As anyone had command trac and done a conversion to selec trac? What all would I have to do? Would it even be worth it? What are the ups and downs to both

 

The NP231 is a better transfer case with more aftermarket support, keep it.

 

is that the command trac t-case?

 

Yes

 

http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/tr...p-4wd-systems/

 

Why do you say it's better? Just because it has more aftermarket support does not make it any better.

I would die in MN without my fulltime option. It really just depends on where you live and what conditions you have to drive in. For me, I would never want anything to do with a 231 just for that reason.

 

I have both of them the full time in my DD the 04 GC and a NP231 in my XJ. For off road I would keep the 231 for sure where on a DD that changes for me at least.

I find the 231 a lot cheaper for an SYE for one thing and I would never replace it with anything else on my XJ trail rig and how its used on and off road.

YMMV

 

But if I were to convert it to selec-trac, what all would I have to change/replace?

 

Fewer internal parts to fail is the primary reason it's a better case for most folks.
The NP242 is fine for folks that want the full time option, but it's not the ideal choice for anyone that wants to be able to build their t-case.

FWIW, Tom Woods is only company that makes a short-shaft SYE kit for the 242, but the cost is thru the roof. The core charge is steep as well and you won't get it back if you return a bent shaft.

 

If you are looking to use the jeep for a lot of crawling and trails then the simplicity of 231 makes it the better choice. Less stuff to break, easier to work on, more aftermarket options for it, regearing kits, etc.

My XJ is for banging around in foul weather and running around farmland and fire roads, situations where I don't want to drive the Cadillac. I switched my 231 to a 242 for the full-time option because it lets me go from pavement to other terrain without changing anything, and it still has part-time for when I need it. There are some upgrade options out there too, http://dirtboundoffroad.com/ has a SYE kit that works for 242 (I have it on mine). Its also possible to mix in parts from NP242-HD transfer cases too, but that's something you have to do on your own, not something that is packaged into a kit.

 

how hard was it to convert it to selec-trac? What all did you have to do? What parts did you need to change?

 

unbolt the 231

move speedometer to 242

replace shift lever gate and panel with junkyard parts (may have changed the shifter rod assembly too but I dont think so)

bolt on the 242

order a pigtail for the wiring harness since I didn't have it alredy (242 needs a small sub-harness for the switch)

install a bulb for the full-time light

 

that's all? Doesn't seem to bad

 

I did it while swapping engine and trans, so everything was already being removed and reinstalled anyway, and I only had to setup the shifter and wiring

Doing it in the driveway on your back, transfer case falling on your chest and trans fluid in your face, probably pretty good workout