NP242J: Rebuild or Replace

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12-16-2013, 11:07 PM

CA-XJ

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Year: 1991

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NP242J: Rebuild or Replace

Hey all, I've got a 1991 XJ with the NP242J that I'm certain has never been rebuilt. Opinions! Should I rebuild the 242, or replace with a 231. If replace, why and how hard to do the swap?

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12-17-2013, 12:08 AM

DFlintstone

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Why?

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12-17-2013, 01:10 AM

Bustedback

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If it ain't broke don't fix it.

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12-17-2013, 01:37 AM

CA-XJ

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Bustedback

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

True. Just heard that the 231 was stronger, larger aftermarket, and easier to fix. The only thing with my 242 is that it doesn't always like to go back in 2WD when told.

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12-17-2013, 01:49 AM

Unleashed

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Leave it till it breaks, I'm running a 242 on 40's and not changing till it breaks (been a while)

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12-17-2013, 02:20 AM

CA-XJ

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Year: 1991

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Unleashed

Leave it till it breaks, I'm running a 242 on 40's and not changing till it breaks (been a while)

Thanks. How often do you use the "4WD Full Time"?

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12-17-2013, 02:30 AM

Unleashed

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Quote:

Originally Posted by CA-XJ

Thanks. How often do you use the "4WD Full Time"?

Used it once in snow just for the hell of it but never needed it

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12-17-2013, 03:46 AM

Eric M

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Quote:

Originally Posted by CA-XJ

True. Just heard that the 231 was stronger, larger aftermarket, and easier to fix. The only thing with my 242 is that it doesn't always like to go back in 2WD when told.

Change the fluid, my last 242 wouldn't always shift smoothly, I did a fluid change and it worked fine.

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12-17-2013, 03:50 AM

DFlintstone

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Quote:

Originally Posted by CA-XJ

True. Just heard that the 231 was stronger, larger aftermarket, and easier to fix. The only thing with my 242 is that it doesn't always like to go back in 2WD when told.

You DO know you might need to back up a bit to get out of 4WD? Btw the 231 is stock, not aftermarket. I'm pretty "green" on the drive stuff, but Jeep sold a bunch of stuff with 231 T-Cases, and whatever it is, it might need to "loosen" its gears before it will shift. (I mean release any binding as you back up).

Last edited by DFlintstone; 12-17-2013 at 03:53 AM.

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12-17-2013, 06:27 AM

#10

andrewmp6

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With the np231 the aftermarket is tiny its slip yoke eliminator,2 wheel low and a 4 to 1 kit from teraflex which is 1200 bucks and not known to be the best made thing either.Keep your stock t case if it does break then look in to upgrades

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12-17-2013, 07:00 AM

#11

JeepMN

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I have used my 242 religiously(Minnesota winters) and the the thing has held up great. Love the 4wd full time.

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12-17-2013, 08:24 AM

#12

salad

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Just change the fluid... If you're really bored over the winter throw in new bearings, seals, and shift fork pads. Could inspect chain for stretching.

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12-17-2013, 10:58 AM

#13

CA-XJ

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Year: 1991

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Quote:

Originally Posted by DFlintstone

Yes i DO know i have to back up a bit to release the tension on the gears. Its not my first rodeo.haha. I have changed the TC fluid when i changed my tranny with Dex/Merc III a couple months ago and have only shifted the TC once since then and it was a PITA to get back into 2WD. Kept getting stuck in 4WD Part Time when i tried to go from 4WD Full Time to 2WD.

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12-17-2013, 11:37 AM

#14

kgm

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Use it more often, it should get easier to switch between gears. Mine was like that (242 as well but I think this is for all T-case) and I try to switch it atleast once a week and it is alot easier now.