This video may be 6 years old now but it is still very relevant. I'm resurrecting an old 1994 ZJ 5.2 I purchased for $300. It has the 249 TC and no frnt driveshaft and I'm not bothering to get one until I can score a 242 replacement. Thank you for this video and showing the steps needed to RR the TC and what needs to be done. Super informative, thanks for sharing your expertise and no how much appreciated.
I have a 96 with the 5.2 and formerly had a 249 with the same problem, I put in a 247 so its now a progressive and not full time, it already has limited slip and I have never gotten stuck. I lived in NY and went to TRANSFER CASES UNLIMITED, he is a guru and said 247 is fine and keeps the front end parts unloaded but I do agree the 242 is an upgrade, I paid 1050.00 installed and it has been in there 7 years with no problems, I just change the fluid 2X a year, spring and fall
Just want to thank you with the videos. My Father bought a (same jeep zj) 95 Grand Cherokee Limited with the Quadra Trac. About all the same was wrong with this one from the cooler lines to bad viscous coupler. And was going to a 242. And was in the middle of all the repairs came across your channel and loved all the info. Just finishing up with it now.
very nice video! I've had a NP242 sitting in my garage for over a year just need the input swapped from the NP249 but since I can't seem to get two days off in a row or I work OT it just hasn't happened. plus I want to clock the transfer case at the same time.
I am going to guess that the "The Professors" second job is Tilt o Whirl operator at the Crazy Dave's Fun Factory. Great video. Nice to have all the steps in one spot,
I assume going from a 231 to the 242 would be the same process? And what if I happen across a 242 in a 93-96 4.0, would it be a direct swap or would the input/output shaft be different?
It is great to see this transfer all in one video. Great work. I had different nicknames for the "Muscle and Professor" but I will keep those to myself
Yes you are the man. Getting ready to do mine. Question about the rear output on it. Can the 249,s tail swap on to the one's I'm finding with the splines and the rubber boot?
That's what I did. Took several months but finally found one. My previous GC was a 96 ZJ with the quadra-trac 4WD system, after 232k the viscous coupler failed in it but that was with some pretty hard offroad use so I say it did pretty dang good.
@@seanhuggins4086 if you get certain year XJ or TJ NP242 to match your certain year ZJ, you won’t have to swap input shafts. Gotta do some research regarding your year ZJ. Typically any of the post-‘97 XJ, ZJ, and TJ transfer cases use the same spline count and shaft length. Ik it’s a late reply, but hopefully this helps.
Thanks for sharing. I had an issue that I had trouble putting it in 4x4 so I took it to a mechanic which charged $400. Then he said the front and rear differentials need to be set in sinc otherwise I could damage the transfer case. Is this true?
I am looking for details on swapping across different years. Especially late 1995 NP249 5.2L ZJ with 46RH transmission with a swap to a 1996 NP242. The 96 GC 5.2L used R44RE transmission, and I am looking at what is need to jump ahead 1 year to 1996 with a 242 TC on a late 1995 Jeep. New style gear cuts are used on the 1995 np249. Not sure what else needs to be done.
Hey Dale, I have a 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.2 L V8 4x4 with a NP 249. To swap to a NP 231 will it bolt right in and what about the shafts? Any alterations needed to be done? Thanks Dale. Keep up the hard work, I Love this Jeep Solid channel.
Do you have a video on changing the front driveshaft rzeppa to a cardan joint? I woulD VERY much appreciate it. I can't seem to find one anywhere on youtube...
From the research I've done the Selec-Trac 242 T-Case is one of the best out there, everyone wants that t-case it seems like. Great very easy to follow video layout as well. I think I could do that swap...wait I just bought a 98 ZJ with that t-case in it already nevermind HAHA. I sold my 96 ZJ that had the quadra-trac 249 T-case...I have to say though with the abuse I put it through, it did very well and managed to go 232k before the viscous coupler decided it would lock me into 4WD part time, you didn't notice unless you were trying to turn into a parking space or making other tight turns on pavement...other than that it still ran and drove just fine...as far as I know there isn't a replacement viscous coupler to replace one if it fails though?
Yep, if I wouldn't have sold my 96 ZJ I would have done this swap, but when I started looking for another Jeep I waited until I found one that was equipped with the 242 already this time HAHA!!! Wonder if you could swap the 242 into a Wrangler?
Thanks! Great videos! You inspired me to to the 249 to 242 swap! Not hard at all if you take your time and use the proper tools! I found a used 242 case for $100 ! I had to drive 6 hours round trip but worth it. Cheaper then trying to repair the 249 viscous coupler that cost $400. new!
Thanks for sharing! i just pulled a 242 out of a ZJ at the junk yard same model year as my ZJ so hopefully i don't have to swap input shafts but if i do this will be a great resource!
Hi, i really appreciate all the details. I am considering this project. Just got delayed ewith a head gasket issue. I have a 1997 ZJ 5.2L. Need to replace the head gasket. Do u have any videos on it or can you suggest any detailed videos. Thank you
Hi JeepSolid, I seek advise. I just changed all bearings in my rear differential, original bearings, i adjusted the carrier with 0.1mm to the left for more play between ring gear and pinion gear, all seemed good, the wear pattern was close to center, but not all in middle. Backlash play was 0.06mm so probably on the minimum side of factory spec. If i recall the max is 0.15mm when the car is jacked up and rear axles spinning, theres is no noise, it's dead silent. before taking it for a test drive i decided to change the transfer case oil, my mistake to do 2 things at once, continue reading. Now the car will make a strange deeper growl noise if i go for example 30km/h and just touch the speeder with the lightest touch for it to engage. it goes away when i give it more pedal. if i then drive, and release speeder to slow down without braking, there is now a hum like uhhhhhh decreasing as speed goes down, all of this wasn't there before i renovated differential, at least I don't think so, the differential made a ton of noise because of excessive wear from previous owner. Whe car is standing still and i put gear into park / neutral, i noticed play at transfer case drive shaft output, is this normal? it's not much but it's definetly there. are my issues now the transfer case? bearings? If i drive, no matter which speed and jump into neutral and free coast, it's dead silent. Please give me your thoughts.
