249 and 242 transfer case: 249 vs 242

NP 242 Transfer Case Rebuild Kit: amzn.to/2xhfwgM
Here is a side by side comparison of a 249 transfer case and a 242 transfer case.
This is part of a video series about the 249 to 242 transfer case swap in a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the rest of the videos about the transfer case swap.
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I start by showing the 249 transfer case from the Jeep Grand Cherokee next to a 242 transfer case we purchased from a junk yard.
I cover the major differences in the transfer case and talk about parts we are going to be using in the 249 transfer case swap.
If you have a Jeep Cherokee 249 transfer case, this will be an excellent video series for you to watch!
Be sure to watch the video on how to remove 249 transfer case:
• Jeep Cherokee 249 tran...
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Thanks for watching JeepSolid! I am not a certified mechanic, just a hobbyist who enjoys working on Jeeps.
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 Transfer case removal: • Jeep Cherokee 249 tran...
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...
Music by:
Rock Angel by Joakim Karud / joakimkarud
Creative Commons - Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported- CC BY-SA 3.0
creativecommons....
Music provided by Audio Library • Video

[@ethandouglass-zh5jg]

I just did this swap but the 242 I got didn’t have the shift tab on it. I’m gonna cut the 249 one to length and drill a hole. Anyone know how far the holes are apart?

[@aqujaksnowball5640]

So do i need to swap the tail housing and tail shaft from 249 into the 242 that'll be installed to the vehicle?

[@danielpierce4541]

I used a 1/2"- 9/16" combination offset box wrench, a stubby one about 4 1/2 inches long, to reach that one difficult TC mounting bolt up on top. It was the perfect tool for the job. Headache free.

[@Alpha-ms9nj]

Excellent video and explanation. I hope to be doing the same swap soon as I can score a decent used 242. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge about these old rigs.

[@Cherokee-sz7xi]

Can I swap my 231 for a 242 in my 93 xj ?

[@Zensender]

Can I swap the internals from the NP242 in to the housing of my 249J?

[@JC-ok7qd]

Correct me if I am wrong but had you used two 96 and later cases there would have been no need to swap those input shafts. That was just creating work. I do believe had you just sourced the correct parts no case break open was needed. So with that said I think its prudent to ignore this video. 93-95 V8 ZJ's: 46RH transmission, 1.55" 23 spline input shaft 93-95 I6 ZJ's with the 42RE: .840" 23 spline input (with collar) 93 I6 ZJ's with the AW4 or AX15: .750" 23 spline input All 96-98 ZJ's: .840" 23 spline input All 96-01 XJ's: .840" 23 spline input

[@brianerpelding]

96 to 98 Grand Cherokee and Reg Cherokee 97 to 2000 all use the 242 that can replace the 249 in my grand 1998

[@mattchenard591]

Your '98 a 5.9 limited? Seeing as the quadra trac has gotta go for a lift anyways...talk about getting two birds stoned at once!

[@robertogozzo9600]

please which fluid is correct for 249?

[@omtat270]

Can I swap out a two-for-two into my 1999 WJ Grand Cherokee ? And what do I have to do to make it work . Help !

[@ivanburruel4720]

Can I put the 249 on a 4.0l. the 249 came out of a 5.2 v8

[@Adrenalineoffroadad]

Why is my 242d missing a speedo port .

[@megaprominecraft1653]

hi, I'm Antonio from Italy, if I understand correctly, only the input shaft and the sensor are replaced and the Brackett?

[@jaysoutdooradventures5989]

What’s the benefit or drawback of a 242j ? Just curious

[@jalatecompa]

i want to turn an xj 2001 4x2 to 4x4,question is if i can adapt a transfercase to the stock transmission?

[@JoeJoe-bz9nb]

What is the best t case to use for the swap

[@damo7131]

01:50 How do you know when the gear cut is compatible between the transfer cases? What about if the gear cuts are incompatible between 249 and the np242/np231 transfer cases? Well i have a 1993 zj 5.2 that comes with a 249 which year of the np242/np231transfer cases would the gear cut be compatible?

