Jeep Cherokee 249 transfer case swap: How to remove transfer case

NP 242 Transfer Case Rebuild Kit: amzn.to/2xhfwgM
Thanks for checking out JeepSolid. If this transfer case removal video helps you out, be sure to give it a thumbs up.
Here I give a step by step look at how to remove a transfer case. Specifically removing a 249 transfer case.
This video is part of a series about a transfer case swap, from a 249 to 242 transfer case.
Be sure to subscribe to watch for the rest of the transfer case swap videos.
kzbin.info_...
It's super important to chock your wheels, as we are going to be removing the drive shafts. You should also disconnect your battery.
Then I remove the skid plate and drain the fluid from the 249 transfer case. Now it's time to remove the front and rear drive shafts from the 249 transfer case.
After you support the transmission, you can remove the cross member. This supports the weight of the transmission and transfer case, so It's super important to get some jack stands under it.
In the video, I show how to disconnect some key components, such as the speed sensor and shift indicator. Once everything is disconnected from the 249 transfer case, you can start removing the 249 transfer case mounting bolts. These are the bolts that mount the 249 transfer case to the transmission. Be sure you have a jack under the transfer case, as a 249 transfer case weight almost 100#.
Have a drip pan ready. As you remove the transfer case, you may leak a little transmission fluid out.
If you would like a closer look at each step of the transfer case swap, check out my full videos of each step of the process:
249 VS 242 transfer case: • 249 and 242 transfer c...
249 input shaft removal: • 249 transfer case: rem...
249 to 242 input shaft swap: • 249 to 242 input shaft...
Installing 242 transfer case: • 249 to 242 transfer ca...
242 shift linkage: • 242 Shift Linkage: Tr...
Bezel and display: • Jeep Bezel and Display...
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[@nathanielhuffman5235]

Can we talk about how clean that underbody is!! Nice job

[@lonnieritz9692]

My 95 has the 249 going strong on 250,000 but I want to do this swap these videos have given me great knowledge.

[@JeepSolid]

Awesome!! glad they helped.

[@StingerSecSol]

Glad I found this video. I'm going through this process right now.

[@TrailRecon]

As always, an excellent detailed how to video... you make it look easy!

[@JeepSolid]

Thanks! Appreciate the support!

[@corbinclark1087]

+JeepSolid on the 249 t case u wouldn't happen to know the nut size of the linkage that was still connected. the transfer case

[@JeepSolid]

The nut size holding the shift tab to the t case?

[@corbinclark1087]

I got a nut now but I can't get it to line up

[@dannymatthews855]

JeepSolid has the best Jeep videos on KZbin.. Thank you..

[@daviddabler2701]

You saved me so much time... thank you so much... you rock.

[@DOTheGamingGuy]

You're a wizard for getting that top passenger side bolt out... Hardest thing about this shit

[@mathewschumann7307]

Very helpful thank you.. Keep them coming.

[@JeepSolid]

Thanks! Will do

[@Paragraph247]

Very instructive. Thanks !

[@rreifschneider7024]

You made it look easy! I wanna do the same thing on my zj does it just bolt in?

[@sjgerber]

Hi, I have sourced a 242 from a dodge truck. it is on a a518 transmission. Same as my 94 Zj. the rear output shaft differs - is there a way around this? id tag reads 242 D

[@Reeek95]

solid video

[@ionghidon1186]

I have a question I put a battery of 44 amp on a 2.7 cc jeep and started to rock He did not do this before and put his battery back, now he does not change gears and goes only to stage 1 I went to a test and showed me the error -P0700 but does not find the box to set the box how I can do it?

[@dalepreischel6661]

Ok 1st question. I have to do thins on a 2000 grand cherokee, is it basically the same process????

