When in 4 wheel drive "part time" light comes on, but no other indicator that I am in 4 wheel drive, what does this mean?
At one time I thought a "4 x 4" light came on, maybe the bulb is burned out? How to replace?

 

The part time light comes on when you have it in 4x4 high or low because it is part time 4x4, meaning you can't use it on dry pavement only in low traction situations . If you have the NP242 transfer case it has a full time 4x4 high option.

 

I have the 231.....
Could it be on a 231 that 4H is full time, and 4L is part time? (btw, my tag says "231 J", not "NP 231", all the same?)
Seems I get "part time" only when in 4L, not 4H....but I may be wrong

 

No, there's no full-time 4WD on the 231. You probably just have an issue with the switch or wiring that operates the dash light. That light in my XJ has never even worked for me, I just glance at the position of the transfer case lever if I need to confirm what mode it's in. (Maybe I'll fix the light one of these days but it's way, way down on the priority list.)

If you want the full-time option you'd have to install a 242 transfer case.

 

Thanks, I read the 231 is a more desirable transfer case, I believe because it allows for more aggressive off-roading. Am I incorrect in my thinking?

 

The np231 and np242 are just as good off road because they both have part time 4 high and low, the 242 just has the extra full time option. However I still prefer the np231 because it seems to hold up better and has better aftermarket support. I just swapped a 231 in place of my 242.

 

The 242 is probably better for use on-road in slippery conditions (like snow), which is the main thing I use 4WD for. If I ran across a good 242 locally at a decent price I'd probably do the swap. (Though the Jeep has done really well in the snow even with the 231, just have to take it out of 4WD when there's clear pavement.)

 

Ditto here too. I also want to combine that with an 8.25 Factory LSD 3.55 rear. Assuming such an animal exists.

 

 

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/fi...t-np231-37548/