CR-Snow

Like the title says, found a good deal on an NP 242 out of a 99 Grand Cherokee. I have an 01 XJ sport with an AW4 and a 231 currently. Will this case bolt to my transmission? I suppose that's all I need to know for now. I'll do my due diligence when it comes to actually installing everything, just need to know if it will bolt up before I go pick it up.

Thanks

CR-Snow

That's the name plate

ehall

It will bolt up to the transmission but there are some other differences that will need to be overcome. The shifter arm is different, the indicator switch setup is different (swap some internals or splice up an adapter), the front output is probably a CV plate instead of a u-joint yoke (and they use different front output shafts internally), etc. I am rebuilding a 242-WJ from a 99 and those are all issues that I ran into so far.

CR-Snow

Thanks for the reply. The cv plate is a bummer. I've been planning on buying a transfer case and rebuilding it with an SYE and new chain etc and swapping it in. If I have the case already open I'd assume it's not a big deal to switch to a u joint output??

ehall

Its not hard to swap the front output shaft, once you have the case open. At that point you would probably want to replace the bearing and seal too.

This pic shows the difference in spline depth. You can't just put a yoke on the CV shaft, it won't go far enough to contact the bearing

CR-Snow

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthrea...ghlight=242%2A

This is the most complete thread as far as TC conversions I've found. Lots of good info on wiring and shift plate stuff.

Something was very briefly mentioned in a post about the 242 eating up a full 2" of ground clearance. I haven't seen anything else about that anywhere. Can someone chime in on this? Is it really a full 2"?

Also can the 242 be "clocked" to sit flat like I've seen people do to 231's? I don't know much about that stuff. Anyone that would like to share some knowledge, please do. And thanks

SteveMongr

It does hang lower, about even with cross member. It should be able to be clocked also, IronRock has a jig for it.

XJwonders

WJ 242 doesn't have speed sensor on the tail housing.

CR-Snow

Yikes, that mean no speedo on an 01?

Steve thanks for the picture. Every little bit of info helps. I've only recently become super interested in this swap. I've been doing a bunch of research but sometimes you just have to ask some questions.

Ive got a budget for a couple of driveshafts and a SYE right now. I got psyched on rebuilding a 231 on the bench and swapping in but having found this 242, it sounds like a cool project/upgrade. Still weighing the cost benefit at this point though.

Here's a pic of the one I'm picking up tomorrow. The name plate is in the picture in the second post


Looks like maybe a yoke on the front driveshaft?? Looks like it might be in rough shape too, but I'm planning a full rebuild anyway.

CR-Snow

And upon further inspection of the photo, it looks like maybe the output shaft I thought I saw is most likely a leaf. Haha. I guess we'll find out. Guy only wants $30. May be worth a shot

SteveMongr

Let's clarify, the 242-WJ is from Grand Cherokee WJ and has a different front output. The 242-J is the model for the XJ and other jeep models.
The picture you posted is a 242-J with the long tail cone. The long cone means it is an older version. Pre 96? The yoke for front drive shaft is correct.

edit; Who leaves a TC laying in the yard? May want to find out how long it has sat there.
242-D made in 1998 ? I'm confused..

dans98xj

That looks like the case from a Dodge Durango. I did a quick search and the D after the 242 would designate a Dodge transfer case. That would explain the different front out put and the 1998 build date. The Durango was available with the Full Time option

ehall

That is an HD tail cone for a 32-spline rear output shaft

Nobody makes an SYE kit for that, and the shaft necks down at the bearing a bit which reduces the strength. Kind of a pain in the *** to work with.

CR-Snow

http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/10109.html

Found apparently the only SYE kit for the 242HD. It's the hack and tap type.

I'm taking a look at the case on Friday. May have to find a different case. We'll see I guess.

CR-Snow

http://fivewheeldrive.me/2015/04/25/...for-all-cases/

Great write up explaining all the differences in the cases, how to identify them, what their labeling codes mean, and so on.