TCs: 242 vs. 231

[Purple People Eater]

What makes the latter more desirable? I had people asking for the transfercase out of my old Cherokee, a 231, and I've been told it's a bummer that I have the 242 in my new one. Why does it matter? Is the ratio different?

 

[motomech]

there's a lot more aftermarket support for 231 as far as things like 4:1 low range, SYE, 2L, etc.

 

[IllianaXJ]

there's a lot more aftermarket support for 231 as far as things like 4:1 low range, SYE, 2L, etc.

That's pretty much it. That and you can't put an automatic locker in the front and still use Full Time 4x4, it destroys the t'case.

Personally I prefer the 242, the Full Time option in rain or snow conditions it great. My ZJ had it and I wish my XJ did.

 

[juicexj24]

I run an Aussie Locker in the front of my XJ with a 242. Now the plus side with this is that there isn't any issues on the street in 2wd and no noise to speak of unless you try a hard sharp turn. In the dirt it works great and most of the time on the trail I run in Full Time 4x4 with my rear ARB off. When I need it or 4lo I switch. I haven't heard anyone say that it kills the case in Full Time on the highway but I don't drive it that way. I have 2 WJ's with 242's for DD so I don't drive the XJ other than for wheelin.
Aftermarket support is limited compaired to the 231, but you can get 4.1 kits and SYE kits for it through Teraflex and Tom Woods. I believe that it is upgradeable to 6 planatary gears doing a swap with a 241HD but I can't remember where I saw that at, could have been NAXJA but not sure.
Juice

 

[juicexj24]

http://www.4xshaft.com/index.html

That index shows the two styles for older and newer type 242 T-cases. Both of which include the shaft and housing.

 

[XJLI]

there's a lot more aftermarket support for 231 as far as things like 4:1 low range, SYE, 2L, etc.

You can buy an SYE for a 242, or do a HnT, and Tera can make 4:1s and 2Lows for it as well. the 242 has a larger 32 spline front output, and is generally stronger than the 231. The only thing lowering its strength is the fulltime unit, but unless you're in full time its not a worry.

I believe that it is upgradeable to 6 planatary gears doing a swap with a 241HD but I can't remember where I saw that at, could have been NAXJA but not sure.
Juice

The 242J is used behind the 4.0, and the 242HD is used in WJs behind the V8s. the 242HD has a larger chain and 6 planetary low. the 242AMG is whats used in H1s and some of the MB G-Series wagons, and theyre even beefier, but offer no 2WD mode, and I'm pretty sure the bolt pattern is different, but the input gear is the same. the cases can be hacked together to make one full functioning case and bolted right into a Jeep.

I wouldnt trade my 242 for anything, full time its where its at.

 

[Root Moose]

Additionally, you can mix-n-match NV242AMG parts with NV242J parts to get the larger planetaries, cooler, etc., etc. while retaining the FT/AWD mode. Search NAXJA for details.

I'd never run anything other than a 242 unless I really needed the strength of say an Atlas or Stak box. I'm not willing to give up FT on a road vehicle.

 

[Purple People Eater]

Very good information guys, thanks. I do like the ability to switch to full-time, especially since I'm going to Utah in a few weeks. I want to be able to apply it if I hit snow/ice.

 

[John90XJ]

, and Tera can make 4:1s and 2Lows for it as well.

They don't offer these on their site and, to my knowledge, it's only available for the 231 and 241 part-time cases.

I ditched a perfectly good 242 to swap in a 231 with a Tera 2Low. With the relatively small amount of full time high range 4wd needed in the PNW, it wasn't worth having in comparison to wheeling in the slickrock of UT and the tight trees and switchbacks of WA. The 2Low option was far more valuable.

One option I haven't seen covered, if you're really keen on keeping it, is going with a selectable locker up front and just running it open when the situation calls for it. If I missed that being mentioned earlier, I apologize.

 

[Root Moose]

They don't offer these on their site and, to my knowledge, it's only available for the 231 and 241 part-time cases.

You have to call for the 242. It was on their site once upon a time but I'm too lazy to go looking for it. They may have pulled the info from the site in order to stop wasting time on dreamers.

 

[XJLI]

They don't offer these on their site and, to my knowledge, it's only available for the 231 and 241 part-time cases.

I ditched a perfectly good 242 to swap in a 231 with a Tera 2Low. With the relatively small amount of full time high range 4wd needed in the PNW, it wasn't worth having in comparison to wheeling in the slickrock of UT and the tight trees and switchbacks of WA. The 2Low option was far more valuable.

You have to call for the 242. It was on their site once upon a time but I'm too lazy to go looking for it. They may have pulled the info from the site in order to stop wasting time on dreamers.

Correct. I've called them about it, its the same price as the 231. Everything they make for the 231 can be made for the 242, you may have to send your case in though. Oh and the 241 is already 4:1, just to point out the misinformation.

 

[Root Moose]

RE: 241

There are several versions of this case.

None the Chev/Dodge ones were ever 4:1 (to my knowledge).

The 241 in the Rubicon was the only 241 with 4:1.

I'm not 100% certain of the designation of the Jeep version of the 241. I've seen it written both NV241J and NV241OR.

The Chev and Dodge stuff is more straightforward with NV241C and NV241D. There's the "HD" variants also.

FWIW, there are 4:1 kits for the NV241C and NV241D.

 

[Jay S.]

Great information here!!!!

I've got a 242 in my 1998 XJ and have been happy with it! and to think I was considering not buying the Jeep when I looked at it because of the t/case.....live and learn.