Hello all..
Our 95 Grand Cherokee 4.0 has 155k. The 249 is getting rather loose. I went and picked up a 242 from a recycler that came out of a 95 Grand Cherokee that was also a 4.0 (according to their computer). I was searching posts tonight and some said that the input shaft needs changed to fit properly. Well I had taken out the 249 and compared the 242 with it. Measured lengths, all seemed the same. The input shaft appeared to be identical also. When I put it in I had to turn a yoke to get the splines to line up at about 1/2 inch out before the cases met. I hooked up the shift linkage and it moves through the 5 detents. I also got the bezel and gate out from the dead Jeep. Have not completed the swap yet (found a bad u joint).

So does it sound like all is cool? From studying the other posts it seems like if your trying to put a 242 out of an older Jeep into the GC you might need to swap the input shaft?

For what its worth...
At 155k the VC is still good. Changed the fluid yearly for the past 6 years. The transmission is good. The engine does not consume oil and runs fantastic. Had to weld the header and change the engine mount. Replaced the front axle shafts and seals. New muffler. A/C in dash fixed. Replaced the rear wiper motor. Fixed broke wires in the driver door hinge point. Spark wires/cap/rotor. Brakes, and more brakes. General maintence stuff. So far has never failed to start or left us stranded. Gets 18 to 20mpg. As far as I'm concerned its been a great vehicle.

Well I forget exactly what the problem is, why you have to swap the Imput shafts to make it work properly, I do know it has to do with the lengths of the shafts but I think you may have gotten lucky because you managed to find a TC from the same Year and Engine (which would make the tranny the same).

Also, their computer was right about it being out of a 4.0L because Jeep never put the 242 in a V8 model.

I wonder if its the number of splines 21 or 23?
thanks

Well I forget exactly what the problem is, why you have to swap the Imput shafts to make it work properly, I do know it has to do with the lengths of the shafts but I think you may have gotten lucky because you managed to find a TC from the same Year and Engine (which would make the tranny the same).

Also, their computer was right about it being out of a 4.0L because Jeep never put the 242 in a V8 model.

dk is right. they made 2 style shafts. 21 spline and 23 spline. each available in 3 different lengths. I gets real tricky trying to figure it out. Sounds like you got very lucky. I just did the swap in my 95 5.2. I used the input shaft from my 249. the 242 had a bad bearing rear seal was gone. So I rebuilt the whole thing. runs great now. Only thing is my 249 had a 1 1/4 wide chain and the 242 has a 1 inch chain. all v8's had heaveir chains do to torque. But I don't off road anymore so it should be ok. sounds like all is normal for yours. good luck!

Update on the 242:
Before I finished, I pulled the TC back and double checked the length of the shaft. Its the same. Works good but makes a little noise sounds like air whistling and does not change pitch with speed. I'll change the fluid again.

thx for the help.