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Deepwater Jeepin · 02-21-2010, 12:03 PM

My father in law just picked up a 1998 ZJ that plans on getting in trail time. I don't know very much about the Grand Cherokee's and we were wondering about his transfer case. It's all time four wheel drive, (im not sure what kind it is) would it be better to run a 231 or something else, or is his T-case fine for offroad use?

jerman75 · 02-21-2010, 12:48 PM

itll be fine. any jeep with 4Lo can handle the trails

Deepwater Jeepin · 02-21-2010, 01:55 PM

When i first talked with him i thought he was saying that he had no control over the t-case at all, but i just got off the phone with him and he does have a 4hi 4lo option, just no 2wd.

Deepwater Jeepin · 03-01-2010, 12:34 PM

Talking with the wife's dad again, and he says he really wants the option of 2wd. Can the np231 be swapped in? Im pretty sure it has the 5.2 v8 in it...I dont know what tranny it has. Is there another t-case they put in these things that might be an easier swap so that he can take it in and out of 4wd?

BACKWOOD · 03-01-2010, 12:43 PM

will just have to deal with trans to tcase bolt pattern

sadass · 03-16-2010, 04:14 AM

The Transfer case in that 98 is the 249 full time 4x4 case. The transmission in the RE44. The best option you have for you Jeep would be the 242 transfer case. Unlike the 231 , the 242 has a full time 4 hi A part time 4 hi a 4low, plus 2wd options. the 231 is a little stronger , but you will find most of the 4.0 zjs used the 242, thus making it a very easy find in the bone yard and a very easy swap in your back yard.

**CT99XJ** · 03-16-2010, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sadass

The Transfer case in that 98 is the 249 full time 4x4 case. The transmission in the RE44. The best option you have for you Jeep would be the 242 transfer case. Unlike the 231 , the 242 has a full time 4 hi A part time 4 hi a 4low, plus 2wd options. the 231 is a little stronger , but you will find most of the 4.0 zjs used the 242, thus making it a very easy find in the bone yard and a very easy swap in your back yard.

this

Deepwater Jeepin · 03-16-2010, 01:53 PM

Alright, thanks alot. We were kind of thinking that we had a 242 already, but that was purely a guess.

So will the 242 swap in easier than the 231?

sadass · 03-17-2010, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deepwater Jeepin

Alright, thanks alot. We were kind of thinking that we had a 242 already, but that was purely a guess.

So will the 242 swap in easier than the 231?

There were a very few ZJs that had the 231 and they are harder to find . All V-8s ZJs came with the 249(notorious for viscous coupler failure in the transfer case). but I suggest finding looking for a 242 out of the 4.0 zj and you will find it is a direct swap. worst case scenario you need to swap the 249 input on to an older 242 like mine came out of a 89 xj, so I just used my front half of the 249. But don't be afraid it is an easy and well documented procedure. I will hook you up if need be.

Deepwater Jeepin · 03-17-2010, 10:56 AM

Sweet, thanks.