Xfer cases

[The Snowman]

I know very little about them, so can anyone tell me which is better and why...the 231 which is in my jeep(YJ) now or the 242 which is in a parts jeep(XJ) that I just bought.

[XJ]

They are about the same. There's many pieces for the 231 because it's the only T-case done on YJ. But some will say the 242 is stronger other that is 231... I prefer the 231... don't ask me why <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[Rockcrusher]

Originally posted by The Snowman:
<STRONG>I know very little about them, so can anyone tell me which is better and why...the 231 which is in my jeep(YJ) now or the 242 which is in a parts jeep(XJ) that I just bought.</STRONG>

The 242 will handle more torque as it has a beefier planetary.

[Fullreversal]

obvious idea: would one be able to swap out the planetary from a 242 into a 231 with minimal headache?
<IMG SRC="smilies/jeep1.gif" border="0">

[dorfs]

I would use the 242. They are basically the same thing, but the 242 has the added shift mode of full-time 4x4. This would be nice in the snow, Snowman.

Most of the parts will interchange. If for any reason that your 242 still has the viscous in it, just remove it. The differences in the number of planetaries and gear and chain thickness is determined by the hd stamp on the id. tag. Jeeps used a 231-j and 242j stamp. Meaning "Jeep". Most Dodges use the 231-dhd, 242dhd, meaning "Dodge heavy duty". All parts will interchange between the j and the dhd versions.

[Jacobs]

Uh-uh. 242's and 231's use the same planetary. Both run 3 planets and the input spline wavers between 21 or 23 splines.
On my XJ's I ran 242's for a while but fragged two of them. Said fawk it and went 231/ JB SYE/ Tera 2WD Lo kit. Never had a problem again!
The differential assembly in 242's that gives you the full-time option is problematic with hard core wheelin'. Pins break, guts loosen up- bang!
Not to mention if you have a front locker that full time 4WD option becomes useless. I tried this and it would change lanes with throttle.
231 all the way- if you like aluminum cases!
<IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0">

[bullfrog]

What are all of your opinions on the D300 T/C? I know the output is on the passenger side, but I plan on swapping to bigger axles anyways. Should I keep the NP231 w/SYE or switch to a D300? Or I could always save up for an Atlas II ($2000!!!!)

Jeremy

[solid]

Since this post is about t-cases, What does everyone think of the GM NP241 or NP208?...

[bullfrog]

Does anyone have any opinions on the last few reply's?

Jeremy

[Adam Ant]

If you Plan on ditching the axle's Later than think of what axle You might go with?
I like the 300 but My jeep drove off the otherside so I bought a Atlas, I love it
never even think About problem's Thats what you buy when you are getting an Atlas

Piece of mind!!

I spent all that money on that 231 and what did I Get still a 231 No more sure that It would not crap out on me !! chain drive = Possible Headache

never Know when you will be Stranded?????? But they hold up Well though Gotta give them that
I had a 4.3 Vortec and T18 tran's and rev 44's front and rear and 35 's and Never had a Problem
I had HD SYE, Tera Low4/1, 2 wd Low

But Now with RC60's Gotta have the Atlas ! Have you seen the size of 35 spline Outer shaft's hehehehehehe I got those !!!! <IMG SRC="smilies/jeep1.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> You be the Judge dont't Know how you Drive ?? I drive well you see the parts !! <IMG SRC="smilies/jeep1.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/jeep1.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/jeep1.gif" border="0">

[JasonTJ]

You can slways put the 300 upside down. tha'ts what I did <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[ScottN]

I spent all that money on that 231 and what did I Get still a 231 No more sure that It would not crap out on me !! chain drive = Possible Headache

I've heard people rip on the chain drive a lot. I have maybe heard of one or two chain problems with the 231 in the last 6 years.
Neither problem was a broken chain, they were stretch issues. I've heard of one or two cases crack on D300 in the same time frame.
Don't get me wrong, I run the D300 and prefer it. My preference is the short length of the case. The 231 and D300 share the same output shaft diameter (stock). The ouput shaft is what I hear people breaking on the 231 and 300's. It you want to talk strength, then I don't see much of an argument between the 231 and 300. If the shaft is the part that usually breaks then they are equal.
If you want to talk length or twin stick then we have a good argument for the D300.

