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wrenchmaster · 08-24-2010, 09:17 PM

Has anyone swapped out the transfer case to a NP242 with full time 4WD?
I have a 2000 Cherokee with the part time 4WD and would like to swap.

What is needed and how difficult is?

**mcatald** · 08-25-2010, 10:10 PM

Welcome to the site. I moved this because I thought you would get more responses to your question here.

**CT99XJ** · 08-25-2010, 11:21 PM

You can do it. You might ned new driveshafts depending on your transmission, but it's a direct bolt-in. You'll have to redo linkage and (not necessary but highly recommended) replace the shift bezel in the cab.

XJPioneer · 08-25-2010, 11:58 PM

As Ct99xj said you more then likely will need a new driveshaft. Personally I've never had luck with the 242 and would stay away from it. But hell that's just me, if you decide to do the swap let me know I'm also in Ma and would be happy to lend a hand.

78mc-bbc · 08-26-2010, 08:41 AM

hey im in Rhode Island and would help out too, i've been thinking of this swap also??

Trooper · 09-02-2010, 11:07 PM

I guess I am not the only one here. Hey I can't help I live in Illinois lol

mischieviousmike · 10-31-2010, 08:38 PM

speaking on the 242 is it better than the 231 or nah my transfer case blew

PolarXJ · 11-18-2010, 02:33 PM

Yes you can swap them. You will NOT need a new driveshaft. There are a few possible issues. Depending on the year you get your 242, the wire connections for the light indicator (on your dash) will be different. I consider this a dumby light, tells you if you are in 4 wheel drive and in the case of the 242 if you are in the 4 wheel full time. The wire connection for the speedo gear, you'd just use the one from your 231. You will need to adjust the shifting linkage to ensure you get the full range of all the settings in you t-case. And as CT99xj stated, its would be nice for the shift betzel to be swapped. Easily picked up from the donor XJ if its the same year.
I've done this twice, now. I bought my '95 with the 242 in it. I then lifted it and buy a used 231 with the sye already installed. I've now switched back to the the 242 with a sye to help out my brother with a vehicle part swap. The only time I've had to get a different drive line, was when I added my 6" of lift. The light on the dash wasn't an issue for me, so I just put some tape over the electrical connection and called it good.
The 231 is strong than the 242, being that the input/output shaft is larger in diameter. It wouldn't be a issue for a novice wheeler.

Trooper · 11-18-2010, 06:39 PM

I just swapped in one on my 96 and cant wait for snow. Now I am in the process of finding a 242 for my wifes 98. The bezel is impossible to find in a JY, got lucky and found a brand new one on Ebay. Now I need the TC

**2000XJ** · 11-21-2010, 07:28 PM

The swap is super easy. My best advice is to go find a stubby 9/16" wrench to make your life easier when your loosening and tightening some of the bolts on the top half of the transfercase. Another piece of advice is to make sure your wheels are chocked WELL because once you remove the driveshafts nothing will be holding it to prevent the rig from rolling.

**stamp** · 11-21-2010, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000XJ

\ because once you remove the driveshafts nothing will be holding it to prevent the rig from rolling.

except the parking brake

i can honestly say unless you get snow i see no point in the 242 swap ...

**2000XJ** · 11-22-2010, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stamp

except the parking brake

i can honestly say unless you get snow i see no point in the 242 swap ...

This is true, in my case my ebrake is not connected (yet another thing that has been on the To-Do list for waaay too long). Better to be safe than sorry

I do agree with you though with your snow comment, I wouldn't see a need for it if I didn't get snow or slush where I live.

Trooper · 11-22-2010, 04:09 PM

The only nut that is a ***** to get loose is the one by the exhaust unless someone knows a trick besides a stubby wrench wit alot of force to loosen it. The ones on top are easy....use alot of extensions and swivels.

buckshot500 · 11-22-2010, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stamp

I can honestly say unless you get snow i see no point in the 242 swap ...

I can't remember where I read this, but I think the NP231 has a low range ratio of around 2:1, and I think the NP242 has a low range ratio of around 4:1 making it a little better for crawling than the NP231.

I don't have the best memory though.

.

**stamp** · 11-22-2010, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckshot500

I can't remember where I read this, but I think the NP231 has a low range ratio of around 2:1, and I think the NP242 has a low range ratio of around 4:1 making it a little better for crawling than the NP231.

I don't have the best memory though.

i know they sale a 4:1 conversion kit for the np231 but i dont know if they do for the np242

but stock they both have a 2.71:1 low according to this site
http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html