I recently pulled a np231 for my 96 jeep GC. I'm wanting to clean it up and paint it before swapping. How should I give this thing a bath?

Do I need to tape off where the transfer case bolts up to the transmission to keep water from getting inside?

Thanks in advance

 

I would suggest a kerosene scrub with hand brushes, then a power wash with water. You'll have to protect the output shaft area if it's a slip joint. The seals should protect the input shaft and the front shaft. If you really want to get fancy, I'd suggest a glass bead blast to really clean the aluminum. You can tape off the mounting surface and the identification tag. After painting and before installation, drain and flush the case and change any seals that are questionable and change the VSS.

If you glass blast it, you may want to just clearcoat it. JMHO. That way it will look brand new.

 

I've been scrubbing with a hand brush and degreaser. I plan to change the seals before installing. What is VSS?

 

vss is vehicle speed sensor

 

You may not have to changed it if you protect it well. It'll have to be changed if the axle ratio from the donor vehicle is different from yours.

 

At the bottom of both of the transfer case identification tags they both say ratio 272

 

I'm not sure if that's what you mean or not by gear ratio.

Is the VSS the connector that has a gear at the end of it going into the transfer case?

Sorry if it sounds dumb but I'm still learning.

 

Yes, that's the speed sensor and no, the ratio I meant was the AXLE ratio. It's more than likely either a 3.55 or a 3.73. You could probably use the one out of your old t/case if it's different.