[@montystratton7938]

What's compatible with np244 D from 02 dakota

[@michaeleasterly926]

Mine has a c.v yoke for the out put shaft for front drive shaft can it be changed out to the regular 4 bolt 2 strap yoke

[@shawnlynn1878]

Are the front output shaft seals the same?

[@cliffcorbitt9494]

and to think i took out my old transmission and transfer case by myself . and got it all used from mr.complete in memphis tennessee for under 650 bucks.

[@infoShort4Tv]

i have 242 WJ is the same to 242 J ?? Or is 4x4 all time ? im confuse becaouse my 4x4 is active all time and i have 242WJ .. so i dont know that is the same, 242J and 242WJ ?

[@stjohnsriverrat7161]

I have a 1998 Cherokee Limited 5.9. Will the 242 work in my vehicle?

[@stevehawkins7432]

I have a 97 grand Cherokee 5.2 full time 4x4, with a 242 transfer case.. In your video you said a 242 can be 2x4, part time or full etc. How do I convert from full time to use other options? Do I need to change shifter and position indicator?

[@neamtucaius6414]

Hy I have a cherokee kj 2004 and I have a 249 can switch in 242

[@SrF3R]

Great video. Changing in a ZJ 4.0 the transfer from 249 to 242, would it consume less fuel on the highway in 2WD? Thanks!

[@Rafu01]

Almost cannot notice the difference as the front wheels will still be spinning all the axles and gear mass since there is no disconnect hubs in ZJ.

[@dustinnistle2030]

I have a 2001 XJ that needs a new 242, are there years produced that aren't a direct swap into my 2001?

[@kevinmahoney9141]

How do ya get the damper off?

[@brianerpelding]

Can you just change the front case

[@GHOSTINTHEMACHINE000]

I'm doing a 249 to a 242 swap on a 99 grand Cherokee limited and I'm curious if you can just interchange the whole front of the case instead of pulling the input shaft out?

[@wildbill23c]

I believe its the same external casing just different internals if I remember correctly.

[@johnbrown3472]

Instead of swapping the input shafts on the 249 and 242 transfer case can you swap the drive shafts instead

[@JeepSolid]

+john brown The input shaft attaches to the transmission. That's why you need to swap it.

[@timothyarmstrong5987]

How is the 96-98 249 different in comparison to the previous 249s and the 242s? I understand that the 96-98 249s have a locking diff in the t-case. Is this true and if so is this a better system?

[@gheralbraga7555]

I have a 4L80e that I want to mate to a np203. Now, my question is about the speed sensor, is any way around it.?

[@grucu]

Hi. And what about a hybrid 247 and 249? Is it possible and how? Thanks

[@jeepsblackpowderandlights4305]

This info is wrong for later 249s... the later ones inputs are the same length as the 242

[@brianerpelding]

So if i change to a 242 will iuse the 242 tab. Will it work on my 1998 laredo?

[@darryljohns6725]

Hi Dale, I have a 1999 jeep cherokee 4L straight 6, 4x4. How do i know if my 242-J transfer case is with or w/o police or export package?

[@khalidali1217]

Hi, I want to know from you what are the pieces that must be changed when I want to change from 249 to 242, just mention the necessary parts Thank you.

[@kzoomin]

He has other videos on that

[@paulinterror]

Hello friends good work.I need to know if the transmission ax15 is compatible with the original t_ case of zj I live in Brazil and I am thinking of doing a swap with TDI engine and transmission ax15 or ax5 I need to know if they are plug And play with a Zj t-case

[@maxjackson2523]

I have a question. I'm swapping a NP247 for a junk yard NP247 in a 2000 jgc limited. Ive replaced both the front and rear drive shafts previously so I'm fine there. Where the NP247transfer case is attached to the 45RFE trans are there seals ill need to buy to do the swap. Will that trans bleed out everywhere or are these two sealed only on the transfer case imput shaft seal/ trans output seal and as a result pretty self contained units. I'm a 28 year Technician 7 as an automotive dealership tech and 21 as a diesel & heavy equipment tech so I'm capable I just havemt separated the two so I'm not sure what ill find. I heads up would be nice. Thanks in advance for anyone who has done this and has info on the R&R

[@tristynholowchuk9461]

i just swapped out my transfer case in my 90 XJ and now my transmission wont go into gear, you have any idea what could possibly be the issue?