How do you know which transfer case you have? I have a 1996 Jeep grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 and my transfer case broke in half. I only have some scattered numbers but I don’t know which transfer case I can replace it with.
i have a 93. doing this style swap,what years of either the 242 or 231 is safe to use? i have the 5.2. as i understand the gear cut angles changed, around 05-06? if i find an older 242 or 231 say 87 is that usable? please be specific as ive gotten conflicting info. thanks for the help
Cool! Thanks for watching. The gear cut changed in May of 1994. Pre May 1994 has old gear cut and post May 1994 has new gear cut. If you're rig is 93, you should be looking at old gear cut style (pre May 1994) and you want to be looking at the date on the T-case, not the year of the vehicle it came off of. Here's a good comparison of case dates ua-cam.com/video/3MvW3FL_p8A/v-deo.html When you're doing the job, match up the input shaft teeth and they should look the same. There's a noticeable difference between the old and new teeth. Good luck!
Need to do this on my XJ. I'm comfortable with the mechanical side of it, any idea where the electrical connections are? Presumably, behind the dash cluster?
grate job ill be doing this to my jeep i have the 242 and an extra 249 to get the input shaft from so i can still use my jeep tell i have the trans fer case reedy thanks for the info on how to do it
First of all: awesome video as usual. It was most informative A question: do you maybe know if the swap is feasible on a 5.2? I know 4.0 models can mount it from factory, but I'm a bit worried the torque will be too much on 2WD for a V8
Hi and thank you for this great video. I'm going to swap my 1994 Grand Cherokee 249 case to the 242 (already got it). The truck is running on 38 inch tires and he is using a lot of gas and wears the tires more if he is always in the 4x4 I was wondering if I could use the same shift linked between these two cases? Will I need to change any electrical connection after the swap?
I may be doing the same kind of swap in my 2003 Grand Cherokee. it's got the 247-J transfer case. i hope its just a direct swap but if not i have a heads up on what to do. thanks for the video.
What is easiest way to do this with minimal work of tearing transfer cases apart. I have a 249 that’s bad and a 242 that’s good. What needs to be changed so the 242 will work
Hello, great video! Had an unrelated question. I have a 97 ZJ 5.2L. Do you have any videos on cooling leaks at the thermostat housing? I replaced the gasket, and bought a new thermostat housing at autozone. have done this twice with no success. thanks for your help!
Ivan B: I have the same ZJ. 2 years ago the water pump started leaking at the weep hole and man was that project a learning experience! After much disassembly and inspection of all the cooling system parts, I did replace the thermostat, gasket, and water outlet. Actually, I replaced just about everything except the heater core. Luckily no leaks whatsoever. It's a good feeling knowing the cooling system should be good for a while. Fingers crossed though that the heater core holds up....at least during winter. Good luck with your leak
JeepSolid, yep. I think it may be a warped housing. The dealer is backordered 284 units nationwide due to the age of the jeep. I will also replace the thermostat. any techniques would be greatly appreciated!!
Hi Professor. Have just replaced my 249 transfere case with 242J from1989. There are a small difference from the 249J, and that is the shift sensor. It is placed at the rar end, close to the speedsensor and has a different shape (Whis I could send picture). It has only a 2way electrical connection and a much shorter movement as it is moved by the shaft for the gearing. Do you have any idea of how to connect the leads? Is there a possibility to send you pictures? Thanks for answer and informative videos. :) Regards form Norway
I used a 1/2"- 1/16" combination offset box wrench, a stubby one about 4 1/2" long, to get to that difficult TC mounting bolt up on top. Worked like a charm. Thanks for taking the time to make that very informative video. I'm gonna button up my 249/242 swap in my 94 ZJ tomorrow (driveshafts, linkage and fluid). Then I'm gonna go beat the crap outta it.
What if your doing it in a 93zj with the 5.2? What would the donor have to be cause everything I am seeing says There was a gear cut change in 94 1/2 so like I have a 97 but the input shaft from the 93 can't be interchanged cause of the new cut and what I am reading the 1.55" input shaft was used only in the early years and the later years used the .88 and the .75 if I remember right it seems the more you try to read and find out the harder it is to figure out. A little help would be much appreciated. Thank you.
hay you shood have menchoned that the bearrings have to be swaped to the 242 case i got the bearing for the input shaft is twice as wide as the 249 bearing it wood not let the 249 input shaft all the whay threw so i hade to swap the nerower bereing frome the 249 case in to the 242 casre to get the input in all the whay to whare the snap ring rove was visabel to install the snap ring
I have a question. I've got a 97 jeep Grand Cherokee AWD changing to to 4wd .my AWD 249 and the 4wd 242 both have the same input . Sticking out the same. Should that be ok or do I need one with a longer shaft?
So I have e a 93 GC with the 5.2 and the 249 TC, will this swap work for that also? I also have the Cardan front driveshaft in there already because of it being a V8. Appreciate it!