[@zxtenn]

You're lucky you got that much use out of it, my VC started acting up about 115000, i agree a 242 is a better option depending on what the use but i put in a 247, installed the guy only charged me 1000.00 rebuilt with 1 year warranty, its been 10 years and still no problems, 247 is progressive like the models after the ZJ and the guy told me the 247 is easier on front tires and front end. I was thinking of rebuilding my 249 but just the VC and chain was close to 600.00

[@JeepSolid]

+jim dandy 10 years, that's great! Yeah, the 249 isn't a bad case, lasts a while, but the vc can be expensive. May as well throw a different case in.

[@TheBeardedJeeper]

Great video and yeah that case is heavy

[@JeepSolid]

It sure is! Thanks for watching.

[@davcca]

good job my friend

[@JeepSolid]

+David Cedeño Thanks! Worked out well.

[@JonathanGonzalez-xr7ev]

Excelente video master

[@JeepSolid]

Thank you!

[@brentankney1965]

I am having trouble finding a compatible np242 T case I also have a 95 zj

[@jassimkarim6350]

good job my friend plz. i have a 1993 jeep grand cherokee can i swap the engine by 1999 engine

[@lorijean7490]

Quick question watched your video informative. But wondering if you know answer to a question since you work on these? I just did a tranny swap on a 2004 jeep liberty. swapped the tranny and transfer case together. Both Jeeps 2004.The donor jeep shifter has less like 4 high 4 low, the jeep i put into has 4 wheel part time , fulltime, and low. In other words I assume its technically 2 different transfer cases even though tranny same model and transfer case fits. The question is is there any problems with the differentials like is there a gear ratio in each transfer case?will my differentials work with any proper transfer case or are they mated by model. Does that make sense? I'm now worried about having a mismatched drivetrain. Hoping its OK, seems to drive ok

[@unknowntoyou5002]

If I am going remove and install the same transmission to replace the torque converter..do I have to remove the transfer case?????

[@johncostabile3742]

A1 video! Not like other vids i seen where the tech used very little lighting and had no clue what they were doing.

[@JeepSolid]

Thanks! I hope it helped you out.

[@infoShort4Tv]

Tendras un video de como cambiar el chicote del 4x4 ?

[@udarasri4]

I have grand Cherokee 1999 (N247 )trying to take out my transfer case. Took out all the bolts which connected to the transmission and now the transfer case not coming out. ( Drive shafts are removed and every thing else.) Any idea why is it stuck? Jack the transfer case but it almost look like its stuck to the transmission

[@luix83]

Hi, i have a cherokee 2008 with the problem that the rear wheels not spin. The transfer is bad?

[@FastestIntegra]

I have a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7L with the Quadra-Drive system with a bad transfer case. Was wanting to know if and what the difference in the T-case from an 00 to an 02 with 4.7L and Quadra-Drive is? I went to 2 different recycle yards and was told the T-Case from a 02 4.7L w/Quadra-Drive will NOT fit My 2000??

[@mikhailglobus6766]

If you got this answer please follow up. I have 1999 WJ and am afraid of same issue

[@sergiodalbruntm8372]

Good morning, sorry for my bad English. These days I have removed the transfer case from my jeep zj to replace the chain and bearings. After having extracted it, I realized that after having removed it, transmission oil began to drip. 1 liter approx. (Previously no leakage) Is there a front seal between the two shafts? BETWEEN THE TWO BOX COMPONENTS THERE ARE NO GASKETS. Before reassembling I would like to know if it happened to you too. Thanks to whoever can help me.

[@JorgeInTheTube]

Hey, just wanted to point out, my 1996 ZJ with the NP249 has 2WD... (?) I get your point, the 242 seems better, but...

[@spencer4584]

Question: how similar are the components and overall the whole job to the 2005 Jeep Wk. my transfer case went out a while back and I need it replaced but I can't find anything on the 05' + models

[@JeepSolid]

The overall job is similar, but I don't have specifics on the 05. Curious how it goes for you though.

[@melvinmartin7748]

Do you have a video for pulling a motor and transmision together for a 2000 jeep grand cherokee limited 4.7 v8. I have a siezed up motor and have to pull motor and trans in order to get the motor out unless you know a better way.

