Transfer Case Comparisons (231 vs 242 vs 249 vs 241OR)

[TJim]

Hey Guys!

Let's do a comparison of transfer cases!

231 vs 242 vs 249 vs 241OR

I know that:
Gear Ratio = 2.72:1 (231, 242, 249)
Gear Ratio = 4:1 (241OR)

Also, I think:
231, 241OR have the positions 2H, 4H, N, 4Lo
242, 249 have the positions 2WD, 4 Part Time, 4 Full Time, N, 4Lo

If I am not mistaken, the 4H = 4 Part Time. Am I wrong?

Whoever has the knowledge please let me know. Which are the pros and cons of every transfer case. For example, 231, 242, 249 have both the same gear ratio. Are they the same capable/strong?

 

[Goatman]

4 hi means 4 hi range. There is no part time 4wd in (I believe) any of these transfers. You need either a viscous coupler or AWD to drive on a hard nonslip surface if you intend to turn the steering wheel.

 

[Steel City 06]

Found this on another forum:

If you're here, you probably have a ZJ with a 249 (full time) transfer case and you are experiencing issues such as hopping around turns, tire screeching, uneven tire wear, and possibly much worse issues. The main cause for these problems? The vicious coupler (a sealed unit with steel clutch plates submersed in a vicious fluid) has reached the end of it's service life (typically 150,000 miles or so). Contrary to popular belief, the 249 is NOT "junk", nor is it a "bad" transfer case. It is actually very durable and it's AWD performance is excellent even with today's standards with a properly working VC. So why swap if you could just replace the VC? Good question. As you may already know, the VC itself is very expensive. Many don't like the fact they are stuck in 4 wheel drive, and the inability to lock the front and rear axles together in 4 low with the early 249 is a deal breaker for many. If those things aren't a deal breaker for you, replacing your VC and giving new life to your 249 is a good option, but for most of us, we're more inclined to swap. Here's a quick run down on the three ZJ transfer cases: NP231: Part time transfer case used commonly in XJ's, YJ's, TJ's, ZJ's, etc. It offers 2wd, 4 part time, and 4 low.NP242: Full time transfer case used in XJ's and ZJ's. 2wd, 4 part time, 4 full time, and 4 low. The 4 full time feature is unique from the NP249 as it does not use a vicious coupler (what goes bad in the 249), but instead a mechanism that operates similar to an open differential. NP249: Full time transfer case used exclusively in 93-98 ZJ Grand Cherokees with 4 full time and 4 low. The 249 utilizes a vicious coupler used in conjunction with the center differential found in the 242. This makes for very efficient, and very effective full time operation. 93-95 lack the ability to lock the center differential in 4 low, while a revised version in 96 changed this.

 

[TJim]

Cool! So, main differences are that 242, and 249 have 4 full time, that our 231 does not have.

Also, the method of the 4 full time is different between the 242 and the 249 (as explained in the #3 post).

My question is if the 4 part time, and the 4lo is the same or not between 231, 242, and 249, since they have the same gear ratio (2.72:1). Is anyone more reliable, more capable than the other?

 

[TJim]

yes, same function, different label

same capability too? or one is more reliable/capable than the other?

 

[billiebob]

If I am not mistaken, the 4H = 4 Part Time. Am I wrong?

Yes.

You changed the question tho..

My question is if the 4 part time, and the 4lo is the same

 

[billiebob]

same capability too? or one is more reliable/capable than the other?

Obviously the full time 4WD has extra parts.... I'd say the 242/249 might be less reliable as a result. But in 50years of Jeeping and a dozen Jeeps, I've never had a transfer case issue.

 

[TJim]

Yes.

You changed the question tho..

Yes, sorry I meant my new question. haha

Thanks for the answer

 

[gaabbee]

When comparing transfer cases across other car brands you will find that most companies use their "full time" 4wd boxes in their higher end models. Having full time 4wd is great for marketing and doesn't reduce mpg's as much as one may think. In other brands some of these boxes are considered superior and sought after.

It provides the driver more options and less opportunity to make mistakes. They are also usually behind more powerful v8's or diesels and need to be beefed up for that reason . Jeep's version (249) seems to be not well liked, but that could also be because of the other options available. The 241OR is unique and to have a 4:1 ratio stock is pretty special.

I'll throw another legendary jeep tc out there, the Dana 300. It's lighter weight iron construction and aftermarket support make it one of the best cases out there for off-roading.

 

[bromel]

I have the 231in my TJ, and it's as bulletproof as they come. My 95 Cherokee is the 242, and it's also great. The full-time setting is great for slippery roads.

 

[L0jik]

Heres a hypothetical question, if I needed a new transfer-case, would I be downgrading going from a 231 to a 242? The idea of a full-time 4wd is kinda fun (although unnecessary)

 

[Goatman]

The 300 is a great case, but has a pass side drop not a driver side that the TJ uses.

 

[Shwiftypickle]

The 300 is a great case, but has a pass side drop not a driver side that the TJ uses.

They have flip rings for them, used to do them alot!

 

[Reyandra]

I use 242
I can shift between 2wd and 4wd while running the car
don’t do it on 249
you might break something