I'm swapping a 1998 242tc into my 1996 ZJ 5.2L. My original 249 tc has an internal output shaft. The 1998 242 tc has an external output shaft that's longer than the 249 output shaft. The yoke on my original drive shaft is too long. What's the fix for this issue. Do I use the 4.0L driveshaft and yoke? Or put the 4.0L yoke on the 5.2L drive shaft. Or put the 249 yoke on the 4.0L driveshaft? I don't want to cut the output shaft I'd rather just get my drive shaft shortened. The 1998 242 has an external output shaft that's about 1.5 to 2 inches longer than the 1996 249 internal output shaft. When I take my jeep off the Jack stands the inside of the yoke is super close to hitting the end of the output shaft. I thought this was a straight swap without having to alter the drive shaft parts? I took this 242 tc out of a 1998 4.0L ZJ. The tag on it says it is for a ZJ. I don't understand why I'm having this issue? If I didn't have a 2 inch lift,I'm sure that my yoke would be bottoming out. Anyone out there ever run into this problem?
i have a 231 tc and a trans that i was given to me with no info how do i tell what input shaft i need as there are 3 different lengths trans is out of a 96 zj as is my jeep this seems to be a mystery
You make it seem easy! So, 1 jack to hold up tranny... i need an extra hand.... and the electris display; mine seemed to circuit out. Where can I get a replacement (not junk yard)? And, know anyone down in S TX to help me do this 242 swap?
My dad hates the 249 with a passion. He found a 242 and wants to do this to his old grand cherokee. Honestly that thing isn't worth the powder it would take to blow it up but maybe someday. I just wish I could find a hummer version and put it in my van.
Thanks Dale! The viscous coupler on my 97 ZJ is almost shot too. But I'm driving it until I absolutely have to swap out the 249. WTH, as long as I'm driving straight it's ok. Certainly notice the trouble during slow turns and parking. Thanks for the detailed video. I've been hoping to find one doing that exact swap. Full time 4x4 is a pita when you're using the vehicle as a daily driver. I'm going to watch it a few more times since it's beyond my mediocre wrenching skills. Is there anything other than the 249 input shaft that needs to be swapped into the 242? I did see another video that mentioned replacing the drive shaft possibly due to length or spline issues? It was a while ago and can't recall exactly what was said. Anyway, thanks again!
+Dale Staska Hey, thanks for watching. Be sure to check out the 249 to 242 playlist I have. The videos there go into a little more detail. It's a great swap. I also had a bad front driveshaft on this vehicle. The binding up of the Transfercase was too much stress and it blew up the cv joint.
Drive shafts will swap over that's why you have to replace the outputs on the 242 with the ones that come out of your 249 so your current shafts will go back in. Only time you would need to change shafts would be if you do a lift kit too in which case I think anything more than 2" would require longer shafts. My 96 ZJ had the same fate but managed to make it to 232k before the viscous coupler started failing, and yep turning into parking lots and into parking spaces was when you could tell it was failing...mine also had a problem in 4Lo where under moderate to heavy throttle it would kick itself back into neutral. The guy who bought it from me is still driving it, he replaced the transfer case in it of course, but its still on the road 8 years later.
just for future refrence u never want to put the transfer case on the ground and try and brake free that yoke like that..you guys got very lucky that time...but i tried that once and where that case is aluminum it busted my case..it sucked
That was great video could have did without the time lapse wanted to see a little bit more detail and how to pull apart the transfer case and put it back together but it was still a great video learned a lot girl from the 249 to the 242 transfer case would be the best bet for off-roading
Awesome! thanks guy's really good video my 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee was making a clacking sound when I stepped on the accelerator, it turned out to be the Chain, is it ok to just replace the chain? Thank you very much in advance.
First I thought it was the CV joint, I Replaced it completely, buy it still made the clacking noise, when i stepped on the accelerator, so the mechanic said it had to be the transfer case, it was put on the lift and I was there and we checked it for anything that might be loose or causing issues with the front axle...any suggestions or input?
If you are going to pull the transfer case and replace the chain you may as well do all the bearings and seals since you have to take it out of the vehicle and take it apart anyways.
@ jeep solid. I have a 97 zj with the 249 do you think a 99- 01 242 tcase would fit and work ? If course either way I'd have to swap over the stuff from the 249
Ok so I have a 98 GC and I'm swapping a 242 into it from a 98 GC... Do I have to do the input shaft swap or will it mount right in? It's a good thing I watched this before I started because it's my daily and I don't need to be stuck in my friends driveway
I have a 1997 grand Cherokee with the 5.2. The only options I have on my selector are 4high neutral and 4low. What did you do to get all those option in that jeep? And also what are the differences between 4 wheel all the time and 4 wheel part. Thanks
Good questions. Check out this video where I explain what gears the different transfer cases have: ua-cam.com/video/KSgcgqddcJ0/v-deo.html 4 full time means you can drive it on and off road. 4 part time is designed for off road only.
JeepSolid ah ok cool man. One more question. I found a couple transfer cases in my area but I was wondering what kind of car/year would I need to get the transfer case from? I found one from a 1997 Jee but it has an external driveshaft for the front wheels coming out of the transfer case and obviously won't work. Any help on where to get one of these would be awesome
Good info. Very thorough and I like you gave torque settings as you went. You have high voice. Are you hurt? You seem like good man that has little boy voice. Is ok.
hi, nice video guy's!!! I just got 1998 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 6 cylinders with transfer case 249 and I got a transfer case 242 from another 1998 Grand Cherokee 6 cylinders!!! my question is what I need change before the swap? thank you guys!
I just bought a 96 242 off of a friend and my 249 is a May 12 1994. I noticed the pre May and post May comment below. Will my 249 input shaft have the new planetary gear cut? Also my speed sensor connector is the same. Will that still need to be swapped too? Thanks!
Ah, facing the May 94 issue.... pre... post... who knows..? You'll probably have to just look at the gear cuts. There's a good article on the Jeepforum with some pictures that may help. One gear cut is sharper than the other if you look close. If speed sensor is the same, I think either should work.
