JodyW

I have a 1990 XJ with a locked up transfer case. The case is a 242, my engine is a 4.0. I have a friend that will give me his power train, but his case is a 231. Can I swap transmissions along with x-fer cases with little headache? Would I also need to swap yolks - due to spline count?

OnlyInMyXJ22

What year is his XJ?

4.3L XJ

As long as the spline count on the input gear is the same, yes you can swap them.

JodyW

His is a '91.

Cool, I was hoping for that.


I think (and that usually gets me in trouble) that the only difference in the transfer cases is that the 231 has 2H, 4H, 4L and N, while the 242 has 2H, 4H, 4L, N, and Part Time. I have read that the 241 is a perferred upgrade to the 231, but is there a significant difference (besides PT 4wd) between the 231 and 242?

mike37

it may be a easy swap but we need to know what transmissions they both have
the yokes are all the same spline

some trans wont just swap strait across and some will

is it a auto
or 5 speed and what 5 speed is it if it is

4.3L XJ

The internals are different. There is a fluid coupling in the 242 with an extra spline lock mechanism for full 4WD, so yes there is a significant number of parts involved there. As far as I know, the low range is the same unit and chain etc.

The 241 looks the same on the outside, but has more planetary gears in the low range, and has a 4:1 gear ratio there and has a stronger chain in it.

JodyW

They are both auto (not sure of the type), but after reading 4.3L XJ's post, I am seriously considering just getting a replacement for my 242.

4.3L XJ, thanks for the info. It looks like I woud be taking a considerable downgrade going to the 231.

BTW, I have been reading thse forums for about 8 months. Lots of great information, and thanks for the replies you all have offered. They have been a heap of help.

mike37

if they are both auto trans they are AW4s
so you can just swap strait across no problems
the 231 TC is a go one you will just loose the option to have 4wd on the pavement

off road capabilities will be the same
for free its a great deal some guys prefer the 231 over the 242
so don't turn down a good deal unless you absolutely need the full time option for driving on pavement

That Jeep Guy XJMJ

ok the only issues considering for a trans swap are the years the cherokee's are that are beeing swapped (considering auto trans only)

as long as the harness connections are the same its a direct swap... as for the t-cases. the engagement will need to be tweeked a little.. after swapping from the 231 to the 242 ur 4wd lever will sit away from the 2wd a little bit and after full movement it won't reach 4wdL(in the t-case, u will only be able to do 2wd, 4wd PT 4h, the lever will hit 4L but it won't engage it) so you need to adjust the shifting linkage..

also with t-cases anything 91 (correct me if i'm wrong but its either 91 or 92) and older is small shaft, anything 92 (again correct me if i'm wrong) and newer is big shaft so there for a t-case from a 95 cherokee will not mount up to a tranny out of a 90 cherokee..... make sense?

mike37

his jeep is a 90 and the one being swapped in is 91
so you cant swap TC Cu's of the possible spline difference
but a complete trans TC swap should be no problem I believe the electrical connections are the same
and yes shift linkage will need adjustment

OnlyInMyXJ22

x2

JodyW

AWESOME!

I have no need for pavement 4X4 (have been driving 2wd in Oklahoma all my life - nothing surprises me in harsh weather any more), and with the years (91-90) is sounds like the swap is do-able with minimal tweaking. Thanks for all the great info. I know "free" can be a good deal at times, but it can also cost more in the long run (i.e. performance, additional modifications, etc.). You guys have really given me insight into what, if anything, might be a pitfall.

Looks like I see a bit of work in my near future.

Thanks again for all your help - now about those rear hatch/gate pistons that slip off the posts and knock me unconcious from time to time.... (quick steel worked for me)!

JodyW

I just re-read, and now understand why I was thinking 242 is a downgrade - you were talking about the 241 (which many people seem to be putting in to replace their 231's). While the 241 would be an upgrade if I had a 231 - just getting back on the trainls by replacing my 242 with a 231 is all I'm looking for at this time. Thanks though!