richamc01

I've tried searching and couldnt find what im looking for. my buddy just gave me his 91 jeep cherokee. it has been sitting for 6 years in the same spot. the reason he just gave it to me is the transfer case is shot and he didnt wana spend the money on a new one. now that i have it, it is my problem. anyways, i have the transfer case in my garage now. the tag says it is a 242J model. i've done a little searching and came up with a few questions. First, i have found a 242J, a NV242, and a 242 Selec Trac. Are these all the same thing? Secondly, i have found a 21 and a 23 spline 242J...how do i know which one mine is? it doesnt say on the tag and im not sure what the "spline" is. Finally, is there a different transfer case that will fit in my jeep for a cheaper price?

Thanks in advance

freegdr

morris 4x4 online can help you figure that out great diagraphms and prices

richamc01

Can anyone answer these questions for me?

freegdr

http://http://jeephorizons.com/tech/xjstockspecs.html heres what came in xj from the factory

freegdr

http://www.jeep4x4center.com/jeep-ti...htmhttp://ther are pics of transfer cases on here under the parts list see which one you have

USMCJeeper

Put in a NP231 Transfer case. It is cheaper and will offer better options for later on if you decide to lift it, while still being heavy duty. Not a bad deal though, got a free car for the price of a transfer case. You can probably get one through a pull a part for a hundred bucks or so.

Rock Toy

You know you can count the splines. Install a 231 just make sure the spline count is correct.

richamc01

so a 231 will bolt right up in place of the 242 with no modifications as long as the spline count is correct? how do i know how many splines i have? do i count the input splines or the splines on the drive shaft or what?

thanks for all of the responses

richamc01

Yeah i couldnt believe he just gave it to me...title and all.

OverlandZJ

What state are you in? Having a 242 in winter weather is awful nice.

On the front of the transfercase you'll see the input gear.. that goes to the trans output shaft. Count the high points (or splines) on the inside of this gear. That will tell you if you have a 21 or 23 spline 242. 91 was the changeover year so you could have either.

You could swap in a 231, then you'd need an XJ 231 shifter and bezel as well.

We cant find you a cheaper source than you found... you didnt give us an idea of what prices you have found.

richamc01

What are the main differences between the 242 and 231? I have found both of these for around $250 is one better than the other?

OverlandZJ

One has a fulltime option.. the 242. Again this is adventagous in wintry climates.

richamc01

So in your opinion the 242 is the better option? I know someone on here said the 231 would be better if I was going to lift it. I do plan on putting a 6" lift on it sometime.

stuck like chuck

if you swap a 231 in for a 242 your gonna have to replace the bezel because a 231 doesnt have the fulltime 4wd. i just did my 231 swap.. took about 6 total hours because i didnt have a clue what i was doing. now i could probably knock it out in 2 1/2 stopping to drink beer. its pretty easy. pull the transfer case like stated before. count the splines (they will be on the gear that butts up to the transmission). that will determine how many you got.

OverlandZJ

I have been running a 242 for 15 years, with lifts ranging from 4.5" to 8.5" and down to 6ish currently. I like the Fulltime option the 242 gives me for winter travel.

If your in SoCal or similar a 231 might be a better option for you. There is more aftermarket support for this TC.