Trail rig!

[gtmud]

I have recently acquired an 89' CHerokee Larado with the PArt time and full time 4 wheel drive. I am wanting to turn it into a weekend trail rig, and am wondering if there is anything I should know about this particular T-case? Is it something I should keep under the XJ, or go back to a NP231 part time 4 T-case? I believe that is has a L-slip diff (chrysler rear). My plans are to run atleast 31/ 10.50's after I lift it about 3". Oh its an auto tranny too with the Power/Comfort shift selector. Am I correct in thinking that this switch just changes the shift points? Thanks for any insite.

WARNING!!! All 07 FORD's will be running FULL sythetic oil. Beware!!!!!!!!!

[Ray H]

The 242 is at least as strong as the 231, maybe stronger in stock form. The biggest problem is the lack of aftermarket support. You cant get a HD slipyoke emilinator. About your only SYE option is a Rubicon Express hack & tap. Another drawback is that its bigger than a 231, it hangs down about an inch or so further, eating up ground clearance. Because of this, you are limited on which t-case skid plates you can fit and no 4-1 gear reduction kits are available like they are for the 231.
For a trail rig, there really is no advantage to the 242. I dont know if those things are incentive enough for you to go to the trouble of swapping t-cases,I guess thats something for you to decide.
Yes, I think all the power/comfort does is change shift points.

[gtmud]

Thanks Ray, I think I will look around for a 231 to bolt to the tranny. AM I correct in thinking that the 231 will bolt up with out any problems? Any one out there interested in buying the 242?

[AlohaBra]

Hello...are you able get a lot of used parts? This 89 could end up costing you a lot of money and time. I know the time and the amount of work done is like a hobby sometimes, but a SYE, a driveshaft, a lift kit, and wheels and tires will set up back over $1000, maybe more like $1500. Then there are skid plates, armour and such.
As far as the TC is concerned, I like the 231 for off road and the 242 for snow. But, personally, in your case (my 2 cents), I would just use the 242 for a trail rig with a two inch lift, a TC drop and a Warn or factory skid plate (242) dropped down. That will cost you less than $500 and get you on the trail. After that, you can spend money on tires and wheels, which will set you back about another $500-$1000. Oh, don't get me wrong, you can go more radical later and all when you want to put more $$$ into it, that's what makes hobbies fun.

Have fun and best regards,

[gtmud]

A 2" lift, could I run 31's or should I stay with a set of 30x9.50's? My 00XJ had the 2" and it could only run 30's, and I remember wishing I had gone the extra step and installed the 3", just for the larger tires. I realize the 2 differant years and body structures.(89/ 00).

[AlohaBra]

Hey GT...start with 2 inches and you can use 31s if you don't mind some fender trimming and bump stop lowering.
INMHO...do a 2 inch $150-200 lift...get 31s....go out on the trail.
Now....see if you have a drive shaft vibe....then go from there.

After that...if you need more clearance...more rear leaf (higher) and see if you have vibes. Some people have used a 2.5 degree shim but a Sye/DShaft is the only real solution.

That to me is the most costly issue...the SYE and driveshaft mod.

If you want to spend the money...you can go all out.

In my case...I took care of all the vibes so I can use my Jeep on the trail until I can afford a driveshaft conversion. I skid plated the whole thing for protection for less than $250 (no rock rails).

Out here in California...we have to find OHV parks where we do testing so we don't go on private property.

Aloha..best regards...