[@eleuterioocon4992]

New to jeeps but excited to learn as much as possible. Great videos, straight and to the point. My question...is there an advantage of 242 over 249 (aside from 2H, 4H, 4L)?

[@splavecl]

Higher reliability as it does not have viscous coupler

[@Thundarr995]

Also better gas mileage I gained about 3.5 mpg when I swapped from 249 to 242. You don't need 4wd all the time anyway. I can understand why jeep only made V8 Grand Cherokee with full time 4wd. After the swap,2wd on a wet road. With a 5.2L Magnum it's really easy to break the tires loose. I was actually surprised,2wd is way quicker. At least it seems like it is. I'm just guessing,but I wouldn't be surprised if mine ran a high 14 to mid 15 in the quarter. That's pretty fast for an SUV.

[@danielgulick5752]

Just wondering if there is a 242 that would be a direct bolt in on a 98 ZJ 4.0 with a 249 case. Some have said a 93-95 242 has an internal slip yoke and would be a bolt in.

[@Rafu01]

Input shaft is your problem. Probably needs to be from a 96-98 4.0.

[@heyyou509]

All the 242 t cases I see are external slip yoke mine is internal like in the video

[@martinhulme9197]

I take it that the 242 is compatability with the 231 in my 96 Cherokee Sport. Correct?

[@wildbill23c]

Yes.

[@thomasmonroe9903]

my son has a 2000 grand Cherokee Laredo with the 242, what would cause it to blow out like when you blow a rod in your engine

[@JeepSolid]

Sounds like complete failure of the 242?? Open it up and see what you find.

[@8873dwilson]

@@JeepSolid hey. Im new to jeeps all together. I have an 02 gc laredo and after a head gasket replace and new head install it ran great for a few weeks then noticed the tc making a lot of grinding noises and then started popping....after looking at the tc i noticed a large crack running up the side.....the tag says its a np242 wj. What other transfer cases would be a direct swap with no other modifications. Would really like to keep all the same tc modes that is in it now....2, 4pt, 4ft, n and 4l. Consider me kind of inexperienced at the task at hand

[@8873dwilson]

For the record your channel is awesome....ive seen a few different jeep channels and your s by far is the most detailed....thank you for that

[@filipMarc]

Do you know what the acceleration and maximum speed look like after changing from 249 to 242? Which one has a bigger kick? It's about ZJ 5.9 Niner

[@wildbill23c]

No difference, changing the Transfer case doesn't give you any more speed.

[@Eddie312.]

Hey bro did you end up swapping the 249 t case with a 242? As you can see by my picture I also have a 5.9.

[@UrinalJournal]

YouSlow i also have a 5.9 with original 249 and im thinking about getting a new one as a backup or to replace. Does yours sometimes kick hard on an incline at lower speeds or while cruising out to a stop at low idle? Also could be my fluids plan on replacing that soon

[@Rafu01]

@@wildbill23c Might impact acceleration if the reduction is more..?

[@wyattsearle868]

I would like to do a swap in my 1993 grand wagoneer and was wondering if it will be the same swap?

[@JeepSolid]

It's probably similar, but not sure the exact specs on the Wagoneer??

[@INCC74656I]

i have a 241dhd. does a higher number mean its a higher strength case?

[@wildbill23c]

The HD just means its a heavy duty transfer case, the 242 and 242HD are both physically the same, in another video on youtube they mentioned the difference is the width of the chain, so the chain and sprockets would be different between the 2 but otherwise you could swap between the 2 physically with no difference in size and connections.

[@javitam]

what about replace a 247J with a 242J? is that possible? thank you

[@wildbill23c]

Yes its possible, pretty much the same as swapping a 249 with a 242.

[@Shane_Hinks]

i am about to do the same swap on my 1995 Orvis edition V8 and am curious as to what year 242 would be the most direct swap.... was there a 242 with a 1.55 input shaft?

[@8bangergarage716]

I have the same year jeep grand cherokee and mines an orvis edition too. I'm waiting on them to complete the swap so I know exactly what to do.