[@JeepSolid]

Bummer man! Wish I did have a video on that, but sorry don't. I will be pulling the engine on the Project 92 YJ I'm working on now.

[@kl9ud]

I have the same issue on my 98 Limited, I have picked up a 242 from a 98 GC ZJ. I was wondering if I will have any drive shaft issues length issue.

[@JeepSolid]

Ours bolted up without any issue.

[@jtweatherman3076]

Great video! Would you say it's necessary to get the whole shifter from the donor?

[@Thundarr995]

No,just the 242 bezel & detent,if you want. I just did the swap. I had to get my driveshaft shortened a couple inches. Evidently some people don't have to get theirs shortened. I have a 96 ZJ. I installed a 242 out of a 98 4.0L ZJ. Mine is a 5.2L and the 4.0L driveshaft is way too short.

[@problemchildd100]

Can I operate my 02 Jeep Grand Cherokee without the transfer case

[@jasonvega5797]

Is there no support for the TC, other than its attachment point at the transm. end? It seems like it could break off easily, just hanging on one end with 6 thin bolts like that.

[@brittnicholson1455]

Yeah happen to me driving on the highway

[@agustinhernandez5641]

Perfectoo saludoss

[@optimusmikey]

So considering buying another '97 ZJ GC, it has the 5.2 V8. Do I have to be going at least 3mph to shift it into 4lo? It has the quadra matic, or whatever tcase. I went to shift it to 4lo to test the tcase, wouldn't move, had trans in neutral to shift to 4lo, went to shift back into A4WD and it made a grinding noise. Was it caused by me not doing it right, or is this a mechanical problem?

[@bobbradbury3924]

IF you have not figured it out yet... it would seem that your linkage is out of adjustment. JeepSolid has a great video on how to adjust the linkage so that it will not grind anymore.

[@akdamabdo7172]

can i ask code C140a motor Transfer Case for jeep grand cherokee 2009 ! Whats the bummer?

[@simtye88]

I have a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0. When in 2wd it grinds really bad. I switch to 4wd full time and the vehicle will not go at all it just grinds down near the case. I put it in 4 part time then it will go and he grinding is not as loud. Most likely xfer case ?! And is it a 242 ? Select track ? Also is it same as the 95 Jeep taking it out like ur video ?

[@JeepSolid]

+simtye88 Yeah. Definitely could be your t case. There's a tag on the case indicating which case it is. If you look at my video where I have the 242 and 249 side by side, I show what this tag looks like and what it'll say.

[@OMGITSROBERT1]

I have a question, if I accelerate really fast from dead stop, I Grrr a clunk noise from driver front left, and goes away. Any idea?

[@JeepSolid]

I'd jack er up and look for loose ball or U joints.

[@myvideotablemyvideotable528]

those drive shaft bolts dont come off so easily most of the times. many diy videos just show steps without real world problems. i just apply lot of oil a day or two days prior to the job. also use degreaser later and then with the help of simple extension pipe. that way you can save your energy for more important part of the job.

[@justdoingit.43]

So for getting to the number 6 bolt. Why don't you do that one first next time and lower the transmission slightly giving you more room to reach the bolt. Then raise it back up and put it on a jack stand to remove the remaining bolts?

[@JeepSolid]

That might give it a little more room. Good idea

[@pwml350]

Wow, this is a REAL good vid, very professional. What I am thinking about: to replace only the visco I don´t need to remov the entire Transfer case, right ? Question 2: If I remove the front drive shaft (only for a short period) does the parking brake still work savely ? And once again: thank you for making and sharing such Videos (and not such dumb crap like people falling from the ladder the 297th... :-) )

[@JeepSolid]

You should be able to get to the VC without removing the entire case, but it makes it easier to get to all the bolts and when you RTV it back together. Your parking break should still work, but I would still chock the wheels really well. Don't get crushed under your Jeep. Unfortunately, happens every year to a few people.

