How long is the NP 249 supposed to last? Everything I have been able to look up says around 150,000 miles. My 1995 Jeep ZJ has 211,000 miles on it. I don't think it has ever been changed out. The vehicle came with an awesome service record.

 

The biggest destroyer of the VC is heat. It functions by friction plates sliding to allow changes in axle speeds caused by turns or spinning. If this heat is allowed to dissipate between applications, it can last a long time. Driving habits have a lot to do with it.

 

Transfer Case Information
NP 249 J
5209 853
10-27-94
272

 

Well, when I swapped out my 249 for a 242 in anticipation of a locker up front, it had 275xxx on it and was still as strong as it ever was. The only things I didnt like about it was no 2wd and it doesnt lock up in 4lo. I thoroughly enjoyed the awd though.

 

The outside tire circumference must match on all four wheels w/ the NP249. I use two tailor's fabric measures sewn together to measure the circumference while the wheels are hanging iin the air from the vehicle supported on jack stands.