Humm.... depending on the experience, i'd say 3-6 hours. Also depends on the problems you run into. I've run into issues where we've spent an hour on 1 stubborn bolt. Hahaha!
Be sure to check out my video where I do a side by side comparison of the 249 and 242. I discuss the differences and the compatible years there. Basically, there was a gear cut change mid 1994, so you have to look at pre or post mid 94. This project ZJ is a 1995 Grand Cherokee.
I just did this swap. But the 242 didn’t come with a shift tab on it. I’m gonna cut the one from the 249 to length and drill a hole but does anyone know how far the holes are apart?
I have a Quada-trac with the NP249 TC. If the VC starts to fail, can it cause a vibration to the front wheels similar to Death Wobble or would that be caused by steering components only.
Death wobble is steering components. A bad viscous couple just makes your full time 4WD system become part time, you'll quickly realize it has failed or is failing when you make tight turns on paved surfaces, like turning into a parking space for example you'll get the tire scrub and binding issues like you would with a part time 4WD system. You can replace the viscous coupler if you can find one, but they're usually a couple hundred dollars...if you can swap the guts of your 249 over to the 242 you'll be ahead of the game, the 242's full time 4WD doesn't use a viscous coupler, I heard it uses clutches but never have found a video showing the 242 really in depth on how it functions.
Question... I'm planning a 249 to 231 in my 97 ZJ. The plug swap behind the VIC, does that same swap work, and give correct indications on the VIC with the 231?
Do you have any recreations 4 drive shafts since I'm going to be rebuilding the front drive axle, since I have done the transfer swap already. It has the quadra-trac Axel's in right now, but would like to free the front end up more since it has the 242TS in it now
Hi i have 05 grand cherokee limted 5.7 l I believe i have nv245 is there a way i can swap it with part time transfer case please try to respond soon i have to replace it this weekend
Dude, you rock for making these videos. This is my next project as soon as I can get my hands on a 242 case.
This video may be 6 years old now but it is still very relevant. I'm resurrecting an old 1994 ZJ 5.2 I purchased for $300. It has the 249 TC and no frnt driveshaft and I'm not bothering to get one until I can score a 242 replacement. Thank you for this video and showing the steps needed to RR the TC and what needs to be done. Super informative, thanks for sharing your expertise and no how much appreciated.
I have a 96 with the 5.2 and formerly had a 249 with the same problem, I put in a 247 so its now a progressive and not full time, it already has limited slip and I have never gotten stuck. I lived in NY and went to TRANSFER CASES UNLIMITED, he is a guru and said 247 is fine and keeps the front end parts unloaded but I do agree the 242 is an upgrade, I paid 1050.00 installed and it has been in there 7 years with no problems, I just change the fluid 2X a year, spring and fall
+jim dandy Very cool. Nice to have a dependable rig! Thx for watching and commenting!
Great informative stuff, but where were the viscous coupling and the differential? I was looking forward to seeing them.
Just want to thank you with the videos. My Father bought a (same jeep zj) 95 Grand Cherokee Limited with the Quadra Trac. About all the same was wrong with this one from the cooler lines to bad viscous coupler. And was going to a 242. And was in the middle of all the repairs came across your channel and loved all the info. Just finishing up with it now.
Awesome! I'm glad it helped you out. Did you watch the whole swap series?
Yes I did while I was finishing it up
the #6 bolt is a lot easier to reach if you lower the trans a bit
very nice video! I've had a NP242 sitting in my garage for over a year just need the input swapped from the NP249 but since I can't seem to get two days off in a row or I work OT it just hasn't happened. plus I want to clock the transfer case at the same time.
I am going to guess that the "The Professors" second job is Tilt o Whirl operator at the Crazy Dave's Fun Factory. Great video. Nice to have all the steps in one spot,
Winner! Winner!! You guessed it. HA
I assume going from a 231 to the 242 would be the same process? And what if I happen across a 242 in a 93-96 4.0, would it be a direct swap or would the input/output shaft be different?
Erik Strieter I’m wondering the same thing.
Mee too can we just swap the yokes out? Or has to be input shaft aswell?
Great project from start to end Professor!
+TrailRecon Haha!! Thanks man.
It is great to see this transfer all in one video. Great work. I had different nicknames for the "Muscle and Professor" but I will keep those to myself
Pet names for us eh? Ha!
Sure thing, Buttercup
Yes you are the man. Getting ready to do mine. Question about the rear output on it. Can the 249,s tail swap on to the one's I'm finding with the splines and the rubber boot?
Great series! Now I'm ready to do a swap myself... But I think I'd prefer to just find a GC with a 242 to begin with! Thanks!
That's what I did. Took several months but finally found one. My previous GC was a 96 ZJ with the quadra-trac 4WD system, after 232k the viscous coupler failed in it but that was with some pretty hard offroad use so I say it did pretty dang good.
So is there a ZJ 242 that the tear apart is not required?
@@seanhuggins4086 if you get certain year XJ or TJ NP242 to match your certain year ZJ, you won’t have to swap input shafts. Gotta do some research regarding your year ZJ. Typically any of the post-‘97 XJ, ZJ, and TJ transfer cases use the same spline count and shaft length. Ik it’s a late reply, but hopefully this helps.
Just picked up a zj with 93k on the clock. 231 swap happens to be the first upgrade being that I have one laying in my shop. Thank for the info.
Process is the same for a 249 to 231 swap right? Swap input shafts if it’s not matching up. Anything else need swapped over?