[@arthurdolle5257]

I think mid-94 was a change in the gear cut on the input shaft so your new 242 has the right length or the same gear cut as your 249 then you can use the input shaft of your 249, which should be the length input shaft you need.if you got a transfer case that had the correct length on the 242 then you don't need to worry about swapping the input shaft off of your 249 into it. if your present 249 transfer case has the new gear cut or the old gear cutand you want to swap it into your new 242 it has to match gear cut. because it could be either one in a 94 .Since this is a mid-94 production line change I don't think you can tell by looking on the transfer case tag. I haven't done this swap yet myself on my 94 ZJ but have read on one of the forms a long ,thorough discussion of it. I'm looking for more information on the front drive shaft length myself. Good luck. I think deep solid has a discussion of what years fit what I just haven't found yet

[@abrahama6927]

i got a 1993 jeep grand cherokee v8 5.2 what is the original t case that it comes withm

[@JeepSolid]

+Abraham Castillo usually a 249

[@jalatecompa]

hi i have a 249 tc, front and rear driveshafts spin but my front wheels doesnt spin even when i set 4th low, any ideas why?

[@michaelrogers25]

Same here on my 96 ZJ. My viscous coupling seems to be shot but 4wd still works in hi and low as it locks up in low anyway regardless per design. So I took out the front driveshaft which is a certain kind, forgot the name, had ball bearings and plates instead of u joints. Anyway it was toast. Had a drive shaft shop build a new one that has a nice double u joint built in to it now. The new one will slide where the stock oem shaft was fixed. That fixed mine till I swap or repair the 249 case. 320 k miles on the v8 and drive train. Still a very good reliable Jeep for going back and fourth to my cabin year round.

[@michaelrogers25]

CV driveshaft! Thats what the oem ZJ can have in the front. Thats what failed on mine.

[@jalatecompa]

mine has 82k miles its been out of ise during 2 years mie is 5.9 cherokee and transfer is 249, i see now its 4wd configuration not 4x4 of road use, despite the fact i want to off road wirh my buddies

[@jasonvictor5413]

Whats the absolute correct fluid to use on the 242?? Please and thanks anyone

[@lordofwar9638]

jason victor mopar ATF+4

[@jasonvictor5413]

I did it today thanks

[@elisancere3578]

I'm in the process of doing this ! But I also would like to get rid of the CV on the front axcl and replace it with a yoke so I can have ujoint instead. Is this possible?

[@wildbill23c]

Any driveline shop could replace the CV with a U-Joint but you'll pay for it, its not cheap to have that stuff done.

[@arthurdolle5257]

@@wildbill23c I believe you have to change the yoke on the front axle pinion shaft, it's different between a CV joint and a u-joint

[@pauloxenham2593]

I have a 1995 zj 5.2l w/249 case. I have a t-case out of a 1998 zj Laredo with I6 and a 242. Looks like the used a SYE on that jeep w/242. Can I use the back casing off my 249 on the 242 so my drive shafts will work...? Rear shaft length appears smaller with the SYE?

[@JeepSolid]

+Paul Oxenham seems like the years are right, but I'm not 100% sure the back case will fit on the 242. Maybe post question on jeepforum. Someone there should know. Good luck

[@d-ray5312]

I have a 95 ZJ V8, and im looking at swapping the 249 for a 242. My viscous coupler has been out for a while now. I know you had a 95 as well in this video, and I'm confused about what year would work best where I would just have to swap the input shafts like you did in this video series. I have found a 98 ZJ 4.0 with a 242 about the same mileage as mine 142,000. Mine has the internal slip yoke, and I'm not sure if this 242 has the internal or external slip yoke. If it has external should I also buy the driveshaft? Or would the driveshaft on the 4.0 not work with my 5.2? Great series by the way, it was very informative!

[@ubot982]

hi, i just bought a 95 zj 5.2 for $500 that has a badly slipping reverse. i'm going to change out the transmission and would love to install a 242 while i'm at it. i have pretty much all the same questions as you Draven. lets hope you get an answer soon ... :)

[@danielrickel8807]

Why would you want to change to a part time 4 wheel drive? You can’t use part time 4 wheel drive on pavement when it snows.that’s the only reason I’ve ever needed 4 wheel drive.

