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Should I get a used 242 for $60?

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Old Jul 20, 2018 | 08:02 AM
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Many of you pointed out that you recommend the 242 for daily driving. That said, my Cherokee is going to be my one and only vehicle for the next couple years until I get myself situated, I’m not going to be too hard on it for a little bit. I’m leaning towards getting the 242 but keeping the 231 just in case I want to swap it back a couple years from now. $60 is a good deal. Appreciate all the good input from everyone
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Old Jul 20, 2018 | 08:03 AM
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Originally Posted by cruiser54
Sure, you CAN do all that. But high speed in the 242 gives better stability and handling at higher speeds.
How so? Full time is full time. What makes the full time in the 242 different than the 231? Its still two extra tires spinning.
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Old Jul 20, 2018 | 08:10 AM
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Originally Posted by firebane
How so? Full time is full time. What makes the full time in the 242 different than the 231? Its still two extra tires spinning.

Full time has a differential in the transfer case to compensate for the difference in front and rear driveshaft speeds. think all wheel drive.
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Old Jul 20, 2018 | 08:14 AM
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The 242 and 231 would be the same for daily driving they both have 2wd.
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Old Jul 20, 2018 | 08:14 AM
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https://www.artofmanliness.com/artic...el-drive-work/
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Old Jul 20, 2018 | 08:15 AM
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Originally Posted by Switzer99
Many of you pointed out that you recommend the 242 for daily driving. That said, my Cherokee is going to be my one and only vehicle for the next couple years until I get myself situated, I’m not going to be too hard on it for a little bit. I’m leaning towards getting the 242 but keeping the 231 just in case I want to swap it back a couple years from now. $60 is a good deal. Appreciate all the good input from everyone
Where do you live?
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Old Jul 20, 2018 | 09:59 AM
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$60 for a low mileage transfer case that's fully functional is a good deal. Even if you don't put it in right away, I'd snap that up if you have a good place to store the spare.
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Old Jul 20, 2018 | 04:21 PM
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I would grab it. Where I live the the 242 is well worth it. The roads in the winter get plowed but there are so many spots that are clear then snow covered that the 242 is a plus and I just keep it in full time
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Old Jul 20, 2018 | 05:08 PM
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Originally Posted by firebane
You can do all of that with a 231 in 4hi. 4hi is only not to be used on surfaces where it may cause binding of the front end. Dirt roads, sand dunes, rally style driving is fine for the 231 and I've done lots of any of those with a part time case.
I would leave you in the dust when we go joyriding.. As a result of not binding when offroad, a wheel breaks traction. And if its in a tight turn than you are dragging one wheel and pushing the other.
Not speaking of dirt roads but deep forest jeep and ATV trails. You can do it in part time and end up off the side of trail from understeer, or use full-time and hook those turns precisely.

Originally Posted by 00t444e
a situation where you actually need 4x4 the full time is useless.
I use it when I need 4x4 and jeep climbs out of hole.. As long as wheels are on ground.
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Old Jul 20, 2018 | 06:24 PM
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Seriously.. you have a chance to grab a 242 for $60 bucks?

GRAB IT! Toss a tarp over it and keep it for when you want some experience rebuilding a T-case or decide to try it on for size.

Doesnt matter which is better or worse.. if you have a chance to Have BOTH at your fingertips.. you'd be a fool NOT to seize on that chance.

At least..thats my opinion.
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Old Jul 20, 2018 | 09:24 PM
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Originally Posted by 00t444e
You can drive a np231 in the snow in 4x4 just switch to 2wd when you get to a hard surface where the roads have been cleared, it's not that difficult. That's what I do now with my 242 because I am used to part time only transfer cases, and what I have found out is if you are in a situation where you actually need 4x4 the full time is useless.
I did that with my first XJ, popping it in and out of 4hi. I must say for the light duty wheeling and running around the 242 was perfect. Not everyone is going to be heading to the hills every weekend or risk breaking the DD. As a former single dad with 2 boys, the 242 was perfect for my needs at that time of my life.
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Old Jul 21, 2018 | 01:54 PM
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If I could find a 242 at or near that price locally I'd jump on it! One of the main uses for my XJ is winter driving and the 242 would be a plus for that. (Though I have managed quite well with the 231.)
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Old Jul 21, 2018 | 04:44 PM
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Originally Posted by cruiser54
Great article! Worth reading
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Old Jul 21, 2018 | 08:34 PM
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Not to derail the discussion, but is the 231/242 swap a straight change-out? Or do you need to consider changing axles/driveshafts etc?
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Old Jul 21, 2018 | 09:10 PM
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Originally Posted by JTE Brett
Not to derail the discussion, but is the 231/242 swap a straight change-out? Or do you need to consider changing axles/driveshafts etc?


Here's a link to some pretty detailed instructions for the swap:

http://www.weatherlover1.com/jeep/242.htm
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