I recently purchased a 2001 XJ 2wd, and in the process of gathering up the parts to convert it to 4wd... Some think im crazy for buying a 2wd, but being that its book value is $4600, ive got about an 1/8 of that in it so i couldnt pass it up. So i been looking around and wondering which of the 2 transfer cases would be best to get for it, my last XJ had the 242 and i liked the part time function of it, but at the same time, i like the bolt on parts for the 231 such as the slip yoke eliminator. What do you guys prefer and which would you select if you were in my situation. Thanks

 

Can still do a hack n tap on the 242. Me personally, I like the 231, just the simple basic standard stuff. Not that the 242 is complicated... that's an awesome T-Case. And I think you meant full time... the 231 is part time without the full time option. You need full time if you're planning on leaving it in 4 wheel and hitting pavement.

 

Don't you also need a vacuum disconnect front axle or some form of locking hubs for the 242?

 

not that I'm aware of? I don't think the 242 equipped xj's in the late 90's or early 2000's had vacuum disconnect front axles or locking hubs.

 

I don't know - that is why I asked. I just read some stuff on it and it seems like you wouldn't need them.

The extent of my 242 knowledge is that it has a full-time 4WD choice and that my friend's XJ with the 242 in it also has vacuum disconnects.

 

231

 

231 Simpler and as said alot more add on's plus I perfer part time.

 

My '92 with a 242 didn't have a CAD axle. Voted 231 btw.

 

the 242s never had a cad (vacuum disconnect) axle, only pre 91 xjs with the 231s had the cad axles

 

Which t case? Well it really demends what you want to do with your xj, both are good t cases as stated, if its going to be your dd/weekend fun then then the 242 would be fine, but if its going to be more wheeled then daily drived go with the 231.

 

no you dont my 93 has a 242 and its not a vacume disconect

 

I vote on the 242 i love having the full time 4 in my jeep for the snow

 

231's are so much more common (junk yard buy for cheap) and I like them. Ill admit full time is great but plain on part time 4 hi works amazing in the snow up here and other than snow I don't see a use for it on pavement. sometimes when we get a big storm, they only plow twice to save money so at times there will be like 6-8" on the road and always no less than an inch. Sometimes you can go weeks without seeing bare tar if it stays below 20 degrees and if they don't salt it.(boo salt. Plain old sand is cheaper and easier on the cars and works better for snow!)

 

My last XJ was a '93 with 242 and non-disconnect, i liked how it worked and the function of what i meant to say "full time". We dont get much snow, it will see pavement but not a DD, mostly for wheeling, it wont go in 4x4 on the road unless it does snow.

 

People think you can use a 242 in patchy snow so they think it is an advantage. I even know someone who thinks he can use it as AWD. lol Ever read an owners manual. The 242 is not recommended for any such situations. It basically has pointless options that weaken the case that make it a marvel of over engineered crap. The 231 is stronger simpler and has more aftermarket support. Not a ? for me choose.