Nice job on the Jeep Grand Cherokee! Your hard work and dedication really paid off!!!!!! Awesome! 👏🏻👍😆😃😀🤗
+Little Red101 Thank you very much!
If you had the gears from a 242 and put them in a 249 would that give it the 2wd full & part time option
Would a shop know how to do the swab? Or can I bring my jeep to you?
Thanks for sharing. I had an issue that I had trouble putting it in 4x4 so I took it to a mechanic which charged $400. Then he said the front and rear differentials need to be set in sinc otherwise I could damage the transfer case. Is this true?
looks like a good option....Have a great day and Merry Christmas...
Yeah, I'm happy with how it turned out.
Can i buy one of these conversions already done?
Is there any truth to the 98' 5.2L Jeep Grand Cherokee having a 241 or a 241 c factory transfer case? All I've seen those cases listed on GM or chevys
hummm... haven't heard that.
how can i tell if my transfer case is bad or the transmission? I wanna do a swap but idk what out of the 2 is bad? any help? thanks jeepsolid!
I am looking for details on swapping across different years. Especially late 1995 NP249 5.2L ZJ with 46RH transmission with a swap to a 1996 NP242. The 96 GC 5.2L used R44RE transmission, and I am looking at what is need to jump ahead 1 year to 1996 with a 242 TC on a late 1995 Jeep. New style gear cuts are used on the 1995 np249. Not sure what else needs to be done.
Hey Dale, I have a 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.2 L V8 4x4 with a NP 249. To swap to a NP 231 will it bolt right in and what about the shafts? Any alterations needed to be done? Thanks Dale. Keep up the hard work, I Love this Jeep Solid channel.
My jeep has a 242, but I learned a lot from the video. Thanks!
Do you have a video on changing the front driveshaft rzeppa to a cardan joint? I woulD VERY much appreciate it. I can't seem to find one anywhere on youtube...
Hi, boy? do you have a video of the maintenance of the butt box and the exchange of discs?
My machine only pulls backwards, forwards it skates.
From the research I've done the Selec-Trac 242 T-Case is one of the best out there, everyone wants that t-case it seems like. Great very easy to follow video layout as well. I think I could do that swap...wait I just bought a 98 ZJ with that t-case in it already nevermind HAHA. I sold my 96 ZJ that had the quadra-trac 249 T-case...I have to say though with the abuse I put it through, it did very well and managed to go 232k before the viscous coupler decided it would lock me into 4WD part time, you didn't notice unless you were trying to turn into a parking space or making other tight turns on pavement...other than that it still ran and drove just fine...as far as I know there isn't a replacement viscous coupler to replace one if it fails though?
That's great your new rig has a 242 already. Haha
Yep, if I wouldn't have sold my 96 ZJ I would have done this swap, but when I started looking for another Jeep I waited until I found one that was equipped with the 242 already this time HAHA!!! Wonder if you could swap the 242 into a Wrangler?
Yeah, you totally can, but a lot of these older wranglers have the 231, which is a great case. So, most don't swap them.
Thanks! Great videos! You inspired me to to the 249 to 242 swap! Not hard at all if you take your time and use the proper tools! I found a used 242 case for $100 ! I had to drive 6 hours round trip but worth it. Cheaper then trying to repair the 249 viscous coupler that cost $400. new!
Thanks for sharing! i just pulled a 242 out of a ZJ at the junk yard same model year as my ZJ so hopefully i don't have to swap input shafts but if i do this will be a great resource!
Great! Glad it helps.
Hi, i really appreciate all the details. I am considering this project. Just got delayed ewith a head gasket issue. I have a 1997 ZJ 5.2L. Need to replace the head gasket. Do u have any videos on it or can you suggest any detailed videos. Thank you
+Ivan B Thanks! Pabst Boys have a good head gasket video you might find helpful.
Hi JeepSolid, I seek advise.
I just changed all bearings in my rear differential, original bearings, i adjusted the carrier with 0.1mm to the left for more play between ring gear and pinion gear, all seemed good, the wear pattern was close to center, but not all in middle. Backlash play was 0.06mm so probably on the minimum side of factory spec. If i recall the max is 0.15mm
when the car is jacked up and rear axles spinning, theres is no noise, it's dead silent. before taking it for a test drive i decided to change the transfer case oil, my mistake to do 2 things at once, continue reading.
Now the car will make a strange deeper growl noise if i go for example 30km/h and just touch the speeder with the lightest touch for it to engage. it goes away when i give it more pedal. if i then drive, and release speeder to slow down without braking, there is now a hum like uhhhhhh decreasing as speed goes down, all of this wasn't there before i renovated differential, at least I don't think so, the differential made a ton of noise because of excessive wear from previous owner.
Whe car is standing still and i put gear into park / neutral, i noticed play at transfer case drive shaft output, is this normal? it's not much but it's definetly there. are my issues now the transfer case? bearings?
If i drive, no matter which speed and jump into neutral and free coast, it's dead silent.
Please give me your thoughts.
Ujoints on drive line
I'm getting ready to do this very swap on my '93 ZJ!!! So far, how do you like the performance of the 242? What year was the donor Jeep?
It worked out great! Can't remember exact donor date, but I show it in my video where I compare them side by side.
The red and black plug under the VIC working for my 98 ZG(G).
Thanks a LOT guys!!!
Do you have to replace the shifter as well?
If you lowered the jacks on the transfer case and transmission a little bit would that have made that bolt number six more accessible?
Yeah, that helps some.