[@pwml350]

Thank you, and no: safety at work is always my first priority.

[@My1969chevelle]

I have a 04 grand cherokee, I put into reverse leaving a family members house when after a foot of travel it felt like I backed into another car. The shifter seemed to be wedged between reverse and neutral and wouldn't budge until I turned key off. I started vehicle and could finally shift through the gears but jeep wouldn't move. Does what I've described sound of a transfer case problem?

[@JeepSolid]

Boy, that's a tough one to diagnose without seeing the vehicle. It certainly could be a transfer case issue, but there's also a number of other things it could be. Such as transmission, driveshaft, ujoint... quite a few things... Sorry, I know, not much help. good luck

[@My1969chevelle]

JeepSolid you've actually been a big help, I will follow along with your video here and just remove transfer case and hope to see something obvious. Thanks for video and quick response.

[@My1969chevelle]

Well I tried to remove the transfer case but I could not get it to separate from transmission. I removed transmission and transfer case together. What a job! Hopefully I can get used trans and tc somewhere. I had a couple pieces of metal in pan of trans I removed.

[@Edcanada2001]

So a question for you, I have a np 242 in my 98 xp, can I change for a np231? Thanks

[@JeepSolid]

Yeah, some people prefer the 231 and swap them in. Just have to make sure the input shaft is compatible.

[@Edcanada2001]

ok thanks

[@Islamesclaridad]

Can it still drive with no transfer case just 2 wheel drive? Trying do that with a 97 V8 Grand Cherokee. Any advice?

[@JeepSolid]

Transfer case control both front and rear axle. Have to have it in place for either to work.

[@user-wz1ci8ww3e]

Здравствуйте! Подскажите как узнать что виска не работает на 249 раздатке

[@zekdeleon1874]

My 99 grand keep cherokee 2x4 keeps slipping the shift it's automatic engine revs on drive and reverse any help we'll be great

[@brentankney1965]

I am having trouble finding a compatible np242 T case I also have a 95 zj any recommendations

[@JeepSolid]

+Brent Ankney I found one online at a junkyard that was the correct year. They shipped it to my door :)

[@137Rguzman]

JeepSolid - what year and model am I looking for at the junk yard to find a 242? I have a 97’ grand Cherokee Limited .

[@danyellezumwalt1583]

Didn't show where you put the bottle jack... On mine looks like the transmission pan is there

[@rodwellsealey9807]

I have Jeep grand Cherokee 2007dissel 3.0l i need to rebild my automatique transmission is anyone has a iday

[@stevenstenner1584]

How do i put back the shift linkage from transfer case? I took mine off and accidentally moved it. Whenever Im in park and i shift toward drive or reverse it doesn't go! any tips?

[@JeepSolid]

+Steven Stenner I have a video that covers shift linkage. It's in same playlist. That should help!

[@stevenstenner1584]

thanks!

[@Twinturbo5.0]

Do you know how to bypass the all time four wheel drive on a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

[@JeepSolid]

Not specifically, sorry

[@strider5119]

You could probably remove the front shaft. If you never want it at all

[@chrisflores7361]

Do I need to drain transmission before removing 6 bolts

[@JeepSolid]

Nope. You'll leak a little though.

[@jeremymenchaca]

My 1995 Jeep Zj has 211,000 miles on it. As far as I can tell, the transfer case has never been replaced.

[@JeepSolid]

+Jeremy Menchaca 249 case?

[@jeremymenchaca]

Pretty sure it is. I only have 4H and 4L.

[@jeremymenchaca]

Details from the transfer case itself NP249 J 5209 853 10-27-94 272

[@JeepSolid]

Wow! 211,000 on that transfer case. That's great. Keep an eye on that viscous coupler. It's often the part of the transfer case that starts failing causing the front drive to start binding up.

[@jeremymenchaca]

@@JeepSolid currently at 221,000 miles. Still going.

