So this is the deal...I know the chain drive cases are not lifted up on the alter of rock crawling as blessed, and I can understand that. But it seems like the 241s and the bigger Borg Warner ones live behind pretty big trucks and seem to be fine unless you run them dry or the pump quits, etc.

Wondering if an NP231 upgraded with a wider chain and beefier planetary out of a Chev NP231C and fitted with a SYE is a reasonable comparision to a D300 in a trail Jeep with a V8, perhaps even behind a doubler.

Does it end up being an issue of case strength or? I like the lighter weight, quieter running 231 (or 241) and a D300 is fine, but I would need to flip the 300 (drivers drop). Is the 231 up to the task? It seems like the Rubicon t-cases are pretty well thought of, but maybe there are materials differences (castings thickness, etc) that makes them and the 241 cases able to take heavier stress.

Just wondering.

The NP231 can be made better by adding the 231C wider chain, and the 6 gear planatery (if yours doesn't already have it) and a SYE it will be decent, but not excellent.
No twin stick FWD/RWD available for NP231/241

No, it will not be comparable to a D300, but it makes a great front half of a NP231/D300 doubler.

Check our MadRooster's Crawl box or DD Machine Box 4 Rocks NP231/D300 doubler.

Good comparison here: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=514490

That was my thought...perhaps run it behind a crawl box. I have read that thread and done quite a bit of research on the net.

I have a friend who is putting together a really sweet CJ6 ambulance Jeep and is looking to run a 3/4 ton Chev 241 behind a crawler box (he already has the 241 mounted to the Chev tranny). It looks like the 241 would be strong enough in that spot, just was not sure about the 231 once it was beefed up. The crawler box gives ya low range 2wd, but, of course, not front wheel only low range.

I would have the last box be the stronger of the two in a doubler series. For example, I am planing to run the 231 Box of Rocks into a D300 with upgrades as I believe the d300 upgraded will be stronger than the 231. Just as i would not run a 4:1 Klune INTO a D300.......to much TQ for the D300 to deal with. IMO, you want the TQ to be outgoing from the stronger box to the axles.

That was my thought...perhaps run it behind a crawl box. I have read that thread and done quite a bit of research on the net.



No...the NP231/241(or even NP203/208) goes in front, doublers only use the planetary reduction unit, the rest of the case is too weak. You need a beefy T-case second in line, usually a cast iron gear driven case like D300 or NP205.