Transfer case linkage Question

[robfg67]

I just finished swapping-out my part-time 231 for the full-time 242. This job is straightforward and everything works fine except for the linkage.

 

I read the FSM and I have fiddled with the adjustment nut on the rod that connects directly to the TC shifter with no luck. I can line it up to get either the first or second range of gears but not all 5:

 

Range 1:

2WD

Part Time 4WD

Full Time 4WD

Neutral

 

Range 2:

Part Time 4WD

Full Time 4WD

Neutral

4WD Low

 

Does anyone have any tips to get all 5 gears?

[BBCchris]

Did you use the same shifter assembly and linkage that the 231 used? I'm not sure if the gate part is in the same spot 231-242 or even if the linkages are the same..... but I'll look.

-C

[robfg67]

Yes, I should have mentioned that! I used a new full-time shifter gate in the truck.

[BBCchris]

Can you snap a pic of the linkage from the underside?

[Casper2000]

:nuts: Why would you go from selectable 4WD to full time? Your fuel milage is going to drop like a stone.

[Geonovast]

:nuts: Why would you go from selectable 4WD to full time? Your fuel milage is going to drop like a stone.

 

The 242 is selectable.

 

242 has;

 

2wd

4wd Part Time

4wd Full Time

Neutral

4wd Lo

 

His problem is that the linkage will only allow him to have the first 4 or the last 4.

[robfg67]

Geonovast, you are correct. I can only adjust the linkage to get either the top 4 or bottom 4 gear selections. I'm in the northeast and the road conditions after a snow storm can vary widely.

 

I don't take her off-road and having full-time 4WD will be nice.

[Geonovast]

Geonovast, you are correct. I can only adjust the linkage to get either the top 4 or bottom 4 gear selections. I'm in the northeast and the road conditions after a snow storm can vary widely.

 

I don't take her off-raod and having full-time 4WD will be nice.

 

I know what ya mean, I'm gonna be watching for the fix, since I'll be putting a 242 in the XJ soon. I don't mind having to go back and forth or driving on slippery stuff in 2wd, but I would much prefer the AWD option for the GF.

[Casper2000]

Sorry i read it and thought of my sisters grand cherokee hers was always in 4WD only had i think part time full time Neutral and 4 low

I thought it was a 242 :doh:

[comanche87]

:agree: thats what i thought. I'm trying to find a 242 also. I'm hoping to trade my 231 but if i can find one cheap enough. Ill sell the 231. Id rather be safe with a 242 than a 231. I just hope i find one soon. I want to have it bolted up to my aw4 so i can install it in my truck as one.

[aemsee]

Did this ever get resolved? I just finished rebuilding a 242 for my 'manche. Did you use the entire shifter assy for the 242, or just the gate? Sounds like a problem with the length of an arm on the pivot assy. Also, make sure the adjusting rod isn't bent.

[Pete M]

:nuts: Why would you go from selectable 4WD to full time? Your fuel milage is going to drop like a stone.

 

 

I've done some almost-scientific experiments with the full-time in the Libby and found no discernible difference in mileage between 2wd and 4wd fulltime. Admittedly that was mostly freeway travel.

[robfg67]

Aemsee, no this is not resolved. The adjusting rod isn't bent. I have the 242 gate installed, but the rest of the 231 parts are the same. This write-up said the 231 arm & pivot assembly could be used for the 242 swap:

 

http://www.weatherlover1.com/jeep/242.htm

[LEAD_NOT_FOLLOW]

When I swapped in a NP242 into my old MJ I used the ENTIRE 242 assembly (linkage, mount, etc) out of the XJ. I "think" I had to even trim some of the sheetmetal for clearance when mounting the new one up. I do recall that I couldn't get the 231 assembly to work correctly. It's been several years ago and that MJ is in a new owners hands so I can't get you a pic, but I do remember that I had to use the entire thing from the XJ for it to work properly.

[aemsee]

I noticed while trying to do my swap that the lever that is attatched to the case is a different length between the 231 and the 242.

[Limeyjeeper]

The linkage is the same between the 231 and 242 on the 6 cylinder. (Well it is for the 1991) The part numbers for the linkage rods etc are the same. When I did mine all I did was swap the selector assembly which has different gating and is a bit longer. The adjustment was a bit tricky. I loosened the adjusting nut on the shift rod then set the transfer case into neutral. Then put the lever into neutral and tighten it up. I had to remove the linkage rod and adjusting clip/nut to clean them up so the adjusting clip slides freely on the shift rod. If you are only getting 4 gears you probably have the linkage too far forward which is how the linkage is set for the 231 as the lever has less movement than the 242 lever.