tranny swap in like 6 hours...i dropped the tranny on me once but i went to the hospital after i got the transmission backin, i even drove myself there, IN MY JEEP!! had 9 stitches on the top of my head. awesome day

 

Wasn't saying use the chain out of the other transfer case. I was saying that you can get a new chain that is for another transfer case and put it in your 231 and that it is about 1/4 inch wider and much stronger.

 

if i was you, dont pull your tcase apart if its working (if it aint broke dont fix it). all it takes is you getting something out of whack and now your man down. keep it as is

 

i have to take the chain off anyway to get the SYE kit in, so that is y i asked. thanks for all your advice guys

 

oh ok. i completely missed that part. i thought you were just opening the tcase for no reason.

 

good catch...if i was opening it for no reason then i am the stupid one. thanks again. should i replace the shifter fork bushings