How do you know which transfer case you have? I have a 1996 Jeep grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 and my transfer case broke in half. I only have some scattered numbers but I don’t know which transfer case I can replace it with.
i have a 93. doing this style swap,what years of either the 242 or 231 is safe to use? i have the 5.2. as i understand the gear cut angles changed, around 05-06? if i find an older 242 or 231 say 87 is that usable? please be specific as ive gotten conflicting info. thanks for the help
Cool! Thanks for watching. The gear cut changed in May of 1994. Pre May 1994 has old gear cut and post May 1994 has new gear cut. If you're rig is 93, you should be looking at old gear cut style (pre May 1994) and you want to be looking at the date on the T-case, not the year of the vehicle it came off of. Here's a good comparison of case dates
ua-cam.com/video/3MvW3FL_p8A/v-deo.html
When you're doing the job, match up the input shaft teeth and they should look the same. There's a noticeable difference between the old and new teeth.
Good luck!
Need to do this on my XJ. I'm comfortable with the mechanical side of it, any idea where the electrical connections are? Presumably, behind the dash cluster?
Yeah, I cover some of the electrical hookup in this video series.
grate job ill be doing this to my jeep i have the 242 and an extra 249 to get the input shaft from so i can still use my jeep tell i have the trans fer case reedy thanks for the info on how to do it
+William Reese It's a great swap.
First of all: awesome video as usual. It was most informative
A question: do you maybe know if the swap is feasible on a 5.2?
I know 4.0 models can mount it from factory, but I'm a bit worried the torque will be too much on 2WD for a V8
The v8 only had about 40 more horsepower
Hi and thank you for this great video. I'm going to swap my 1994 Grand Cherokee 249 case to the 242 (already got it). The truck is running on 38 inch tires and he is using a lot of gas and wears the tires more if he is always in the 4x4
I was wondering if I could use the same shift linked between these two cases? Will I need to change any electrical connection after the swap?
Is that a 242 out of a 1999+WJ? Or is that a 242 out of 4.0L ZJ?
I may be doing the same kind of swap in my 2003 Grand Cherokee. it's got the 247-J transfer case. i hope its just a direct swap but if not i have a heads up on what to do. thanks for the video.
Glad it helps!
What is easiest way to do this with minimal work of tearing transfer cases apart. I have a 249 that’s bad and a 242 that’s good. What needs to be changed so the 242 will work
depending on the years, you'll have to swap the input shaft
JeepSolid so compare the 2 transfer cases and make sure the input shafts are the same?
Great videos...but what style half shafts are you running in the front u-joint/CV type...thank you
Hello, great video! Had an unrelated question. I have a 97 ZJ 5.2L. Do you have any videos on cooling leaks at the thermostat housing? I replaced the gasket, and bought a new thermostat housing at autozone. have done this twice with no success. thanks for your help!
Shoot, you're a little ahead of me. I have raw footage of replacing the gasket, but haven't put the video together yet. Leaking at the gasket for ya??
Ivan B: I have the same ZJ. 2 years ago the water pump started leaking at the weep hole and man was that project a learning experience! After much disassembly and inspection of all the cooling system
parts, I did replace the thermostat, gasket, and water outlet. Actually, I replaced just about everything except the heater core. Luckily no leaks whatsoever. It's a good feeling knowing the cooling system should be good for a while. Fingers crossed though that the heater core holds up....at least during winter. Good luck with your leak
JeepSolid, yep. I think it may be a warped housing. The dealer is backordered 284 units nationwide due to the age of the jeep. I will also replace the thermostat. any techniques would be greatly appreciated!!
Dale Staska:. thanks. I'm afraid that may be the next job. any tips will help.
Is the swap 242 and 231 will replace the 249??
What brand of snap ring pliers are you using??? They look decently beefy.
Hi Professor.
Have just replaced my 249 transfere case with 242J from1989. There are a small difference from the 249J, and that is the shift sensor. It is placed at the rar end, close to the speedsensor and has a different shape (Whis I could send picture). It has only a 2way electrical connection and a much shorter movement as it is moved by the shaft for the gearing. Do you have any idea of how to connect the leads? Is there a possibility to send you pictures? Thanks for answer and informative videos. :) Regards form Norway
+Børge Iversen From Norway, cool! Thanks for watching. No way of using original sensor? Probably have to look into rewiring it.
Original sensor, No way.
Have any idea of how to rewire?
Børge Iversen
I have a question on 1994 249j & and the 1996 249j are they interchangeable with each other going into the 94 grand cherokee???
I used a 1/2"- 1/16" combination offset box wrench, a stubby one about 4 1/2" long, to get to that difficult TC mounting bolt up on top. Worked like a charm. Thanks for taking the time to make that very informative video. I'm gonna button up my 249/242 swap in my 94 ZJ tomorrow (driveshafts, linkage and fluid). Then I'm gonna go beat the crap outta it.
That's 1/2"- 9/16" wrench. My proofreading skills are lame.
Здравствуйте! Из Казахстана.я как понял из 249 раздатки можно сделать 242? Или 231 так ???и меняется только плонетарка???
What if your doing it in a 93zj with the 5.2? What would the donor have to be cause everything I am seeing says There was a gear cut change in 94 1/2 so like I have a 97 but the input shaft from the 93 can't be interchanged cause of the new cut and what I am reading the 1.55" input shaft was used only in the early years and the later years used the .88 and the .75 if I remember right it seems the more you try to read and find out the harder it is to figure out. A little help would be much appreciated. Thank you.
hay you shood have menchoned that the bearrings have to be swaped to the 242 case i got the bearing for the input shaft is twice as wide as the 249 bearing it wood not let the 249 input shaft all the whay threw so i hade to swap the nerower bereing frome the 249 case in to the 242 casre to get the input in all the whay to whare the snap ring rove was visabel to install the snap ring
+William Reese Glad it worked out for ya. On our swap, we didn't have to swap out the bearings.