[@thomasdavidson7367]

Did any zj come with 242?

[@wildbill23c]

My 98 ZJ has a 242...it was an option on the ZJ's and WJ's.

[@christopherleveck6835]

So I've got a 2005 Grand Cherokee Limited full-time 4 wheel drive Hemi with 104,000 miles on it. I get a grinding noise in the morning when I first run it when I turn the wheels over hard. Sometimes it's bad all day then a week will go by and I don't have a problem. Take it to the Jeep dealer it was bought from and they wanted $4,000 to put in a new transfer case. So I'm wondering seems like a lot of guys have had some kind of problem with their transfer case is making noise when turning but nobody knows how to fix it. Is putting money into a new transfer case and doing it myself going to fix the problem? Is there something that can be done to fix the transfer case I have instead of buying a whole new one ? I'm told that the original transfer case for my Jeep is kind of hard to find ( says the dealer who wants $2,700 for a new one) I'm wondering if there is an alternative that might be an upgrade? Any thoughts you may have will save me some time in the search I'm just looking to be pointed in the right direction. Also I have a 97 XJ sport. I'm wondering if that transfer case is a good one or am I going to have to do anything with it later? Bought it new in 97 it's only got 70,000 miles on it..

[@JeepSolid]

Wow! $4000 seems very steep. Not sure what transfer case you're running, but the most expensive i see is $1400-$1700 tops... Check to see exactly what transfer case you have, then I'd order and install it on my own. You can get some good rebuilt ones in the $1000 range.

[@kikrodriguez1088]

Rumor has it that the 242 is a better transfer case than the 249. Is that true?

[@coupenismo]

Off course 242 You can shift when the car running Don’t try on 249 You will break something

[@tylermartin6683]

Did you use your stock drive shafts??

[@JeepSolid]

Yep!

[@tylermartin6683]

Awesome thanks for the info man

[@tylermartin6683]

JeepSolid my transfer case is a 93 what 242 can I use any before 94.5

[@arthurdolle5257]

@@JeepSolid thanks , that was information I needed

[@cannabisnewbdesertgrowmedi2685]

If i remove my front drive shaft will it mess up my tc its a 249 i don't use 4x4

[@Zensender]

No. That's how I'm currently running in my 98 ZJ Limited and zero issues. Slightly better mileage too.

[@tprincejr100]

I was told the viscous coupler would be damaged if not already. I am driving a 95 Grand Cherokee without the front shaft and have had no problems using it as 2 wheel drive.

[@cannabisnewbdesertgrowmedi2685]

I've been driving it since the comment and so far no issues and I drive at least 30 to 40 miles a day

[@cannabisnewbdesertgrowmedi2685]

I have a 95 grand Cherokee Laredo 5.2 V8

[@pereaelguapo]

I hear the 242 from 96 to 01 of a xj is a direct fit for 96 to 98 zj, it is true?

[@JeepSolid]

Post mid 1994 should have the same gear cut.

[@d1bigshifter737]

Im looking at 99 grand cherokee 4.0 the tag on the t.c says 242 wj . It is a select track . I was understanding that 99 came specific with 247 1 year only . I am told the 247 arent as good as the 242 j but the tag says 242 wj . Could this have been a swap and should it deter me from the purchase

[@JeepSolid]

I believe the 247 was used in grand Cherokee from 99-04. Anyway, if the 242 Tc is functioning fine, it wouldn't deter me from purchasing the vehicle.

[@hewlett260]

The 242 came in the WJ's with the 4.0. The 247 came in the WJ's with the 4.7 V8. 242 is better for the 2wd option.

[@angelmendez477]

I have i questions 🤔

[@duzzy61]

Is your zj v8 or i6

[@JeepSolid]

+Aaron Dusenberry This is a 5.2l v8

[@duzzy61]

What all do you have to swap to make the 242 work

[@JeepSolid]

+Aaron Dusenberry as long as you have a compatible 242, that's all you really need. Check out my 249 to 242 playlist. I walk through the whole process.

