cdabbs21

I just bought my Jeep and over night it had rolled down my driveway. Took it to the shop and come to find out the guy who had it before me took the front drive shaft off. Jeep has been at my mechanic for almost a week now because he says he can not find a drive shaft anywhere. Its a limited with the 249TC. So do they take special drive shafts compared to the 242TC and 231TC or do they all use the same? If so I was thinking off just telling him to switch my transfer cases and use the more popular easy to find drive shaft. Just wanted to get your guys feedback before I call and might sound like a moron. Thanks guys.

dave1123

First of all, your Limited is probably a V8, correct? Not being able to find a driveshaft is BS, however you may have to buy a NEW one at around $600. There is also the chance your 249 viscous clutch is shot and that's why the PO took the shaft off. The VC is an expensive item also, so IMHO you'd be farther ahead swapping t/cases.

Check out http://jeepforum.com/forum/f13/trans...1-np242-685644 for all the info on swapping the t/cases and what each different one does. It's the best writeup of it's kind I've ever seen.

cdabbs21

It's a 4.0. And I'm pretty sure the VC is shot, that's the only logical reasons someone would take off the drive shaft. So It would be a better option to have them just switch the transfer cases? I'm not experienced at all with those so anyone have a idea of the cost for a mechanic to do the switch? Thanks guys.

dave1123

Okay, around here the yards have t/cases for $85 to $125 + core. IDK what a mechanic would charge for doing it. I personally like the 242 because of it's dual 4WD options and you'll find them mostly in ZJs. The 231 is usually found in XJs. The 242's in WJs don't have the speed sensor in them.

The actual swap is only 6 bolts and some linkage, but it may require some drive shaft fine tuning depending on the year.

Thexjfiles

Im in NC. If you cant find a TC, let me know..Ive got a 242 from a 93 I believe and plenty of front shafts.
Im in Stokesdale.

cdabbs21

Ok I will. I'm gonna give him 1 more day to get it if not I'm going to go get my jeep from him.

cdabbs21

I sent you a private message about the drive shafts. Your only about 1 hour and a half from me so it wouldn't be to hard to get from you. Anybody know if it takes the 30.5in or 31.5in? Not sure which came stock on it.

dave1123

Measure from the diff yoke to the t/case flange and subtract about 2 inches.