I am a happy owner of a 96 JGC Limited 5.2 w/ quadratrac with 152,000 miles. I have done some work in the last year, A/C evaporator, trans rebuild, and some mild performance mods. I am impressed with how well my Jeep is holding up, mechanical and body, considering 10 Cleveland, Ohio winters, and LOTS of salt exposure! I plan on driving my Jeep into 200,000 miles and beyond. The only thing left about my Jeep that I don"t like is the quadratrac. It works well and I have had no trouble with it, but I think it is foolish to be running in 4 wheel drive year round, I want a selec trac!

I have read many posts and cannot figure out what I need because of varying info. I am a gear head and enjoy doing things myself and am always interested in a good deal. I search ebay all the time and look for a good deal but don't know what I am looking for. Granted, I could call some salvage yards and they would gladly hook me up with the right stuff for probably about $500.00- $800.00, but I don't want to spend that much, (married, kid, mortgage, limited funds, etc). I see a 242 on ebay now with a broken chain and a broken case and thought, I wonder if my 249 case is the same and I could swap out internals and buy a new chain? I did rebuild my own automatic transmission 8,000 mile ago and it is still working fine, so I do have some mechanical ability.

My wife has a 97 JGC Laredo 4.0 selec trac so I do have something to compare mine to. Her drive shafts are different lengths and different styles than mine. I have CV joints in mine and she has U joints. Is there a special 242 selec trac that I need to search for use in a 5.2 or are they all the same? I once heard of a 242 j or a 242 jhd? Is there a difference? My vehicle does have a towing package and I do tow short distances occasionally.

If anyone could shed some light on this for me I would appreciate it. Thanks for reading my lengthy post.

PS: and if you know of a deal on a transfer case let me know.

There are numerous posts on here about performing the same swap.

From your position (the 249 is currently fine) I'd keep driving it that way for awhile, while you save up for the 242, go through it to make sure it's good to go, and measure all the driveshafts, etc to make sure they'll mate up. It'll be a good project to do over time.

Eventually the viscous coupler on the 249 goes bad, and that would be the perfect time to replace it with the 242.

Just my :2cents:, but do a search here for viscous coupler and you'll find some good info.

I contacted a couple of salvage yards today and here is what I learned. For my application a 242 from a 1996 thru 1998 will work, doesn't matter if it came from a straight six or a V-8, same transfer case all models. I found two locally, one with 87k for $275.00 and one with 47k for $400.00. I will keep you updated if and when I decide which one to buy. Which one would you buy?

I contacted a couple of salvage yards today and here is what I learned. For my application a 242 from a 1996 thru 1998 will work, doesn't matter if it came from a straight six or a V-8, same transfer case all models. I found two locally, one with 87k for $275.00 and one with 47k for $400.00. I will keep you updated if and when I decide which one to buy. Which one would you buy?

Which one? At first glance take the one with only 47K. But then again, the t-case was only used offroad, really. So if the higher mileage vehicle was always on the road, the t-case there is in better shape.

Never easy....maybe take a look if you can at the vehicles the parts came out of. Or, since you're mechanically minded, get the cheaper one, and use the difference in price to get a rebuild kit to make it as good as new.

I contacted a couple of salvage yards today and here is what I learned. For my application a 242 from a 1996 thru 1998 will work, doesn't matter if it came from a straight six or a V-8, same transfer case all models. I found two locally, one with 87k for $275.00 and one with 47k for $400.00. I will keep you updated if and when I decide which one to buy. Which one would you buy?


Well your not going to find a 242 in a V8 equipped ZJ, they never put them in the V8 models, unless someone swapped it out before with a 242.

If your jeep has a 4.0L then any (do not quote me) other 242 will work, but if you are putting it in a V8 you will have to swap out the front imput shaft. Because the 242 input shaft is longer and it will bottom out inside the tranny.

Thanks for the comments, you have me second guessing myself now and will research further. Did all v-8 models come with quadra trac? I will do some more checking and will post my results.

Yes all V8 models came with quadra-trac.

