NathanJay

I just put a new chain in my NP242J and I'm wondering if it's too tight. All the bearings are new in the case too, along with the needle bearings on the main shaft. I did a test fit of the other half of the case and it's extremely hard to put on. I even tried to install the tail shaft housing and the bolts are not lining up because (apparently) the chain is pulling the gears so tightly together.

I've counted the teeth on both chains: 36 links.

Also you'll notice in the video the chain binds after a quarter turn or so in both directions. Thoughts?

The main shaft is all the way seated as is the other gear. I've checked both.


Thanks for the help.

Turbo X_J

Looks like the chain is the wrong pitch, just before it binds see how it rides up on the gear?
ETA:
Is the center to center pin spacing the same on both chains?

NathanJay

I did a side by side before attempting to install but on the surface they seemed identical so I didn't inspect too much closer. I laid them on top of each other and all it seemed was the old chain was stretched and the new one wasn't.

This is the chain I ordered:

Crown Automotive: 83504575

Looking at that site I'm seeing my year (2001 XJ Limited), however it's listed as a NPG242 transfer case.... may have found my problem.

freegdr

.

freegdr

Deff not sitting deep enough into gears.

Kalali

I don't think there was a 2001 XJ Limited. Probably a typo, meant WJ.

NathanJay

I measured link to link on both chains and got 1" on both. I swear, holding these chains up next to each other they look identical. The only major difference is that when you bend the chain on to itself, the stock chain has a smooth surface on the back side, where the new one is rigid and the links protrude out slightly. It's hard to explain, I'll take a photo later today and post it.

Definitely meant XJ. Definitely meant Limited.
That's exactly what I'm driving unless the guy who owned it before slapped a Limited badge on it so he could ask more for it.

MorganXJ

Hey im wondering what you figured out, im having the same concern?!?

NathanJay

Turns out it was the wrong chain. The site I ordered it off of had it mislabeled/listed incorrectly to be compatible with my transfer case. I had to return it and they sent me a replacement. The proper chain will move freely in the case and not bind up at ALL, even though there is no stretch in the chain from it being brand new.

Hope this helps!