[@godfreytorres8237]

I WANT TO SWAP MY 89 XJ 242 INTO MY 04 TJ UNLIMITED... IS THIS POSSIBLE??

[@JeepSolid]

godfrey torres would probably require a front case swap.

[@wildbill23c]

With a lot of money anything is possible...course you could just go buy a 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara and get the selec-trac 4WD ;).

[@Finnertoncentralmodelrailway]

Hello from the uk ive got a 40ltr auto 4x4 zj and a 2.5 diesel manual zj 2x4 parts car is the transfer box compatable ?

[@JeepSolid]

It depends on the transfer case. What's stamped on them? and the dates

[@Finnertoncentralmodelrailway]

I will find out , is the date accessible when still fitted to the vehicle?

[@arthurdolle5257]

@@Finnertoncentralmodelrailway I believe it's on the tag on the transfer case

[@grucu]

Hi. I've got 96 ZJ with 5.2 V8. Is it possible to swap 249 to 242? Is it a good idea? Thanks ! :)

[@JeepSolid]

+grucu Yeah! It's a great swap. Watch the playlist I made of that job. Covers the job from start to finish.

[@wildbill23c]

Yes, it was a rare option but its certainly doable with some modifications to the output shafts of course. As for being a good idea? That all depends on why you are doing it. If your current T-Case is shot and you can't find another operational 249, then it may be beneficial to you to swap to the 242. The 242 is a great transfer case, and many want them as a result of how well they hold up.

[@macpachec]

I’ve got a 93 zj with a 249.. went to pick and pull and found a 242 on a 99zj. Would I be able to put the 1999 242 on my 93zj?

[@fiveninegarage]

macpachec yes that’s what I did

[@patrickpalmer5232]

Why switch in the first place no one ever says why the 242 is a better choice.

[@JeepSolid]

Here ya go : kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYTKlJqnmcmWgJI I discuss the why and the advantages of the 242.

[@pauloxenham2593]

Patrick Palmer the 242 allows better mileage on hwy due to the 249 being awd. The 249 is a great case I have one as well. They are just known for issues on the viscous coupler going out. 242 is stronger with more options.

[@wildbill23c]

The 242 is a 231 with the addition of a full time 4WD mode which is great in snow/ice conditions where the road conditions are always changing so you don't have to shift back and forth between 2wd and 4wd when the road is clear. Gives you better traction on wet roads too.

[@michaelrogers25]

@@wildbill23c Hello, I have a 249 in my 96 ZJ GC limited, V8. Debating to do the 242 swap or just completely rebuild the 249 w new/rebuilt VC, I use mine for 200 + miles road trips to my cabin. The last third of those miles are snow,slush,ice in winter time. The 249 feels very safe as I drive through that at common sense speeds. Thats the whole reason why I like 249. Does the 242 have exact same characteristics under those conditions in the correct transfer case selection? (full time 4wd)? Including stretches of dry pavement then back to slush ect, without taking out of full time drive selection during trip? That was a mouthful. Thank you for an answer.

[@TheBeardedJeeper]

Mechanics pillow lol

[@JeepSolid]

Yeah, it's our invention! Haha. Actually, it's really nice to have something to hold up your head when laying under the Jeep for a long time. :)

[@BroncoSolid]

You're laughing, but you know I'm right ;-)

[@sjgerber]

5l plastic cans work a treat

[@evdawg7757]

Very informative. Thanks

[@JeepSolid]

No problem!

[@miguelsousa8945]

Why doesnt anybody do a 249 chain swap video??? :) nobody likes 249s but they are great ....

[@michaelrogers25]

I like the 249. I need to rebuild mine after 320K miles cause of the VC. 4wd still works fine but my tires are taking a beating. I drive 240 pavement miles to my cabin, a third of that distance can be snow,slush,ice. I really like how the 249 handled the situation when the VC was working right. It still does fine too.

[@michaelcalderon4401]

Would a transfer case from a 99 fit 98 Grand Cherokee

[@JeffGriffith-k3x]

I have a 242 J Transfer case 99 Cherokee. It wines in two wheel drive notice it’s quieter in four-wheel-drive fluid looks good. Is there anything to be concerned about?