231 and 242 TC

[total rednek]

Hi there from a snow covered jeeper.
Quick question for anyone with knowledge...I have a 1988 Cherokee Laredo. After reading and reading, I came up with the bright idea my Jeep had a 231 TC init. Finally after looking I discovered its a 242...what are the differences between the two?? I was >< this close to buying a 231, good thing I checked...also this fella says that the gear ratio needs to match...any thoughts?

*anyone else covered in April snow?


Thanks
Max

 

[SteelHeadz]

NV231 TRANSFER CASE

The NV231 is a part-time transfer case with a low range reduction gear system. The NV231 has three operating ranges plus a Neutral position. A low range system provides a reduction ratio for increased low speed torque capability.
The input gear is splined to the transmission output shaft. The input gear drives the mainshaft through the planetary assembly and range hub. The front output shaft is operated by a drive chain that connects the shaft to a drive sprocket on the mainshaft. The drive sprocket is engaged/disengaged by the mode fork, which operates the mode sleeve and hub. The sleeve and hub are not equipped with a synchronizer mechanism for shifting.
The geartrain is mounted in two aluminum case halves attached with bolts. The mainshaft front and rear bearings are mounted in aluminum retainer housings bolted to the case halves.
OPERATING RANGES


Transfer case operating ranges are:

• 2WD (2-wheel drive)
• 4x4 (4-wheel drive)
• 4 Lo (4-wheel drive low range

The 2WD range is for use on any road surface at any time.
The 4x4 and 4 Lo ranges are for off road use only. They are not for use on hard surface roads. The only exception being when the road surface is covered by ice and snow.
The low range reduction gear system is operative in 4 Lo range only. This range is for extra pulling power in off road situations. Low range reduction ratio is 2.72:1.
SHIFT MECHANISM

Operating ranges are selected with a floor mounted shift lever. The shift lever is connected to the transfer case range lever by an adjustable linkage rod. A straight line shift pattern is used. Range positions are marked on the shifter bezel cover plate.

NV242 TRANSFER CASE

The NV242 is a full and part-time transfer case . It provides full time 2-wheel, or 4-wheel drive operation.
A differential in the transfer case is used to control torque transfer to the front and rear axles. A low range gear provides increased low speed torque capability for off road operation. The low range provides a 2.72:1 reduction ratio.
The input gear is splined to the transmission output shaft. It drives the mainshaft through the planetary gear and range hub. The front output shaft is operated by a drive chain that connects the shaft to a drive sprocket on the mainshaft. The drive sprocket is engaged/disengaged by the mode fork, which operates the mode sleeve and hub. The sleeve and hub are not equipped with a synchro mechanism for shifting.
The geartrain is mounted in two aluminum case halves attached with bolts. The mainshaft front and rear bearings are mounted in aluminum retainer housings bolted to the case halves.
OPERATING RANGES

NV242 operating ranges are 2WD (2-wheel drive), 4x4 part-time, 4x4 full time, and 4 Lo.
The 2WD and 4x4 full time ranges can be used at any time and on any road surface.
The 4x4 part-time and 4 Lo ranges are for off road use only. The only time these ranges can be used on hard surface roads, is when the surface is covered with snow and ice.
SHIFT MECHANISM

Operating ranges are selected with a floor mounted shift lever. The shift lever is connected to the transfer case range lever by an adjustable linkage rod. A straight line shift pattern is used. Range positions are marked on the shifter bezel cover plate, or on the shift knob.

 

[total rednek]

Hey there, thanks for the reading material. So now if I remember correctly, the reason I deducted I had a 231 was the shifter. It only has 3 positions plus neutral...where as the 242 should have 4 plus neutral? (makes more sense why it grinds and makes noise when locked in)
Is my thinking correct? If so the 242 seems a better choice for 4x4'n and general usage. So now I need to find a different shifter?! :???:

Any thoughts?

thanks
Max

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Sounds like your jeep originally had a 231 and somebody swapped in a 242 without changing the shifter.

The 242 is nice in that you can put it in 4FT and forget about it, pretty much idiot proof if you don't know when to take it out of 4wd. The 231 is a LOT easier to work on, MUCH more aftermarket support, and can be built to handle a lot more torque.

 

[total rednek]

Well gentlemen, thanks for all the help. I think I will keep the 242 and just find a different shifter for now, but I will keep my eyes open for a 231 later down the line. At least now, I am not so hard pressed for time to fix the TC. Also seems to be the less expensive choice.
-Does anyone have an extra Cherokee 242 shifter kicken around???
Had to ask.
:lol:
Thanks again
Max

Hmmmm a thought occures to me now, is a 242 and a 231 a straight swap? I ask cause whom ever put in the 242 don't seem to have as much knowledge as needed. (all seems hooked up well enough)

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Hmmmm a thought occures to me now, is a 242 and a 231 a straight swap? I ask cause whom ever put in the 242 don't seem to have as much knowledge as needed. (all seems hooked up well enough)

It's a straight swap if the input shafts are identical. The input shafts of all transfer cases vary in length and spline count depending on what transmission it is behind.