Transfer Case Swap

[weldiniron718]

I have an 87' YJ that is stripped down. The NP231 transfer case has a bad grinding feeling when turning the front driveshaft by hand. Either I can rebuild this transfer case (is it worth it?) or I can upgrade to a new-used transfercase. What will fit my manual transmission or should I rebuild the NP231? I would like to keep the cost down. The jeep has a straight six, 4.10 gears w/lockers front and rear. I am in the process of doing a SOA and reinforcing the frame where neccessary. I need the Transfer case in so I can line up my pinion angle. I'm new to jeeps so any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Jonathan

 

[Junkpile]

I would like to keep the cost down.

Of course a backyard rebuild is the cheapest way to go, followed by a trip to the junkyard for a replacement NP231. Is it worth it? Depends......

 

[jeepin916]

ahhh i would rebuild it back to original, unless you do lots of 4wheelin and really abuse the T-case then in that case i would just upgrade the internals.

 

[Snitty]

can always do the work to upgrade to a 242

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

RE: shocks and tires

Welcome to Jeepz, where ya from?

242 isn't much of an upgrade, if I remember correctly they aren't rated to handle all that much torque.

I recommend rebuilding the 231, they're relatively simple to work on. If you get a replacement just ensure the input is the same length and # splines.

 

[Snitty]

The model numbers of the Tcases actually have meanings

the first number is the number of speeds in the case, in all cases: 2
the second number is the strength of the case 0, 3, and 4, increasing in strength respectively
the last number tells the type of drive: 1 (part time), 2 (all wheel drive), 9 (awd-viscous coupler)

the 242 and 249 are the heaviest duty Tcases in modern jeeps, though the viscous coupler sucks. It was a bad design and does fail eventually. The 242 is a great all wheel drive using an internal differential

They use the HD242 in Humvees

I like the 242 because of its selectivity of part and full time 4wd, its good using the full time in the snow

 

[jps4jeep]

Ya well I have a 292 T case so there!

Re-build or save your penny's for a sweet NV4500/atlasII set up! (about $4500)

or a flipped D300 can be done for about $700