The input shaft swap is not really difficult to do. Here is a great write-up on the 249-242 swap. http://jeephorizons.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=694&sid=c68ca09f3c1c268f14fd054ce0ee70da

The above link from dksob was a big help to me when I swapped mine out.
I bought mine from salvage yard also, put it in and took it right back out.
had to replace front input bearing and rear output seal. I just rebuilt the whole case. Strongly recomend rebuild before installing. Really not that hard.
Most repair manuals have exploded views and these are a big help if you don't have a 242 rebuild manual.

That is a great link. I just wonder (besides fuel cost) what the advantages/disadvantages are?

I have the quadratrac and the thing I hate that most is the front wheels gripping on tight slow turns. But if that's it I think I can live with it.

The 'gripping' of the front wheels is a sign that the vc in the case is bad. The quadra trac is normally in 2 wheel drive until it senses wheel slip. The slip causes friction heat up in the vc causing it to harden and engaging the front wheels. Normal driving wont cause this so you stay in 2 wheel. Big mis-conception about quadra trac is it's always in 4x4. Not true.

That is a great link. I just wonder (besides fuel cost) what the advantages/disadvantages are?

I have the quadratrac and the thing I hate that most is the front wheels gripping on tight slow turns. But if that's it I think I can live with it.

How bad is the gripping on the front wheels? Some light grabbing is normal with the QUADRA-TRAC Transfer Cases, the VC always applys a lil pressure on the front axle during normal operation.

Jeeperphil,

I am interested in your comment about the quadratrac being a two wheel drive until four wheel is needed. If that is the case then I am reconsidering the swap.

The reason I was thinking about it was the slow turn binding that I am experiencing when the vehicle is cold. If I make a tight turn when cold it is quite noticable but then it goes away after driving. I have nothing to compare it to besides my wifes selec trac so now I think my VC may be going bad. I expected to feel some bind from any vehicle that is using four wheel drive on a hard surface.

When I bought my jeep I bought it from an owner of a Napa store and he seemed like a knowlegable gear head. He said the Quadra trac was in his opinion the best four wheel drive set up out there. He said as you did that it works on demand. If that is the way it really works then I may just search for a new VC.

Keep the posts coming, I am intersted in what you all have to say.

Well how much binding do you get? a lil binding is normal because of the 4x4 all-time, and a new VC won't solve the problem, I have already done that and it didn't help at all, because the VC always applys power to the front wheels, the 249 isn't ever in true 2 wheel drive, it just doesn't apply full power to the front wheels until slippage is felt.

I mean if your binding is quite noticable, then your VC is prolly going back and locking up.

How bad is the gripping on the front wheels? Some light grabbing is normal with the QUADRA-TRAC Transfer Cases, the VC always applys a lil pressure on the front axle during normal operation.

Wet cool days - annoying but ok.
Warm dry days - bad. Tires start to squeal and that's not in a full hard turn. Probably 3/4 of turn. I just assumed that it was the all time 4 wheel drive.
Looks like I have some more work on my hands. Glad I bought the Factory service manual! :eek:

Dave

Wet cool days - annoying but ok.
Warm dry days - bad. Tires start to squeal and that's not in a full hard turn. Probably 3/4 of turn. I just assumed that it was the all time 4 wheel drive.
Looks like I have some more work on my hands. Glad I bought the Factory service manual! :eek:

Dave

Well if thats the case then you deffinately have a bad Viscous Coupling. Have you checked the transfer case fluid.

Some have had luck with switching to synthetic fluids in the transfer case, Sythetic oils help disipate heat faster to keep the VC from locking prematurely under hot conditions.

Joe

Well if thats the case then you deffinately have a bad Viscous Coupling. Have you checked the transfer case fluid.

Some have had luck with switching to synthetic fluids in the transfer case, Sythetic oils help disipate heat faster to keep the VC from locking prematurely under hot conditions.

Joe

Joe just so you know, I think I misstyped the info. What I meant to say is that it seems to depend on the gripping of the front tire temperature. It's worse on warmer days because the rubber grips more. I have not noticed a difference between operating temps while running.