[@Kurokubi]

I had to do this alone... Without any jacks... And a fractured rib... God it was awful. I got it done though. Also, I wasn't in a situation where I could wait for help or not change it even though doing it was dangerous.

[@JeepSolid]

Oh man! I can imagine!! Must have been awful. I had a cracked rib once. If I felt a sneeze coming on...OH Man!! I'd brace myself for the pain!! Haha...!

[@Kurokubi]

@@JeepSolid yep, it sucked to high heavens and back. I took a tumble, landed square on my side and then about three days later, it's like the shock of it made me catch catch a cold because I was backed up as if It were allergy season wherever I went. I was sneezing and coughing every other minute and I swear if I wasn't used to having disability qualifying back pain since childhood, I'd have just told the doc to just shoot me rather than prescribe me cold medicine. Anyway, That was two to three weeks ago so it wasn't as bad as it could have been when I decided to change the case and I'm starting to ramble. I appreciate the response even though it's such an old video~

[@shakathevirgo316]

Hi I got problems with my 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo transfer case noise

[@JeepSolid]

First thing, I'd check the fluid level.

[@tylerzboyovsky1998]

How dare you not mention tape up the caps on the u-joints! 😂 Great video thanks!

[@JeepSolid]

Haha. Thanks!

[@RAHMEL1994]

Can a 242 transfer case from a 89XJ Limited work on a 93 XJ country 4x4?

[@JeepSolid]

If they're both pre 6-1994 then gear cut should match.

[@RAHMEL1994]

JeepSolid thank you

[@elisancere3578]

I just finished the swap and the transmission will not shift out of first gear! Did I miss something?

[@JeepSolid]

Won't shift... is it installed? Or did you test it before?

[@edwinwilfredocaverodiaz7794]

Estimados buenos dias, le escribo desde Lima Perú, tengo una camioneta automatica Jeep Cherokee 4x4 año 85, estuvo andando muy bien, hasta hace 2 meses y un día en carretera de la nada dejo de avanzar y votaba un olor como a hidrolina quemada, la cosa es que se plantó la camioneta pero seguía encendido , es igual ahora lo probé salió solo 10 mts y se volvió a plantar ni para atrás ni para adelante cabe resaltar que siempre se mantiene encendido. A que se debe esta falla?? , gracias por su atención y respuesta.. Slds.

[@highwayxj9397]

Do the 231s on the XJ have any problems like this? I’ve had 3 with high mileage and no issues

[@lelandglisson3392]

The 231 and 242 does not use a viscous coupler. They use planetary type gears that allow for MANY miles of off-road fun as long as they are maintained properly and the 242 has a differential in it to divide power. Hope that helps.

[@michaelcalderon4401]

@@lelandglisson3392 im trying to swap mine out i have the 249 on my 1998 5.9 limited. Whats a better option 231 or 242?

[@lelandglisson3392]

@@michaelcalderon4401 You will get way more aftermarket support on a 231. Some believe that the 231 is a stronger case over the 242 but, I think those perceived benefits would be minimal at best. If you can find a decently priced 231, go for it. If you find a decently priced 242, don't pass that up either. I went with the 242 because it was easier and more economically sourced out here in So Cal than the 231.

[@michaelcalderon4401]

@@lelandglisson3392 i to am in So Cal. Would you happen to know what years i should be looking at? As far as shaft and spline compatibility?

[@lelandglisson3392]

@@michaelcalderon4401 damn man, not right off the top of my head. I know the gear cut changed in the late 80s or early 90s if I remember correctly so, you have to be mindful of that and how far out the input shaft extends/spline count. Sorry I can’t help more.

[@manuelmorin3775]

Can anyone tell why do you have to take the cross bar holding the transmission off. Thanks

[@irondestroyer6515]

I'm removing my TC just right now and don't see any reason to do that. :-)

[@manuelmorin3775]

@@irondestroyer6515 yeah thank's did the job this past weekend for the first time, and didn't find a reason to remove it. Was wondering what was the purpose of the removal.