The plastic shoes on the shift forks. If they break off , will the cause it to go into the wrong gear when shifting it.? thanks
+lar4305 Shouldn't. You'll just have metal on metal
The word is detent not detaunt
What year is the zj with 249 and what year is the 242 you put in
Hello JeepSolid, we've completed the swap from a 249 to a 242 but the shift pattern is reversed. 2WD is all the way back. Where did we go wrong?
I wonder if you got one of the sprockets in backwards?? Not sure if that's even possible...? Not sure, but curious what you find.
I have a question. I've got a 97 jeep Grand Cherokee AWD changing to to 4wd .my AWD 249 and the 4wd 242 both have the same input . Sticking out the same. Should that be ok or do I need one with a longer shaft?
So I have e a 93 GC with the 5.2 and the 249 TC, will this swap work for that also? I also have the Cardan front driveshaft in there already because of it being a V8. Appreciate it!
I'm swapping a 1998 242tc into my 1996 ZJ 5.2L. My original 249 tc has an internal output shaft. The 1998 242 tc has an external output shaft that's longer than the 249 output shaft. The yoke on my original drive shaft is too long. What's the fix for this issue. Do I use the 4.0L driveshaft and yoke? Or put the 4.0L yoke on the 5.2L drive shaft. Or put the 249 yoke on the 4.0L driveshaft? I don't want to cut the output shaft I'd rather just get my drive shaft shortened. The 1998 242 has an external output shaft that's about 1.5 to 2 inches longer than the 1996 249 internal output shaft. When I take my jeep off the Jack stands the inside of the yoke is super close to hitting the end of the output shaft. I thought this was a straight swap without having to alter the drive shaft parts? I took this 242 tc out of a 1998 4.0L ZJ. The tag on it says it is for a ZJ. I don't understand why I'm having this issue? If I didn't have a 2 inch lift,I'm sure that my yoke would be bottoming out. Anyone out there ever run into this problem?
Would you get a slip yoke eliminator for the 249 to install in the 242?
i have a 231 tc and a trans that i was given to me with no info how do i tell what input shaft i need as there are 3 different lengths trans is out of a 96 zj as is my jeep this seems to be a mystery
I'd go to Novav Adapt website. They have good info there and have some great images of the input shafts and gear cuts.
You make it seem easy! So, 1 jack to hold up tranny... i need an extra hand.... and the electris display; mine seemed to circuit out. Where can I get a replacement (not junk yard)? And, know anyone down in S TX to help me do this 242 swap?
My dad hates the 249 with a passion. He found a 242 and wants to do this to his old grand cherokee. Honestly that thing isn't worth the powder it would take to blow it up but maybe someday. I just wish I could find a hummer version and put it in my van.
Yeah, the 242 is a great swap!
Thanks Dale! The viscous coupler on my 97 ZJ is almost shot too. But I'm driving it until I absolutely have to swap out the 249. WTH, as long as I'm driving straight it's ok. Certainly notice the trouble during slow turns and parking. Thanks for the detailed video. I've been hoping to find one doing that exact swap. Full time 4x4 is a pita when you're using the vehicle as a daily driver. I'm going to watch it a few more times since it's beyond my mediocre wrenching skills. Is there anything other than the 249 input shaft that needs to be swapped into the 242? I did see another video that mentioned replacing the drive shaft possibly due to length or spline issues? It was a while ago and can't recall exactly what was said. Anyway, thanks again!
+Dale Staska Hey, thanks for watching. Be sure to check out the 249 to 242 playlist I have. The videos there go into a little more detail. It's a great swap.
I also had a bad front driveshaft on this vehicle. The binding up of the Transfercase was too much stress and it blew up the cv joint.
Drive shafts will swap over that's why you have to replace the outputs on the 242 with the ones that come out of your 249 so your current shafts will go back in. Only time you would need to change shafts would be if you do a lift kit too in which case I think anything more than 2" would require longer shafts.
My 96 ZJ had the same fate but managed to make it to 232k before the viscous coupler started failing, and yep turning into parking lots and into parking spaces was when you could tell it was failing...mine also had a problem in 4Lo where under moderate to heavy throttle it would kick itself back into neutral. The guy who bought it from me is still driving it, he replaced the transfer case in it of course, but its still on the road 8 years later.
is it necessary to swap out the input shafts if both cases are from the same year model..(1998)?
just for future refrence u never want to put the transfer case on the ground and try and brake free that yoke like that..you guys got very lucky that time...but i tried that once and where that case is aluminum it busted my case..it sucked
Nice job, but why didn't you do an SYE at the same time? You know, for the eventual lift you install? :-)
Haha! Great point.
My rear drive shaft wont go back in!!?? Need help. May have done something wrong
Very good video ... I was thinking about buying a 98 grand Cherokee, but it’s all time 4 wheel drive .. it has 360 engine
That was great video could have did without the time lapse wanted to see a little bit more detail and how to pull apart the transfer case and put it back together but it was still a great video learned a lot girl from the 249 to the 242 transfer case would be the best bet for off-roading
Thanks. I have a couple other videos where I give a more detailed look at the swap.
Awesome! thanks guy's really good video my 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee was making a clacking sound when I stepped on the accelerator, it turned out to be the Chain, is it ok to just replace the chain? Thank you very much in advance.
The chain can become stretched and need replacement. How did you identify it was the chain?
First I thought it was the CV joint, I Replaced it completely, buy it still made the clacking noise, when i stepped on the accelerator, so the mechanic said it had to be the transfer case, it was put on the lift and I was there and we checked it for anything that might be loose or causing issues with the front axle...any suggestions or input?
If you are going to pull the transfer case and replace the chain you may as well do all the bearings and seals since you have to take it out of the vehicle and take it apart anyways.