[JasonTJ]

Originally posted by ScottN:
<STRONG>I've heard people rip on the chain drive a lot. I have maybe heard of one or two chain problems with the 231 in the last 6 years.
Neither problem was a broken chain, they were stretch issues. I've heard of one or two cases crack on D300 in the same time frame.
Don't get me wrong, I run the D300 and prefer it. My preference is the short length of the case. The 231 and D300 share the same output shaft diameter (stock). The ouput shaft is what I hear people breaking on the 231 and 300's. It you want to talk strength, then I don't see much of an argument between the 231 and 300. If the shaft is the part that usually breaks then they are equal.
If you want to talk length or twin stick then we have a good argument for the D300.</STRONG>

I disagree. Besides twin-stick and shorter the D300 is a lot stronger in my opinion.

I have heard manya NP231 just explode for no reason.

The 300 is cast iron, where as the 231 is aluminum.

The 300 is gear driven, where as the 231 has a chain that stretches and planetary gears that go bad.

I would say the 300 is closer to the strength of the Atlas more so than a 231.

[ScottN]

I disagree. Besides twin-stick and shorter the D300 is a lot stronger in my opinion.

I have heard manya NP231 just explode for no reason.

Just explode for no reason? Haven't heard this. Need more information here. I take that back, I've heard of two "just exploding" it was from no ATF and overheating.


The 300 is cast iron, where as the 231 is aluminum.

Atlas is aluminum. My transfer case in my Deisel F250 is aluminum.

The 300 is gear driven, where as the 231 has a chain that stretches and planetary gears that go bad.

Chain stretch doesn't seem to be as big an issue as some think. The chain stretch is a great argument for someone to use that has spent money on upgrading the chain or has a company that makes money installing 241 chains in 231's. I'm not saying they don't stretch or break, they just don't stretch or break as easily as some would have you think.

I would say the 300 is closer to the strength of the Atlas more so then the 231.

Not so sure here. Would you say a stock D300 was stronger then a 231 with the larger JB style shaft? The bottom line is, where is the most common break. The most common break on both cases is the output shaft.

I'm not arguing that the 231 is better then the 300. I prefer the 300 myself. I just don't think that the 300 is the holy grail that everyone wants to make them.
Even if the cases were even on strength, I believe the 300 is slightly stronger then the 231, the length issue alone is reason enough to switch.

Does anyone have the tork handling specs of both cases?

[Adam Ant]

Originally posted by JasonTJ:
<STRONG>You can slways put the 300 upside down. tha'ts what I did <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"></STRONG>

The Price about equaled themself ' Bad Ass Atlas Or Just a 300 well i got the Atlas For Way Less than what they go for and Ain't Complaining !!!!!!!!!


as far as Stength I think the 300 far Beter case for stock Appication than the 231 No SYE or 4/1 ,

the 300 Has proven it's self Pretty reliable and the 231 Is Ok for mild Wheeling with Marginal Axles I sure would not Put my 60's behind the 231 and would Not expect it to Last !

Just My .02cent's

<IMG SRC="smilies/jeep1.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/jeep1.gif" border="0">

[JasonTJ]

I did the upside down 300 for $1400 with 4:1 gears. You can't touch and ATlas II 4.3:1 for less than 2K. As I have stated before The Atlas was designed for high HP and 38+ tires. Chances are I won't bread a 300 with a 4.0 and 33-36 inch tires on a TJ, so why spend the extra $$$. Not to mention if you do break an Atlas, you gonna pay $$$ for parts. No thanks, I'll take my 300 any day.

[Adam Ant]

I got My Atlas for 1400.00 also <IMG SRC="smilies/eek.gif" border="0"> hehehehehehehehehehehehe !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<IMG SRC="smilies/innocent.gif" border="0">


No Money Wasted <IMG SRC="smilies/glasses.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/grinpimp.gif" border="0">
Actully on this Web site every body just Could not Come up with the Cash it sat in the for sale section for a week and everybody replied but no Cash I asked him to Call me if he did not Sell it By Fri I was out of town! and Fri He called he lived 30 min Away it came Out of a 99 TJ he was Selling 4.3 Ratio and everything Including the Paperwork , reciepts from Rubicon Express, and All So Who got the Better Deal hehehehehehehehehe!!!!

