AWD vs non?

[KMW-NWXJ]

Still looking around and taking our time on getting our XJ, and I have a t-case question. We're looking at '98-'99 XJs, so as I understand it we'll be looking at either the 242 with part time or AWD, or the 231 with just normal part time.

Question is, any big reasons to want one or the other? I don't really care about the AWD one way or the other, so any real reason to want or not want either one from a mechanical/reliability/off-road standpoint?

I might go look at a really clean looking 98 this weekend that has the 242, 8.25" rear with limited slip, and 3" OME lift.

Thanks for any and all opinions!

[XJ Wheeler]

The 242 t-case is a full time unit, versus the 231 part time. The full time cam be used in say inclement weather on the road... snow, ice, etc. The 231 is not to be used on the road, but has a bit more aftermarket support.

All in all, having the 242 or 231 is good. Both fine, just have things they are better at than the other.

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[KMW-NWXJ]

I do understand the difference on their operation. They are the same function except that the 242 offers the additional option of full time 4x4. Mainly I'm wondering if there is any major drawback with the 242. On searching around I see many who love it, and many who say "242 sucks!" I have noticed though that the ones who say they suck don't offer any reasons why.

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[XJ Wheeler]

I do understand the difference on their operation. They are the same function except that the 242 offers the additional option of full time 4x4. Mainly I'm wondering if there is any major drawback with the 242. On searching around I see many who love it, and many who say "242 sucks!" I have noticed though that the ones who say they suck don't offer any reasons why.

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Its because they don't have a reason. :D Nah, they're fine cases. Not any big drawbacks. There may not be as many aftermarket parts as the 231 but still plenty. I wouldnt hesitate to have one at all. And many prefer them due to their full time option.

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[BlueXJ]

Back at the beginning of this century I lived in Georgia for about 5 years and got the current XJ. It is a 90 Limited which has the 242 TC. I would put it in AWD at the first report of snow and return it to 2WD when the flowers began to bloom.
It was wonderful in bad weather the only drawback being gas consumption during those winter months.

[drakan1908]

I have a 242 in my ZJ and love it. For a dd I don't think it can be beat. I can go from 2wd to 4wd at highway speed during bad weather and never miss a beat. I think the reason people think they suck is that there is no upgrades for the 242 like there is for the 231. If I was going to just have a trail rig I would probably want a 231.


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[4.3LXJ]

Both are good cases for an XJ. The 231 has more aftermarket support. Possibly the only drawback is that the 242 chain can get stretched if the full time option is used a lot. But easily replaced

[cantab27]

awd , harder on gear with just day to day running round plus more gas ..got it in me grand , not a big fan of it ...for wheeling I prefer selectable 4wd ..but hay that's just me ....:D

[ArmyGuy45]

I have a 242 in my ZJ and love it. For a dd I don't think it can be beat. I can go from 2wd to 4wd at highway speed during bad weather and never miss a beat. I think the reason people think they suck is that there is no upgrades for the 242 like there is for the 231. If I was going to just have a trail rig I would probably want a 231.


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You cant go from 2wd to 4wd hi in a 231 at highway speeds?

[4.3LXJ]

yes, any speed

[editedforsafety]

I have a 242, and the only time I ever question my choice to go with it is when I think about slip yoke eliminators. I'm happy I have the 242 though. The exceptions would be if I was building a trail only rig, I'd probably want a 231 for aftermarket support, or if I lived in an area without snow.

[drakan1908]

Tom Woods makes a SYE for the 242

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[KMW-NWXJ]

Well thanks for all the input guys. Sounds like the 242 is good to go. Might actually look for that one since it will be mostly my wife's rig and a few trail trips a year.

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[Brasscatz]

Yessir, any time I wheel, I just put in in 4-Lo and go! NP242 is just fine for ya :thumbsup:

[Andrew XJ]

I have accidentally slammed my transfer case into 4hi 60 I have been driving for a while and I move my leg and the lever was stuck in my pants pocket went right in very smooth I was surprised

[07Negative]

Are you up near Port Townsend? If so I'd say the 242 is very appropriate for you're geography. But over all nothing to overly concern yourself about. Tire selection will be a bigger concern over the transfercase. I use to live around those parts too. With an XJ even.

[KMW-NWXJ]

Actually east of there closer to the Cascades. So we do usually get snow.

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