NP 231 Vs 242 transfer case

jeepsurfgirls · 04-03-2006, 02:21 AM

Which one is better? Are they able to be switched with eachother?

**MGrobe** · 04-03-2006, 02:30 AM

Depends on what you value. The 231 has tons of aftermarket options, the 242 has very little. The 231, from the factory, is stronger. The 242 has the ability to drive in 4WD FullTime, the 231 can't.

So if FullTime 4WD is important, then you have one choice. If not then you have a very common and available choice. And yes they can be exchanged, but it is mildly involved and expensive as drivshaft lengths have to be changed.

jeepsterguy · 04-03-2006, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MGrobe

Depends on what you value. The 231 has tons of aftermarket options, the 242 has very little. The 231, from the factory, is stronger. The 242 has the ability to drive in 4WD FullTime, the 231 can't.

So if FullTime 4WD is important, then you have one choice. If not then you have a very common and available choice. And yes they can be exchanged, but it is mildly involved and expensive as drivshaft lengths have to be changed.

If you were to replace your 231 in your 98 XJ with a 242, as long as you used a 242
from a 96-98 ZJ or 96-01 XJ, it is a simple swap. Both driveshafts will fit.
A person with some mechanical ability and a couple of floor jacks can do it.

**MGrobe** · 04-03-2006, 03:14 AM

But if you go from a 231 to a 242, chances are the driveshaft will be too short.

jeeper01 · 04-03-2006, 08:43 AM

I have a 242, it is pretty decent sometimes I have to cut off the jeep to get it out of 4wd, but other than that it is great, the hack 'n' tap is sturdy and cheaper than the HD for the 231.

twisted_ed · 04-03-2006, 09:33 AM

this is gonna get ugly

tate228 · 04-03-2006, 11:32 AM

i just got a jeeep eqipped with the 242 and I have to backup to get the center diff to unlock. thats really the only pain that it causes.

Scrub · 04-03-2006, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MGrobe

But if you go from a 231 to a 242, chances are the driveshaft will be too short.

Ive got 2 NP242 chasts and 3 NP231 shafts and every one of them is exactly the same. length, ujoints....everything about them is the same, right now i'm running a 242 shaft with my 231 works perfect.

**MGrobe** · 04-03-2006, 12:37 PM

I personally haven't seen the two cases side by side, but I could have sworn that the 242 had a longer tail cone, kind of like the 249 in this picture.
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=48262

But apparently the difference is negligible. I was wrong, thanks for correcting that.

Lagooz00XJ · 04-03-2006, 12:38 PM

its all preference, the strength difference is irrelevant IMO because 9 times out of 10 both cases are adequate and in situations where they arent adequate guys are running beefier aftermarket or swapped cases anyway.

What you'll find on this board is 242 guys telling you the 242 is better and 231 guys saying the same for the 231.

**SlimGoaty** · 04-03-2006, 02:14 PM

I have had the luxury of both. In my 2000 XJ I had the 231, which was fine. In my 91 XJ I have the 242 which is awesome becuase of the Fulltime 4wd. Even if its raining and you plan on going through some corners and stuff I just pop it into 4wd. If you where to do this with a 231 you would burn it up. They both act the same as far as putting it in 4wd and taking it out. Both my Xj's were stock so I can't comment on the strength of the Cases.

BIGNUTT · 04-03-2006, 02:51 PM

242 4 the W!

Atlas 2 going in within 2 years though.

jeepsterguy · 04-03-2006, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MGrobe

But if you go from a 231 to a 242, chances are the driveshaft will be too short.

What makes you think so?
I had a 231 and a 242 side by side and there was no external difference.

jeepsterguy · 04-03-2006, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepsterguy

If you were to replace your 231 in your 98 XJ with a 242, as long as you used a 242
from a 96-98 ZJ or 96-01 XJ, it is a simple swap. Both driveshafts will fit.
A person with some mechanical ability and a couple of floor jacks can do it.

A 242 from a ZJ may have shorter studs on the input side. Easy to swap with the 231 studs.

jeepsterguy · 04-03-2006, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MGrobe

I personally haven't seen the two cases side by side, but I could have sworn that the 242 had a longer tail cone, kind of like the 249 in this picture.
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=48262

But apparently the difference is negligible. I was wrong, thanks for correcting that.

Apples and oranges. Up to 95, the rear output shaft of both the 231 and 242 looked just like the 249 in the picture.
From 96 on, they all look like the 231 in the picture, a new and better way to attach the drive shaft to the case.

04-03-2006, 08:43 AM	#5
jeeper01 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Winston-Salem, NC Posts: 551 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I have a 242, it is pretty decent sometimes I have to cut off the jeep to get it out of 4wd, but other than that it is great, the hack 'n' tap is sturdy and cheaper than the HD for the 231. __________________ 1998 Cherokee Classic... 2" BB on Moabs 1988 Cherokee Limited... 4.5" RC lift, RK longarms, on 31's. Several homemade skids.

04-03-2006, 09:33 AM	#6
twisted_ed Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 1,357 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	this is gonna get ugly __________________ 1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4.0L Automatic Tranny NP242 Transfer case Dana 30 front, 35 custom rear differentials Mods: RE 4.5" Lift 32x11.50 BFGoodRich M/T KM's American Eagle 058 Polished Aluminum Wheels, 3.63" BS. Grand Cherokee Rear Disc Brake setup Custom Downpipe W/ Cat Removed. Dynomax Super Turbo Muffler. Surco Roof Rack My Jeep

04-03-2006, 12:38 PM	#10
Lagooz00XJ Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: NJ Exits 168, 105, 77 take your pick Posts: 697 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	its all preference, the strength difference is irrelevant IMO because 9 times out of 10 both cases are adequate and in situations where they arent adequate guys are running beefier aftermarket or swapped cases anyway. What you'll find on this board is 242 guys telling you the 242 is better and 231 guys saying the same for the 231. __________________ 2000 XJ 4.0 aw4 np 242 Bastard 2.5" Lift 30" Kumho MT's Belly Armor RE H&T w/ front shaft