Parts are the Same for An Atlas and I don't think it will break have you seen the Size of the gears and all other Internal's fat Chance I have seen first Hand at Warn Rock Crawling Champ ,,the Atlas can handle 500 plus horsepowerand 44 inch tires
with 1350 u joint's and the Case just Laugh's

we are Running 42 inchTsl's on our Tube coilover Buggy in the Next warn Rock crawling Champ's No worry's about transfer Case Just axle Shaft's!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and I have Witnesses <IMG SRC="smilies/jeep1.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/jeep1.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/jeep1.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/jeep1.gif" border="0">

[bsjeep]

Originally posted by Jacobs:
<STRONG>Uh-uh. 242's and 231's use the same planetary. Both run 3 planets and the input spline wavers between 21 or 23 splines.
The differential assembly in 242's that gives you the full-time option is problematic with hard core wheelin'. Pins 231 all the way- if you like aluminum cases!
</STRONG>

Ok, I have a '94 ZJ with 5.2L and A/T with a 249. I bought a 242J and it has a 21 spline input shaft. I need a long(there is a long and a short) 23 spline input shaft. I guy on the phone says he has it for $199. But you seem to hint here that a input shaft from a 231 would fit in a 242, I was told by one guy that that would not work! It I can put the 231 input into the 242, then I can get it alot cheaper than $199.

Why do I want the 242 over a 249 everybody keeps asking. The ZJ is more of a daily driver and not so much off-road as the CJ, so I want 2WD, with the 242 I get 2WD, the same 4HI Full-time that I have already and a locked up 4HI and 4LO which I don't have in a '94 year 249.

As far as the differential assembly, isn't it not in use when you're locked up in 4HI part-time., so shouldn't that not be a factor in breaking it during hard wheeling.

Thanks for any info about the input shaft!!!

[coyote11]

I don't know why nobody has said it yet, but if you want driverside drop, can you not put in a Dana 20? Not the Jeep ones cause they suck (no offense), get the Ford ones bet low gear, pretty darn strong too.

[Keith Strong]

Originally posted by coyote11:
<STRONG>I don't know why nobody has said it yet, but if you want driverside drop, can you not put in a Dana 20? Not the Jeep ones cause they suck (no offense), get the Ford ones bet low gear, pretty darn strong too.</STRONG>

Yes you can...Ford Bronco D20. The Jeep D20's are passenger drop <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

My opinion? ATLAS ATLAS ATLAS!!! Worth every damn penny <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[LOPPY]

Break an Atlas? Has that happened yet? (jk, I know it has, but under EXTREME punishment).

I'm using a Jeep Dana 20. Same damn thing as a 300 with an even weaker output shaft <IMG SRC="smilies/eek.gif" border="0"> . But I don't fret it too much. I got two spares sitt'n at home and can get em free anytime I want. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

I've beat the shit out of mine with a TBI350, 60/44 on 38.5's... and it's held up fine. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

[LOPPY]

Oh, and 231's SUCK! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[4runner]

No one really had much to say about the NP241....is this a viable choice for a Tcase? I am running 4.3 with 700R4 and 38" swampers......

Anyone got anything to say about the NP241?
positive or negative is appreciated....

[Savage]

Here's the New Process/New Venture tcase chart for most of their units.

http://www.newventuregear.com/tcases.html

Sorry, don't have anything for the d300.

[Jakesteramalamajama]

Originally posted by 4runner
No one really had much to say about the NP241....is this a viable choice for a Tcase? I am running 4.3 with 700R4 and 38" swampers......

Anyone got anything to say about the NP241?
positive or negative is appreciated....

The 241 is a great, often-overlooked option if you don't want to pony up the dough for an atlas and you're doing an all chevy or all dodge drivetrain swap.


Some finer points you might not be aware of:

Thick, 32-spline shaft (same as you get in a "heavy duty" short shaft kit for a 231--in fact, many of those kits use a shortened 241 shaft.

32-spline front output shaft (on the chevy-dodges had the 27-spline I think...)

Beefy 6-gear planetary handles almost double the torque of a 3-gear 231 planetary. (the planetary becomes the weak link in a 231 after you put in a heavy duty shaft.)

Wider chain than a 231. (Chains got a bad rep from the old BW1333 (or some number like that) quadratrac t-case. the chains in those things stretched like mad and needed replacing every 50K miles if you wheeled them at all. All though I'm sure it's happened, I've never, personnally, even HEARD of a chain breaking (or even stretching for that matter) in a newer NPG/NVG case.)

Light compared to any gear-driven case (except an atlas, maybe).

Relatively cheap. Around $400 at a yard another $200 for the SYE and you're good to go.


I got my 241 out of a 3/4-ton Chevy. If it's strong enough to push around a pig like that, I figured it should do just fine in my little YJ. I'm running a (6.34:1 first Chevy) NV4500 and a Ramjet 350 (400 ft-lbs of torque) with which I REGULARLY beat the living hell outta this transfer case and my Jeep in general. It's all been in there for 3000 miles now and so far, absolutely NO problems. I was snapping rear driveshaft joints for a while until I moved up to one of Jess's 1350 shafts (Awesome!) no more problems with that now.

And to all those little bitches who wanna disagree with me:

HTH,
Jake