The 242 is not as strong as the 231.
if your only running little 31s you have nothing to worry about with your axles.
I'd keep the 8.25 and just carry a spare shaft

 

Leave the NP231. Far more reliable T-case, IMO.

What axle is in it now? 8.25? If so, keep it. On 31's it'll be perfectly fine.

I'd be more concerned with gearing the axles but even that's not necessary.

 

Even a D35 would be fine with only 31s. Dont even touch the axles would be my suggestion. Just do regular maintenance and call it a day.

 

This is true.

 

From factory i had a 231. Was completely destroyed inside and out. Conviently grabbed a 242 w/ sye off a buddy and did the swap. I wouldn't recommend anyone else doing it. Requires different ds lengths. Not to mention linkage binding problems and no visible indication of what range your in bc of the wiring harness difference.

 

Yeah one generally grabs the shift gate and face plate too lol

 

Yea i did do that lol the thing i can have lever in a position but bc of the linkage its not always what it says it is. Lol
Example i could get in full time then throw it back in 2wd but it might take a few moments of manhandling to actually get back in 2wd

 

Stock gears will be fine you got to relax this ain't the 48 it's a whole different wheeling world up here

 

I would wait to put too much into your gears and everything till you get here and see what you are going to be wheeling in cause it ain't a lot of mud like the 48 it's more muskeg, glacier silt and river crossing than any thing

 

OK, A LOT of more help now, thanks a bunch. And what you've said is what I was hoping for. Not really interested in changing too much on the axles and t-case.

Current diff in front is the Dana 30, high pinion, reverse cut, 297x/760 universal joint, 27-spline axleshafts. Not sure yet if the vehicle has ABS or not, since my wife hasn't gotten back to me and I'm still here in Afghanistan.

Sooo . . . we move into accessories. I agree, already putting together a survival box, along with extra fluids (of course), 'come-along', extra shaft, etc. Gonna fabricate the bumpers and roof rack when I get home.

I'm moving to the Anchorage area. How is the recreation around there?

 

I see you've got Line-X or Rhino lining starting at the trim level and moving underneath you jeep. Did you do that yourself, or did you get it done professionally? How far underneath did you go and WHAT did you line underneath? Any other suggestions?

 

I did it myself with huculiner that I found in my garage what you see is all I did for now eventually I will do more but for right now I called it good. Anchorage is good place right in the middle you Jim's Creek just north and the Kenai peninsula south I live on the Kenai look me up when you get here and we will go wheeling some time.

 

This is my old jeep it was all stock with cut fenders 2" budget boost and 31s I wheeled Jim's creek and all over the Kenai peninsula and never had a problem it went every I wanted it to and in two wheel drive since my 4wd didn't work

 

I think you may want a snorkel and to do some water proofing for water crossings, also I'd recommend a winch and a hi lift jack. If it dose'nt have skid plates I'd recommend at least a t-case skid and a fuel tank skid. Good luck it sounds like fun.

 

Sure thing 89xj2dr. And just wondering a couple things. Are there trails that I can take my 18 mo son on? And from way out in left field, have you ever driven the way between the lower 48 and AK, the Alaskan Ave?

Illuminator, yeah, buddy of mine is going to help me with a snorkel when I get back, may even ditch the carpet and put in drain plugs in the floor boards with a Duplicolor lining.