OK, so I'm sick of searching and finding oodles of posts about how to change a t-case chain or people asking if they need to get a chain.

The chains don't seem to be available at the auto parts stores around here, so my question is who would be a recommended source for a chain, and are there any brands to look for or avoid? I see there are various options online, but I don't want a POS chain in my case.

 

They are available from any Jeep or Offroad oriented parts supply. Most major parts store can order them, but due to low demand they may not stock them. As for brands, IDK, In most cases I tend to lean to the original manufacturer of a specific compenent first. But in general never buy the cheapest anything and never buy the most expensive. Cheap usually equals crap and Highest price usually equal overpriced.

 

Know what the OEM manufacturer is?

 

If you have the NP 231 they make kits that have bigger and stronger chains as well as gear conversion kits here is a link that talks about some of the upgrades as well as has links on the right hand side of the page for transfer case parts.

http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/howto/3103/index.html

 

JEEP - New Process Gear...... I would go to a Napa or online to Quadratec or 4 Wheel Parts and order it. Transfer Case chains are pretty much a Generic part.

 

I've actually got the NP242, and I'm not really looking up upgrade it because I'm not going any bigger than 30's and don't really see the need for a HD t-case.

As for the OEM manufacturer, "Jeep" does not make the chains. They assemble the parts to make a vehicle, but third party suppliers actually make the parts. I would think the chains would be readily available at an auto parts store, but they don't seem to be. I'll have to try looking for one for a mid 90's XJ or something and see if I can source one locally that way. Seems no one can get the chain for a 2000 XJ, can't even order one. About all they can get locally is seals and bearings.

I'm seeing four brands pop up in my searching: Omix-Ada, BorgWarner, Crown, and Cloyes. Any of these NOT any good?

 

NP242 = New Process Gear 242. Between Omiix-Ada, Borgwarner, Crown and Cloyes, Those are all Generic Manufacturers so I'd say quality is about the same for all of them. As I said TC Chains are a low demand Item Very few LOCAL parts houses will have one on the shelf, but they can order it for you. The idiot at the counter may not want to or know how, but the person that orders parts for the store can.

 

OK, so searching for other years, I can find chains that according to the O'reilly auto site work up to 97. Strange thing is that 95 and earlier list a 72 link chain for the 242, and a 62 link for 231C/242/233. For 96 and 97 only the 62 link chain is available for 231C/242/233. Any thoughts on the different chains?