That aside, I bet you're right about the VC :frown: . I'll check things out and try the synthetic first. Thanks for all your help.

Bye the way, I'm getting a TCC (Torque Converter Clutch -P0740) fault that is failing my emissions. I get a Bad Engine Coolant Sensor fault on my display. I changed the sensor and it still says the same thing. I'm wondering if these two problems are interrelated? I'm going to post this one on a new thread.

Dave

I thought the Quadra Trac transfer case used a totally different kind of fluid. I thought the fluid was a Silicone based fluid (thin when cold, thickens with heat) instead of a petroleum based fluid (thick when cold, thins with heat). If you have the wrong fluid in it, that could explaing the binding problem you are having. I've heard the reason for the Quadra Trak being used with the V8's is the fact that they used the Dana 35c rear axle and the axle is not strong enough to bear the power of the V8 all the time, this way the power is spread out between the front and back axles.

well vc uses a silicone type fluid not the transfer case, the transfer case uses regular dexron tranny fluid..

I thought the Viscous Coupling was part of the Quadra Trak transfer case. If not where is it?

I thought the Viscous Coupling was part of the Quadra Trak transfer case. If not where is it?

it is, but the vc has a silione putty type fluid inside of it, but the transfer case itself uses dexron/mercon tranny fluid. go here maye it will help explain this a lil easier. http://www.masoncomputing.com/np249/ if u go down to the pic of the vc mybe it will give u a better understanding of the vc....

dksob

Great site for the VC replacement. All I need now is the $430 for the part :disappoin !

Update

I went to my local auto salvage yard Tuesday 4-11-06 and found 3 Jeep Cherokees with 242 transfer cases. All of the Jeeps look like late 80's to early 90's. Two of the Jeeps had over 200,000 miles but one of them had 95,000 on it. This one has been sitting on the ground with no wheels and the case has been in contact with the ground for some time, possibly one year. I was given a price of $150.00 if I pull it, or $225.00 if they pull it with a 10 day warranty.

They are not Grand Cherokees, they are sport Cherokees. I noticed the 242 transfer cases have two different housings on the output shaft for the rear drive shaft. My wife's 97 JGC 4.0 w/ 242 case has a rubber boot that makes up for a short tailshaft housing. The 242's I saw in the sport Cherokees have the longer tailshaft housing that looks more like my quadratrac. I am gambling and plan on pulling the one myself, boy do the bolts look rusty. When I have time to do the swap, I will take photos and let you know how things go. Wish me luck!

Update, Wednesday 4-12-06

Today was the day I went for broke. I went back to the bone yard with tools in hand to remove my tranfer case from the donor. The yard worker flipped the Jeep on it's side so I could get my part at which time I discovered the transfer case I thought was a 242 was actually a 231. I did not have the heart to tell the yard worker I made a mistake, so I spent two hours removing it anyway. Got it home and got to work.

Got the Quadratrac out in about 40 minutes and set it next to the 231 to see if I was going to be able to use it or if I was going to have to try to sell it on ebay.The outside casings were quite differet looking. The Quadratrac housing is definately bigger and rounder looking but I proceeded anyway. Checked the input spline count and got 23 on both, so far so good. Measured the input shaft extension from the housing mating surface and only a .100" difference. I thought either this will be okay or could be a problem and mounted it in the Jeep anyway. Went in just fine, I think it is going to be okay. Finished installing the front and rear driveshafts and would you believe they fit perfectly! Lengths are good and all is going well. I am waiting for the bomb shell of why it isn't going to work and next thing the shifter linkage is a problem. A half hour of hillbilly engineering I discovered I need to make it shorter. Cutting and welding done, now it shifts into two, four, and four low. Fill with fluid and road test. Now I am crawling down the driveway waiting for all hell to break loose and nothing happened. On the road and slowly gaining trust, now I am at 70 mph. Runs like a champ but not sure if speedometer is accurate, seems like it is. Stop in the middle of the road, road is wet and no on around. Mashed the pedal to the floor and held firmly. Rears are spinning and the Jeep is starting to drift to the right. Second gear still spinning, third gear some spin then traction and go. I did not know this thing had posi, Wow! $160.13 and half a day of labor, I swear this is the truth. Was it worth getting rid of the Quadratrac, I think the Jeep drives much better now.

