NP231 shift pattern

[0III0forlife]

I know this sounds strange, and I couldnt believe it myself. But, a friend just bought an '87 Wrangler with a 258c.i.d. and an ax5 manual transmission with an NP231 transfercase. The shift pattern on his is as follows: with the shifter closest to the dash(normally 2H) its in low range. pull it back 1 click and its in neutral. pull it back 1 click and its in 2H. pull it back 1 click to the rearmost position and its in 4H. Has anyone ever seen a shift pattern such as this before? I have been a jeep owner for the last 33 years and this is my first time witnessing a pattern such as that.

 

[xjmarc]

Sounds like some swapping has been done. The ax5 only came with 4 bangers. My 87 YJ has a 258 with a BA-10 transmission and NP207 t-case but not with that pattern. That is a Dana 300 shift pattern, someone may have just put the know on there.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

That's no AX5, and either the tcase is not a 231 or the shift knob was changed.

 

[superj]

My 87 has a 207 also

 

[0III0forlife]

Actually, the tag on the back of the t-case says that its a NP231 with a 2.72 ratio. It has me baffled.

 

[Jester32]

If the linkage was flipped from pointing down to up it will reverse the pattern.

 

[0III0forlife]

the 4wd knob is like mine, 2H pull back into 4H pull back into N move right and pull back into 4L. what is the pattern on the 207, the same?

 

[Jester32]

The Chevy 231 use that pattern. As its mounted different and the t case linkage is pointing up. I have seen guys who drop the t case flip the linkage to keep proper geometry and just put up with the reverse pattern.

 

[mudslinger]

I hope this thread is not too old lol. I found it while doing a google search as my t-case has the exact shift pattern as the original poster. I'm trying to learn more about it as I plan to flat tow my Jeep and I'm looking for the proper way to do so.

 

[808CJ7]

It's my understanding that the best way to flat tow a jeep is to have locking hubs on all four wheels. That can be pretty expensive. Next option would be to remove the driveshafts.

 

[mudslinger]

For a YJ, the information I've found says to put the t-case in neutral, and transmission in gear or on automatic transmissions, in park.

 

[808CJ7]

I also read not to put the transmission in park while the transfer case is in neutral and the engine is running to avoid trans damage. I was going to put hubs on the rear axle of my cj. And I remember reading about it being the best option for flat towing also as none of your drivetrain component's will be spinning, saving on wear and tear. Also makes it easier on the tow vehicle. Just my opinion

 

[mudslinger]

It depends on the year model of the Jeep as to what you do.

The following is stole...eh...borrowed from JP Magazine

older cj / fsj up to 1979 with the spicer / Dana 18 or 20 can be towed with the t-case in neutral, transmission in gear.

76-79 cj / fsj with the quadra-trac CAN NOT be towed without removal of the drive shaft.

1980-86 cj / fsj with the Dana 300 t-case CAN NOT be towed..... UNLESS It has been clocked to a flat position so the oil will contact the output gear and fling oil to lube it's self. (clocked or turned up for more ground clearance)


from 87-2006 three different cases can be found in the wrangler / rubicon all of which can be towed by putting the t-case in neutral, transmission in gear or on automatic transmissions, in park.

 

[808CJ7]

I hope this thread is not too old lol. I found it while doing a google search as my t-case has the exact shift pattern as the original poster. I'm trying to learn more about it as I plan to flat tow my Jeep and I'm looking for the proper way to do so.

Right, I was just saying what I felt was the best way to do it. To each his own. Happy towing.