[@JeepSolid]

It can make it easier to reach the transfer case to transmission mounting bolts. Allows you to drop the assembly a bit to reach them.

[@cappincud420]

that's one healthy healthy looking body😊

[@JeepSolid]

cappincud420 Me? Ah.. Thx. I try to stay in shape. Lol! Kidding! Yep, it is in good shape for an old ZJ.

[@loganmiller2898]

What’s the point in disconnecting the transmission mount and the cross frame, it looks like they are not in the way?

[@loganmiller2898]

Pls help!?

[@CarlosRodriguez-hb3vq]

You have to drop the transmission and transfer case slightly in order to pull the transfer case back and down. Otherwise there isn’t enough clearance to separate the two. But you don’t want the whole drive train hanging by the motor mounts in the front, so you support the transmission as you drop it a little.

[@sarabrown7689]

I have to do this swap. I recently bought a '95 ZJ with the quadratrac all-time 4WD and hate it. I want to be able to drive in 2WD

[@JeepSolid]

Yeah, its a great swap. The 2wd saves some gas $$ as well.

[@sarabrown7689]

I just watched a couple of your other videos and this swap seems a lot more complicated and difficult than I thought. If it was just take one off and put the other on I might try it but taking them apart and swapping shafts and gears and all that has to many possibilities for things to go Titanic and with my panic disorder I can see things going south easily :(

[@JeepSolid]

Yeah, its not just drop one, and replace with another. There's quite a bit to it. But thanks for watching!

[@aleximanzane325]

Es muy fácil yo baje el mío en 20 minutos .

[@blasbobadilla8818]

How many speeds is the transfer case on the grand cherokee 4x4 2011?

[@fabianlumbi3343]

Necesito una caja de cambio automática de Jeep cherokee año 88

[@normanshaw3843]

how much trans fluid leaked out when you pulled the t case?

[@JeepSolid]

Not a whole lot. Less than a qt

[@normanshaw3843]

ok sweet. thank you

[@san379]

omg..not a speck of rust... my friends orange TJ is rusted to the point the captured nuts broke off so it took 5 sheetmetal screws .. when the tranny n transfer case got swapped

[@JeepSolid]

Haha! Yeah, very little rust. This vehicle spent most of its life in California.

[@BroncoSolid]

No-salt states have their advantages! :-)

[@jeremymenchaca]

My ZJ looks pretty good. The only thing I have found is paint missing on the hood.

[@PMC251]

Thanks for the video, I wanted to change the transfer case to my jeep grand Cherokee Laredo 2006 3.7 v6 4x4, but I did not do it anymore, better take it to the mechanic, it is not so easy to do it, but thank you for your video.

[@petercobo2150]

Hi

[@stevebibey4871]

Who has a good rebuild NP 242 transfer case for a 1990 Jeep Cherokee for sale

[@ameliamorgan2402]

God damn, so many videos showing T-case swaps on GRAND Cherokees, but so few on actual Cherokees. Please fix the title!

[@rreifschneider7024]

Looking at doing the same thing doesn't look to be that hard

[@cliffcorbitt9494]

the transfer case weighs less than 90 pounds

[@laqutis1119]

Say grand cherokee in the title not just cherokee..

[@dennisarriola3807]

Hi whats is your email? I have some questions, i need help with my jeep.

[@tylerjlocke]

You really ought to edit the title so it has the correct model of vehicle. Us XJ owners have a hard enough time filtering out correctly labeled Grand Cherokee information without having to deal with mislabeled articles and videos. Thanks.

[@firebir11]

What! Is that un construction, I’m sorry , that’s not a real jeep at all. Only body on frame construction are considered real jeeps

[@EternalGroathe]

what a relevent comment to make...

[@TheTwistedOutdoors]

Jeep says it's a Jeep and I'm willing to bet you don't work for jeep lol