@ jeep solid. I have a 97 zj with the 249 do you think a 99- 01 242 tcase would fit and work ? If course either way I'd have to swap over the stuff from the 249
Ok so I have a 98 GC and I'm swapping a 242 into it from a 98 GC... Do I have to do the input shaft swap or will it mount right in? It's a good thing I watched this before I started because it's my daily and I don't need to be stuck in my friends driveway
Where'd you find your t case overhaul/tune up/ rebuild kit?
I have a 1997 grand Cherokee with the 5.2. The only options I have on my selector are 4high neutral and 4low. What did you do to get all those option in that jeep? And also what are the differences between 4 wheel all the time and 4 wheel part. Thanks
Good questions. Check out this video where I explain what gears the different transfer cases have: ua-cam.com/video/KSgcgqddcJ0/v-deo.html
4 full time means you can drive it on and off road. 4 part time is designed for off road only.
JeepSolid ah ok cool man. One more question. I found a couple transfer cases in my area but I was wondering what kind of car/year would I need to get the transfer case from? I found one from a 1997 Jee but it has an external driveshaft for the front wheels coming out of the transfer case and obviously won't work. Any help on where to get one of these would be awesome
+themanofwonder Check out my video where I compare the 249 to the 242. I go over the dates of comparable cases there. Thx for watching!
Go to a pick a part yard and find a Grand Cherokee with selec-trac and pull the bezel plate off and swap it.
Good info. Very thorough and I like you gave torque settings as you went. You have high voice. Are you hurt? You seem like good man that has little boy voice. Is ok.
hi, nice video guy's!!! I just got 1998 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 6 cylinders with transfer case 249 and I got a transfer case 242 from another 1998 Grand Cherokee 6 cylinders!!! my question is what I need change before the swap? thank you guys!
EDGAR GOMEZ Check out my whole series from start to finish. I cover everything I did. Hope it helps ya out!
thank you!,I will!
I just bought a 96 242 off of a friend and my 249 is a May 12 1994. I noticed the pre May and post May comment below. Will my 249 input shaft have the new planetary gear cut? Also my speed sensor connector is the same. Will that still need to be swapped too? Thanks!
Ah, facing the May 94 issue.... pre... post... who knows..? You'll probably have to just look at the gear cuts. There's a good article on the Jeepforum with some pictures that may help. One gear cut is sharper than the other if you look close. If speed sensor is the same, I think either should work.
Great video I plan on doing this swap to my 95
Can i take a np242 amg aswell for a swap. I there a difference to 242 j?
Is it possible to find a 242 transfer case that will just bolt up to my 249 transfer case? Or will i have to change the shaft?
How long do you think it should take me to do just a case swap 249 to 249 I do work on cars often and have good knowledge on the matter .
Humm.... depending on the experience, i'd say 3-6 hours. Also depends on the problems you run into. I've run into issues where we've spent an hour on 1 stubborn bolt. Hahaha!
that is an older model 242...what year is the grand cherokee? I want to know if I can put my 1993 NP242 in my 1997 ZJ limited?
Be sure to check out my video where I do a side by side comparison of the 249 and 242. I discuss the differences and the compatible years there. Basically, there was a gear cut change mid 1994, so you have to look at pre or post mid 94. This project ZJ is a 1995 Grand Cherokee.
I just did this swap. But the 242 didn’t come with a shift tab on it. I’m gonna cut the one from the 249 to length and drill a hole but does anyone know how far the holes are apart?
I have a Quada-trac with the NP249 TC. If the VC starts to fail, can it cause a vibration to the front wheels similar to Death Wobble or would that be caused by steering components only.
I haven't heard of VC causing death wobble, but weird stuff happens...
Death wobble is steering components. A bad viscous couple just makes your full time 4WD system become part time, you'll quickly realize it has failed or is failing when you make tight turns on paved surfaces, like turning into a parking space for example you'll get the tire scrub and binding issues like you would with a part time 4WD system.
You can replace the viscous coupler if you can find one, but they're usually a couple hundred dollars...if you can swap the guts of your 249 over to the 242 you'll be ahead of the game, the 242's full time 4WD doesn't use a viscous coupler, I heard it uses clutches but never have found a video showing the 242 really in depth on how it functions.
Awesome video! Very informational and entertaining as well!
Thank you so much for the detailed video.
Hi, I have an 1993 early cut NP242 and putting it in my 1997 late cut grand Cherokee. I know I can do a front case swap, can you go over that?
Thanks for making this vid! What brand are those snap ring pliers???
Those belong to my buddy Jason. I believe they are Craftsman though..
+G&K Ol' School They belong to Jason, but I think they’re Craftsman.
Question... I'm planning a 249 to 231 in my 97 ZJ. The plug swap behind the VIC, does that same swap work, and give correct indications on the VIC with the 231?
Great job on the video! Great visual!
Do you have any recreations 4 drive shafts since I'm going to be rebuilding the front drive axle, since I have done the transfer swap already. It has the quadra-trac Axel's in right now, but would like to free the front end up more since it has the 242TS in it now
I just want to know what year of zj and motor.. I have a 98 5.2L and cant find anything on a swap for it
Great job guys. I learned a lot. Thanks
Is this the same swap for a 4.0
+TheMagicMan119 just have to get compatible cases
That Jeep is clean
Hi i have 05 grand cherokee limted 5.7 l I believe i have nv245 is there a way i can swap it with part time transfer case please try to respond soon i have to replace it this weekend
+Johny Flynn Sorry, I'd have to research compatible cases for that. Don't have it off top of my head right now. Good luck.
Thank you
Great video and every informative. Will this swap work for an 03?