Hi i am usually a ford guy but i got this jeep for nothing and i figured its better than a Chevy i wanted it to use for a spare plow truck. it small but better than nothing. any ways all seemed well i picked up drove it home 70 miles with no trouble but when i went to drive it in the first little bit of snow there was a loud repetitive bang when i drove in four wheel drive it sounded like i was missing a tooth in the front end so i popped the cover off and discovered noting wrong and my front axles are locked in all the time no vacuum hoses so I'm pretty sure that the chain in the transfer case is slipping. after looking up the cost of t-case at junk yards $450 plus I'm ether going to attempt to rebuild the one i have or look harder my question is i work at a scrap yard we don't do vehicles but we get parts once and a while and i try to save stuff that i think other people will buy for there projects like Dana 60s and stuff i have a couple of NP 242 and i wondering if they will fit i know they use them in the jeeps i have a 95 Cherokee with an 4.0L and automatic and a 231 T-case also has anyone rebuilt a 231 how difficult is it any I'm put is useful thanks.

 

Well you have very little respect for the Jeep it seems but I will tell you your answer. The 242 will bolt in place of your 231. The 231 is a cinch for even a Ford guy to rebuild if you have some snap ring pliers and hand tools.

 

Those are some serious run-on sentences!

 

Thanks for the in put I'm glad i didn't buy anything i have a 242 that is in mint shape from the looks of it. and I'm trying to give the jeep a fair chance but I'm use to much bigger vehicles. i will say that for a six cylinder it has got plenty of ***** i hope it will live up to my expectations once i fix the four wheel drive

 

Check the input gear on that 242. You'll need a 23 spline unit to swap in your 95. Earlier 242's were 21 spline up till ~90.

Also, check the front axleshaft ujoints first, that could be your popping.

If you did decide on rebuilding the 231 it can be done as cheap as ~$100 if you just replace the chain and bearings/seals seem ok.

 

The transfer case i had is no better than the one i took out.
i looked in the paper and on-line and they are alot of 242 but no 231 for under 400 hundred. Is a 242 just as good or should i keep looking for a 231 i want to rebuild the one i have but just dont have the time i really need to get the 4x4 fix so i can push some snow.

 

i say keep the 231