Now the question is, will the 231 hold up? I put fresh fluid in it and put some grease on the original driveshaft seal, by the way tranfer donor vehicle had 95,000 miles on it.

I have pictures but do not know how to post them. Any help would be appreciated.

Congrats - nice job - makes me want to get rid of my Quadratrac...maybe

quick questions.... to my understanding doin this swap would make it a 2 wheel drive(saves fuel) until switched into 4x4? also what about the VIC, what would be displayed? and lastly the levers would stay the same(4x4 High, 4x4 low) no extra selections with the swap?

quick questions.... to my understanding doin this swap would make it a 2 wheel drive(saves fuel) until switched into 4x4? also what about the VIC, what would be displayed? and lastly the levers would stay the same(4x4 High, 4x4 low) no extra selections with the swap?


I have been driving my Jeep to work now for about a week in two wheel drive. I can tell a big diffeence in how the vehicle turns, it seems to roll better, and it I hear less interior noise.

My gas mileage is hard to tell just yet because my wife used my car to run erands over the weekend. I anticipate about 1 mile per gallon increase. My average mileage is closer to 17 mpg when before it was about 16 mpg.

As far as the VIC, I don't use it for the four wheel drive. I will probably just mark my console where the shift lever needs to be for 4-hi, neutral, and 4-low. So far it has been a great swap. I am getting a little leakage at the tailshaft- driveshaft seal, that is an easy fix. I know the selec trac has part time and full time four wheel drive, I am not sure about the 231 case. I am going back to the bone yard today to look at the console shifter. I think the 231 case only has full time four wheel drive, who cares, I only would use it when I need it anyway. I am still happy with the swap and would recommend it in place of the quadratrac so far. By the way I tried a burnout on a dry road with posi and I only got about 8-10 feet of rubber in first gear. Just for fun.

Update, Wednesday 4-12-06
Now I am crawling down the driveway waiting for all hell to break loose and nothing happened. On the road and slowly gaining trust, now I am at 70 mph.

Slowly gaining trust.... as I ram it to 70 LMAO....

My VC is definately going bad.... When tranny is cold front doesn't bind but after about 15 minutes it's like I have the ole WARN hubs locked in:shakehead

Last time I checked it would be about $2000 for JEEP to fix it :screwy:

I don't have the level of knowledge/ability that MOTOCLIP has.... but pretty sure I could at least replace the VC myself.
Here is my question to follow what was posted earlier... If I replace the VC I will still have the bad binding?
This winter I changed the front/rear fluids, transfer case fluid and tranny... the trans and transfer case was replaced with synthetic along with an additive JEEP told me to use.
WHY NO RECALL if this seems to be such a common problem?:banghead:

One good thing... my 98 GC has 110,000 and I get an average of 18-19 or about 22mpg at 65mph....can't complain tooooo much

I used to sell these 92-95 and at a technical conference in indiana (I'm from ohio) they showed us how this case worked so we could explain it to our customers. The quadra trac is in 2wh normal and when it senses rear wheel slip it goes into 4wh automatically. Via the viscous, due to heat from the friction caused by wh slip causing the gel in the viscous to harden connecting the plates inside, giving a solid connection front to rear until gel cools. It happens so fast that you don't notice it. By the way viscous was developed by nasa. Figures. Most all wheel drive vehicles use them also and with same problems as the jeep. I also drove several of these as demos and never had the binding front wheels on driy hard pavement. If they do this - something is wrong! I did the swap over a year ago now and I love the select over the quad. If you get one from the salvage yard I definitely recoment rebuilding it.
Ps pull the vic out, about and 2-3 inches back in the wire bundle you will see a set of plugs that are disconnected. next to a set connected. one is red and the other is black. disconnect one and connect the other to make the vic read the select or cammand trac instead of the quad.