Tomorrow Im getting a 1999 Jeep Cherokee, love everything about it except for the transfer case. Im guessing it has the NP231 as it has 2wd 4 part time and 4 low. I want to swap it to the NP242 with 2wd 4 part 4 hi and 4 low. I was wondering if anyone knows what vehicles I can swap it out of?

Ive heard you can get them from the ZJ and my parent have a 98 they are going to part out that has 2wd 4 part 4 hi and 4 low and could get it out of that one, maybe.


My 91 should have the np242 but is starting to be hard to change from 2wd to 4x4.

I already priced new and cant afford a $900 t.c. and the JY is about $300. Im not in a hurry, just want to swap before next winter.

 

Upon doing a buttload of research, the np242 from my parents 98 zj should work, the np242 from my 91 will not work, apparently 91 and older have a 21 spline input and just about everything newer has a 23 spline input. It also seems I will have to change the linkage from the shifter to the transfer case since mine is more than likely shorter. Its supposed to snow this week so I will have to wait to get the transfer case from my parents for a while. Ill keep you all posted.

This seems like the best info so far.
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f13/t...-np242-685644/

 

The 242 from the ZJ will work. The 242 from your 91 should also be 23 spline because it is a a High Output year, check into that more.

Your driveshaft lengths will change slightly, but it shouldn't be enough to need a new one.

You will need the bezel piece from the jeep with the 242 as well. Thats the brass looking piece on the floor of the jeep where the 4x4 lever attaches to. Not sure if you can use the one from the ZJ. The linkage should be able to be adjusted enough to be reused.

TC swaps are easy, should only take about 4 hours. Do yourself a favor and purchase a 9/16 or 14mm ratcheting stubby wrench. You'll need the stubby.

 

Next Friday Im getting a NP242 out of a 98 or 99 limited xj, has about 230,000 miles. Hopefully ill be able to swap it the same weekend.

 

Get the entire shifter and linkage assembly as well.

 

Turns out he had a np228 or 229 so Im back to square one, I have a chance at a NP242 from a 98 zj that had 205,000 miles, Ill have to change the input spline as its supposed to be longer than a xj. Ill keep you all updated.

 

I'm still trying to figure out why your even thinking of the swap, the NP231 is a good TC to begin with.

 

I wanted the full time option. It's nice to leave it in 4wd all winter since we have some bad roads and I'm to lazy to shift. I've slowed my search. If one comes along I will grab it. No rush. When I rush I screw up.

 

I guess but you will pay in mileage I have full time in my 04 Overland and my XJ as heavy as it is loaded out with 4.56's and 33x12:50x15's does better on fuel now. Plus it has Detroit Lockers front and rear.

If you ever plan on very much off roading you may want a front locker at some time, you can forget about that with a locker unless you go with an air locker.

 

I planned on keeping it a daily driver. In Wisconsin we don't really have many off road areas. And I drop to about 12-14 mpg but it's gotten me out of a few near accidents so it's worth it. All the off roading I've ever done could be done in 2wd.

 

I totally understand what you're saying. I have, and have had, both the 231 and 242 cases. I prefer the 242.

 

The 242 allows the uses of 4 wheel drive on the roads. Yes you give up a hair bredth of strength. But the security of 4x4 while driving down the freeway through a major storm is worth it.

 

Agreed. Also nice to travel over dry/slush/snow and not have to worry about my wife driving her XJ in poor conditions.

I like ie on back roads, too. Emergency maneuvers are safer and more predictable on the decomposed granite roads around here.

 

There will be no loss in fuel mileage like your Overland because you can still run it in 2WD. You have the 249 case. Completely different.

 

I like the idea of an NP242 for 4WD with reduced understeer. Packed snow is a real pain for that.