eprovenzano

I recently purchased a 96 XJ, it has a 4 1/2 lift riding on 33's. When I purchased the Jeep I knew the transfer case would need to be replaced. I believe the chain has been stretched too far allowing it to be thrown through the side of the transfer case. I have a NP231 transfer case with a 23 spline. I went to my local junkyard and requested a used TC. I was told the 96 model is some what of a bastard model, as the only compatible TC is out of another 96 model.

I find this hard to believe...although everything I see seems to be 95 and older, 97 and newer. Can someone confirm that I can utilize a case of a 1997 and newer XJ. I've found a TC out of a 2000 model, and I want to confirm I can use this TC.

Thanks.

mikeXJ1020

Just remember that google is your friend...



91 IIRC is when they switched over from 21 spline to 23. So pretty much any post 91. Also 96 had the newer style output yet still the older style body. Basically on a 96+ you go the sealed output so if you remove the rear driveshaft you wont lose any fluid.



I would recommend you get another 231 because its has a stronger chain than a 242. The NP242 has the full time option but the chains in those can suck. (I blew out 2 of them and Im just saying this cuz you dont want the JY to screw you over and sell u a 242 and say its a 231) So yeah any NP231 from a Im pretty sure a 91+ and I would recommend you stick with a 96-01 because you get the sealed output.

Oh and while the T-case is out I recommend you do a SYE kit or just run a T-case drop

mikeXJ1020

Oh and come on man, dont go posting on all the forums. Do a SEARCH

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/t...-case-1304999/

dukie564

yes you can used any NP231 out of a 91-01 XJ and it will bolt right up - needs to be out of one with the same transmission though (auto/manual)

eprovenzano

mikeXJ1020 I did search, but was getting conflicting answers... I also checked with three different junk yards who also said the 96 is a one year only transfercase compatibility. That's why I asked the question, as I didn't believe it either.

My son and I were given a pass into a local junk yard, and found three 96 XJ's. The yard has offered to pull the transfer case we wanted for $150. So we went ahead to picked the one we wanted and will pick it up in a few days. I offered to pull it myself, but it only dropped the price $25. It not worth $25 for me to lie in the mud to pull the transfer case... Another yard wanted $225... , they can keep it... $150 to me is a reasonable price.

Of course while the drive shafts are out, I'll inspect and will most likely replace the universal joints. There's nothing like preventative maintenance.

mikeXJ1020

I may have come off a little harsh I am just suprised of your results, and I am also suprised that three Junkyards said 96 only. But yeah 91-01 will work. Glad you got a case, $150 isnt bad, thats what I paid for my second one.

garb.man

Im actually concerned as well, i have a 1994, im buying a tcase from a friend with a 96 for 150, (it has a sye on it less than a year old never been wheeled), i am getting the d/s as well. should this set-up be ok with my truck????? Thanks!!

mikeXJ1020

Yes you will be good. I have a 99 with a 98 T-case with SYE. I use a front drive shaft in the rear (works perfectly) I only have to carry 1 spare shaft.

eprovenzano

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeXJ1020

I may have come off a little harsh I am just suprised of your results, and I am also suprised that three Junkyards said 96 only. But yeah 91-01 will work. Glad you got a case, $150 isnt bad, thats what I paid for my second one.

mikeXJ1020 no problem, I understand how many people ask without doing any research. I was confused (still am)... I did talk to the Junk Yard owner who said if anything, and he meant anything, is different, including a single wire, it will show as a non compatible.

So after even more research, I think there was a change in the 96 to 97+ connection wire to the 4x4 light on the dash.

Oh well we got a one from another 96 so all is well We pick it up Tuesday and let the swap begin...

Gorillaxj

from Quadratrack's web site.
"The easiest way that we have found to identify the proper transfer case input is by identifying the stock transmission that Jeep used. The 21 and 23 spline output shafts vary on different transmission models. The AX15 transmission is always 23 spline and protrudes 1/2" beyond the face of the transmission. The Torqueflite and NV3550 are normally a flush 23 spline. The AX4 & AX5 always have 21 splines and is flush with the back of the transmission adapter until 1996; and then in 1997, the AX5 output shaft was lengthened to a 1/2” stickout past the tailhousing adapter. The Peugeot transmission is always 21 splines and protrudes 1/2" beyond the back of the transmission adapter housing. We have seen the AW4 automatic transmission in both a long 21 & 23 spline."

Spline count changes and so does the input shaft length depending on model, transmission, and year. In 96, the spline count changed form 21-23 in a mid year production which is why people have conflicting information. I put a 96 (which was 23 spline) into my 2000 Cherokee(was also 23 spline) no problem. But most sites say 97+ is 23, and 95 and older is 21, 96 can have either... Just make sure what spline count yours has and how far it sticks out. after that they are all interchange....

eprovenzano

My son and I spent the day pulling and replacing the transfer case. What a PIA.... While pulling the "TC was not hard, it was (at least for us time consuming). Some of the bolts are just tough to get to. We pulled the broken one, and replaced it with one from the junkyard. The replacement was pulled from a 96 with a 4.0 auto tranny.

Everything lined up pretty well, and the replacement TC went in without any problems. We had more issues with pulling and reinstalling the front drive shaft, as it is really tight, and getting the tranny / TC support brace back into place. We didn’t replace the u joints, we left that for another day. The entire process took approximatly 5 hours start to finish.

My son took the jeep for a spin and said the vibration in the rear (which he assumed was a wheel bearing) is gone. No vibs anywhere, and the 4 wheel drive works…

He’s one happy jeeper….

Thanks to all those who posted, I appreciate the help.