Easy question for ...someone

[Phil]

Who can tell me what T-case is in my '89 XJ and my Dad's 91 MJ? And if you can tell me, what is it? I can't go out and look under them, but the shift pattern is 2Hi, 4x4 part time, 4x4 full time, 4Lo, if I have that in the right order. It's a different pattern than my rommate's TJ, for sure. Thanks.

 

[bgcntry72]

you have a 242 if you have the option for full-time.

 

[Rocky]

Ya, that would be a 242 in there, a 231, like in your buddies TJ, has a pattern 2 HI-4 HI-N-4 LO. As far as I'm concerned the 231 is a much stronger design allowing for a true solid axle front diff. The 242 uses a vaccuum dissconnect front diff to engage/disengage the axle, similar to a locking hub. Not the strongest design to be sure, hope this helps.

 

[Beezil]

"The 242 uses a vaccuum dissconnect front diff to engage/disengage the axle, similar to a locking hub. Not the strongest design to be sure, hope this helps"

this is not exactly true.....

Not ALL 242's used the vac disconnet axle, and some 231's used the disconnect as well. Therefore, it cannot be said that the 242 is weaker due to another related driveline componant. My 88 had a 242 t-case and a straight-through non-disconnect axle. Having an XJ equipped with one does not assume the other in this case.

Comparing the 242 to the 231, New Process gear rates the 231 stronger by 400 footpounds, 1440 vs. 1820 respectively....

however, one of the weakest links of BOTH t-cases is the speedo gear cut on the end of the mainshaft. These areas are identical in cut on both cases, and this is where they *usually* break. I just like to post the NP ratings regardless in hopes to dispell the common myth that the 242 is stronger cause it has a "4" in it instead of a "3"......

 

[Eagle]

Actually, NONE of the 242 transfer cases used a disconnect axle. Having a disconnect would disable the full-time 4WD option. The disconnect was used only with the 231 (and earlier t-cases), and was dropped in '91 or '92.

Also, I don't believe the 242 was ever offered in the MJ. Are you certain the MJ has a full-time position? If so, is it by any chance an Eliminator?

 

[Phil]

Ok, now I'm not so sure, but if it has the same shifts it'll be a 242 also? Also, I believe it's a Pioneer. I'll just check next time I'm home then. Thanks.

 

[CheapXJ]

If it has the same shift pattern, then it is a 242

 

[Boz88xj]

Beezil's a liar.

my 242 is stronger than a 231.

Its 11 more. HOW can it be weaker?!


(There arent really people that think this way are there?

 

[Beezil]

so.....

yours "goes to eleven"?

(spinal tap)

so that means, yours is one louder?

 

[Phil]

Hey, I finally got home, and checked the t-cases. The XJ has the 242 and the MJ has the 231. I guess I need to take the truck out and play with it until I know what is has by heart. Oh, and it is a Pioneer. Unfortunately, the MJ isn't the Metric Ton (if that was even still offered in '91) and the XJ didn't come with the tow package D44.