NP231? what does this part-time stuff mean?

[truckeejeeper]

sorry ben you got it rite. i misread your post.

 

[Flyfisher]

Been following this thread for a couple of days....and I can't stand it any longer, have to chime in.

The slipping that occurs when in part-time and going around a corner is usually only one wheel...usually the outside front wheel. There are three other wheels that are not required to slip when turning in part-time. While slipping does break traction, unless you're playing like Mario Andretti on slippery roads, it shouldn't be that much of a problem.

That being said, if roads are slick enough not to cause binding, then using the part-time selection is probably better than using 2WD.

I have the 242, and love it for the very reason that I don't have to worry about driveline damage when going from slippery to grippy surface conditions. While it IS possible to spin just one wheel when in full-time mode with the 242, it usually doesn't happen unless you really put your foot down. If you really need/want the ability to ensure all four are spinning, then get lockers or limited slips for front and rear.

The biggest handling challenge I've noticed in my XJ is since I put the Ford 8.8 with a LS/Locker in the rear. That makes accellerating around a turn on slick surfaces a whole new experience (ask me how I know!). I love my 242 and won't give it up. I even have a spare sitting in the garage for if/when mine finally tanks!

 

[sjx40250]

There has been a ton of discussion over the years on this and other forums about which is better. I talked to a DC mechanic of 17 years who said he rarely ever worked on a 242 but saw lots of 231's. I don't attribute that data as stating the 242 is better cause there are mor 231's produced.
I happen to have 242 in all my Jeeps and always have. Never had a problem. I the for me, the 242 is a better option for the full time capability.
Some believe the wider chain in the 231 makes it "stronger". For part time, probably, but what does it take to brake either one?

 

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

242 is better for a mall cruizer, I guess. That way you can keep it engaged to get across ice in the parking lot. A Cherokee with a 231 can easily out accelerate an AWD sport ute with twice the horsepower stop light racing in snow. (If I ever did that. LOL)

 

[KyKrazyXJ]

So i'm not suppose to run my 231 on wet pavement that might be slippery, thats gay, i always though the 231 was the better of the two, now i think i might prefer the 242.

If you need 4wd when driving on just plain old wet roads, you need to work on your driving skills before your xj.

Ill stick with the 231

 

[winterbeater]

This is absolutely not correct: a 242 transfer case in Part-Time is functionally-equivalent to a 231 transfer case in Part-Time. The main difference between the two is that the 242 has a locking centre diff that is open in Full-Time (AWD) mode; the 231 does not have this. As for 'spinning a wheel', this is a function of your axle differentials and whether they're open or not.

So if you want to drive the 242 so that one wheel won't slip, you have to pop it into "part time mode"? I agree that the 231 has the center diff "locked". Actually there is no center diff. in a 231. That's why it works like that. As far as spinning a wheel, I thought we were talking about the stock open axle diffs here. Once you lock up (posi, lockers, etc.) either axle, the dynamics change significantly.

 

[FlexdXJ]

So i'm not suppose to run my 231 on wet pavement that might be slippery, thats gay, i always though the 231 was the better of the two, now i think i might prefer the 242.

What? Why can't you just drive in 2wd on a wet road? I don't know about you but i know when my tires are spinning and can adjust the throttle accordingly. If you have to have 4wd on a wet road you have no business in driving. The 231 has far more aftermarket support than the 242. Neither are a bad t-case. I like my 231 though because there is less to go wrong inside it. Even in winter I hardly use 4wd on the road. Been driving in snow since i got my license(most of those year in a front or rear wheel drive vehicle), so i guess i'm used to it. :dunno:

 

[FlexdXJ]

If you need 4wd when driving on just plain old wet roads, you need to work on your driving skills before your xj.

Ill stick with the 231

^This!^