How's the 231 comapered to the 242 t-case for daily driving?

[LifesGrand]

I'm starting to question if the 231 t-case is the right approach for me as a daily driver for my 249 swap?
I understated that the 242 has the full time selection, but am I going to regret not having the full time?
Anyone use the 231 t-case for daily driving? Am I just going to spin rubber when traction is needed for days like this?
Input is greatly appreciated..

[BlackYJ]

All YJs and TJs only came with the NP231 and only came with part-time 4x4.  The think you are referring to the full-time option with the 242.  The NP231 has a lot more parts available from the aftermarket.

[LifesGrand]

Right, that's what I meant.. The full time 4x on the 242 compared to driving the 231 without it?
I understand it's all about how you drive also, knowing how to prevent tire spin & what not.
I've just heard that the 231 is prime for wheeling due to the power transfer to the wheels & the 242 is for those who hit the trails on occasion, but drive on concrete often also? Regardless I'm doing the swap, but only want to do this once..

[XJHERO]

I have a 242 out of a 91 xj limited will it work for ya

[XJHERO]

Right, that's what I meant.. The full time 4x on the 242 compared to driving the 231 without it?
I understand it's all about how you drive also, knowing how to prevent tire spin & what not.
I've just heard that the 231 is prime for wheeling due to the power transfer to the wheels & the 242 is for those who hit the trails on occasion, but drive on concrete often also? Regardless I'm doing the swap, but only want to do this once..

just dont drive on dry pavement in 4wd when you need it put it in 4wd when you dont take it out.

[LifesGrand]

just dont drive on dry pavement in 4wd when you need it put it in 4wd when you dont take it out.

I understand that part of it, but how often would I be shifting to part time to climb a icy street with mt/r's?
I've been spoiled with AWD here & am unsure of how this Jeep is going to handle in 2 wheel?

Edit: I should almost make this a poll, help me decide on what's best for my jeep, DD & occasional trail needs before I make the purchase...

[BlackYJ]

I understand that part of it, but how often would I be shifting to part time to climb a icy street with mt/r's?
I've been spoiled with AWD here & am unsure of how this Jeep is going to handle in 2 wheel?

Edit: I should almost make this a poll, help me decide on what's best for my jeep, DD & occasional trail needs before I make the purchase...

As long as there is slippage the 231 is okay on the roads and works just fine.  However, it does not like dry roads as it can cause the front end to bind, unlike the full-time option that can transfer power.  I have driven on the highway in 4x4 with my YJ and no problems but it was snow covered. 

[newfie]

hey           my 2 cents
i have a 2000 th  231J transfer case in it
if there isn't a  way to spin the tires i dont use 4wd, if your trying to climb a icy hill no worries in 4wd hi or low. ive run all around the city in 4wd when the streets are snow/ice covered .
BUT it HATES dry pavement in 4wd and im pretty sure u will break something.
so u just gotta think is all  but i haven't had a issue with mine and its my DD
 but like i said   just my 2 cents   

[LifesGrand]

hey           my 2 cents
i have a 2000 th  231J transfer case in it
if there isn't a  way to spin the tires i dont use 4wd, if your trying to climb a icy hill no worries in 4wd hi or low. ive run all around the city in 4wd when the streets are snow/ice covered .
BUT it HATES dry pavement in 4wd and im pretty sure u will break something.
so u just gotta think is all  but i haven't had a issue with mine and its my DD
 but like i said   just my 2 cents   

I appreciate that...
The only other consideration is the wife who on occasion drives this Jeep... But I guess when the roads are bad out, I drive anyways..
I've been spoiled by awd.. I just feel like I might miss the option?

[BlackYJ]

If you want to improve traction, I would recommend getting your MTRs siped.  I had mine siped and they have amazing traction; better than the all terrains I had before

[LifesGrand]

I appreciate all the advise & feedback guys..
If this was a simple a unbolting, swapping & re-bolting then I wouldn't be so concerned.

In order to make this work I have to hybrid the t-case.
The front input spline & planetary gear cut, shift fork will be used from my 249 including the front part of the case , the rear portion of the case would be the 231 assembly & then I'll prob have to shorten my rear drive shaft to fit.

So again, thanks for the help!

[AMCJeep]

If you get a T-case from a pre 95 you will likely not have to hybrid the case. Personally I would go for a 242 as you and your wife WILL miss the AWD. You can get the console bezel from another ZJ with the 242 for the factory presentation. If you go 231 you will get more aftermarket support but it won't look stock unless you get a console bezel from one of the elusive 231 ZJ's. If this is your trail rig, go 231, if it's your DD and occasional trail rig, go 242. AWD is worth it for peace of mind for the lady drivers. I know mine liked the 242 better than the 231 in the winter. With the 242 you shouldn't need to change the drive shafts, just bolt in the T-case and make sure you get the shift lever from the 242 and adjust the linkage and you are good to go. The 231 might need mods depending on the T-case and year you get it from. The important thing to watch out for is the input shaft length on either choice. Your ZJ likely has the medium length shaft and most pre 95ZJ and XJ have that shaft. Pull your old T-case out first to make sure your don't case has the same input length.

The swap is nothing to worry about unless you try to take a newer 231 or 242 and fit it to an pre 95 then you are right, there will be case halves and driveshaft issues to contemplate.

HTH

[LifesGrand]

AMCJeep, this is a great help & thank you!
See out of all the write ups & discussions on other boards, this is by far the most informative & specific based on my needs.
I must of miss interpreted what others were saying about the pre 95 t-case, I thought anything pre 95 would require swapping of the  planetary gear set.
So with this said, it sounds like the easiest way to perform this swap without having to worry about drive shaft lengths & factory aesthetics is to go 242.

Regardless, even if my t-case has the mid length input shaft compared to my donar t-case, I can always swap this part out with that of the 249 correct?
I know the best bet is to drop my t-case for comparison, but I need to be mobile until I'm actually doing the physical swap.

Thanks again!

[JackstandJohnny]

yes, if u grab a pre 95 you don't to mate the two cases. regardless though you will most likey have to swap inputs unless you have a 4.0L (not 100% on this)

jsun,  i was going to do this swap for about two years on my tcase, i said to myself, when the 249 $hits the bed i'll swap it.  i put 50k on it minimum tire size of 33s and never had an issue. the VC was 'going' the whole time, but never went.  AWD kicks butt especially in this province and if u wan the missus to drive it. 
if i were to swap, i'd go 242 and drive it like its still awd in teh winter. if u keep the CVs up front you won't notice much.  i wouldn't drive it in 4wd on pavement but if it snowed the night before i would just lock it in and forget about it.

my .02 cents

[LifesGrand]

Yes I thought about waiting until my 249 crapped out, my VC is bad, tight turns are impossible... So I decided that I should replace it for the reason of my wifes arms are not as strong as mine & if she ends up needing to turn in a hurry at low speed it might save her one...
I'm going 242 all the way now.. it only makes sense for me to do this...

That's what I thought about swapping the inputs, the donor will be from a pre 95 4.0L..
I guess this should have been done on the tech board instead of general as it has become that...

Cheers & green beers everyone..