[JrMechanic]

Updated

[CB900SS]

Great thread. I'm afraid I need to pull my transfer case and measure before getting one.

I have a 1995 GC, 4.0L, AUTO(42re?), NP-249. The date on the TC is 10/14/94, I have a yard that has a 1997 GC with a 231 in it.

I guess I need to pull the case and measure first? This sucks, because I then need to put it back together to use an my DD.

[JrMechanic]

You have the .840" input. The 231 should have the same input, so it will bolt right in. You will need the rear drive shaft from the 97 if it is an external slip yoke.

[CB900SS]

I ended up getting a 231 from a 93' GC, it went in perfectly. Unfortunately the shifter still needs some work... I adjusted the shifter and it's shifting ok, but its still tight going into 4lo.

You said the rod that connects from the TC to the linkage (that snaps into a grommet at each end) is about 2" shorter for the 231? I was thinking of cutting and welding the current rod I have.

I also need a bezel. Anyone have one?

[MattJeep]

Hello all, I've been reading up alot about these 249 to 242 swaps as I'm looking to get a ZJ for offroading. My question is, why is the 242 such a popular swap instead of the 231? The 231 is a standard 2hi, 4hi, n, 4lo t/c right? Plus even a little stronger than the 242. Is it just that the 242's are easier to find? Thanks.

[CB900SS]

Originally Posted by MattJeep

Hello all, I've been reading up alot about these 249 to 242 swaps as I'm looking to get a ZJ for offroading. My question is, why is the 242 such a popular swap instead of the 231? The 231 is a standard 2hi, 4hi, n, 4lo t/c right? Plus even a little stronger than the 242. Is it just that the 242's are easier to find? Thanks.

I've read the reason is people want a good mix between the 249 case and the 231. The 242 gives you that part time position, and I hear its good for driving in snow and stuff like that on the street.

I went with the 231 because I just wanted the old school 2hi, 4hi, n, 4low. But I must admit, my 249 was awesome in the snow and I might miss that full time 4x4.

On another note, I test shifted my 231 again in the driveway... Last night I was shifting with the truck off, no wonder it didn't want to go into low. It shifts fine, the 249 linkage and shift rod works OK for me. I just need that bezel, but no big deal.

I also changed the plugs in my computer last night, the wheels are filled in correctly when in 2wd, N and either 4WD positions. I find it interesting that it now says "PART TIME" when in either 4hi, or 4low. It used to say "LOW" when I went into 4low on the 249... Why wouldn't Jeep utilize the "PART TIME" light for 4hi and "LOW" light for 4lo with the 231 case?

Also, to make a longer post longer. The computer has me thinking, I've also seen bezels that say 4 PART TIME as the first position after 2wd on for the 231 cases. But most people call it 4hi.... Is this a part time 4x4 position?

[JrMechanic]

Originally Posted by CB900SS

I've read the reason is people want a good mix between the 249 case and the 231. The 242 gives you that part time position, and I hear its good for driving in snow and stuff like that on the street.

I went with the 231 because I just wanted the old school 2hi, 4hi, n, 4low. But I must admit, my 249 was awesome in the snow and I might miss that full time 4x4.

On another note, I test shifted my 231 again in the driveway... Last night I was shifting with the truck off, no wonder it didn't want to go into low. It shifts fine, the 249 linkage and shift rod works OK for me. I just need that bezel, but no big deal.

I also changed the plugs in my computer last night, the wheels are filled in correctly when in 2wd, N and either 4WD positions. I find it interesting that it now says "PART TIME" when in either 4hi, or 4low. It used to say "LOW" when I went into 4low on the 249... Why wouldn't Jeep utilize the "PART TIME" light for 4hi and "LOW" light for 4lo with the 231 case?

Also, to make a longer post longer. The computer has me thinking, I've also seen bezels that say 4 PART TIME as the first position after 2wd on for the 231 cases. But most people call it 4hi.... Is this a part time 4x4 position?

4hi and 4 part time are the same thing. The 242 has an added 4 full time feature that can be used on road. The 242's full time system doesn't even hold a candle to a properly working 249. Also, you should be able to shift into 4 low with the Jeep off. If the drive train is loaded (on an incline) it won't shift into 4 low.

[CB900SS]

Originally Posted by JrMechanic

4hi and 4 part time are the same thing. The 242 has an added 4 full time feature that can be used on road. The 242's full time system doesn't even hold a candle to a properly working 249. Also, you should be able to shift into 4 low with the Jeep off. If the drive train is loaded (on an incline) it won't shift into 4 low.

I see.

I have an XJ in the yard for some U-joints and wheel bearings. Its a 93' with a 242 in it... I measure the rod from the TC to the linkage to be 12". On my GC the rod is 14", 2" difference as you say. So if I cut my rod 2" and weld it up it should shift better? With the truck running in neutral it shifts very smooth.

[JrMechanic]

It will make no difference whether or not the engine is running while shifting the transfer case. When the transmission is in neutral nothing is turning inside the transfer case.

[CB900SS]

Originally Posted by JrMechanic

It will make no difference whether or not the engine is running while shifting the transfer case. When the transmission is in neutral nothing is turning inside the transfer case.

My mistake then... I guess I need to learn how to shift a transfer case. I never had a reason to use 4 low with my 249 case, so I rarely shifted it. For some reason I was trying to shift my TC with my transmission in park. It shifts like butter in neutral, running or not.

[CatSplat]

Yeah, I always throw the transmission in N to unload the transfer case when shifting into 4LO, works every time.

[rednecktrucker]

somebody tell me it the 231 case is whats in my 98 4x4 durango

[Spike300]

Originally Posted by rednecktrucker

somebody tell me it the 231 case is whats in my 98 4x4 durango

should be, the 231 is in my 99 4x4 dakota, since the durango is based of the dakota

[csouers]

Old thread I know, but need some info.

I have a 96 ZJ with the 5.2l and 44RE with the 249. I have a parts Jeep, 92 XJ, with the 242. I have not checked splines, but what will be needed for this swap?

[JrMechanic]

No problem, this is what this thread is here for.

The XJ case will probably have the .750" input shaft (could have the .840" that you need, however I don't think so.) You'll probably need to swap inputs, but with the gear cuts being different you will need to use the front case half from the 249.