The name of the transfer case is usually on plate attached to the shifter
bezel. There are others, I haven't uploaded them recently.

http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2118160341

For general intents and purposes* the part time of the Command Trac (nv231)
and the part time of the SelecTrac (nv242) is the same.

*The part time on the nv231 is a bit superior in limited applications, my
opinion is I would rather have the ability to have a true 4WD anytime than
the slight off-road edge. (I've had both TCs)




"SBlackfoot" <trypticon@sympatico.obvious.ca> wrote in message
news:4534047e$0$19734$88260bb3@free.teranews.com.. .
>> > The NP249 AWD transfer case is a troublesource, restrict your search to
> the
>> > nv242 SelecTrac
>>
>> Is there an easy way to identify the 2?
>
>
> A 249 has three positions on the transfer case shift lever. 4 hi, neutral,
> and 4 low.
>
> A 242 has five: 2 hi, 4 part time, 4 full time, neutral, and 4 low.
>
> A 231 has four: 2 hi, 4 part time, neutral, and 4 low.
>
> The 249 is an AWD transfer case with a troublesome viscous coupler to
> divert
> power between the front and rear axles. The 231 is a bit stonger than a
> 242
> (marginally, depending on opinion), but lacks the full time 4wd setting
> that
> can be used on dry pavement.
>
>
>
> --
> Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
>

 

The name of the transfer case is usually on plate attached to the shifter
bezel. There are others, I haven't uploaded them recently.

http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2118160341

For general intents and purposes* the part time of the Command Trac (nv231)
and the part time of the SelecTrac (nv242) is the same.

*The part time on the nv231 is a bit superior in limited applications, my
opinion is I would rather have the ability to have a true 4WD anytime than
the slight off-road edge. (I've had both TCs)




"SBlackfoot" <trypticon@sympatico.obvious.ca> wrote in message
news:4534047e$0$19734$88260bb3@free.teranews.com.. .
>> > The NP249 AWD transfer case is a troublesource, restrict your search to
> the
>> > nv242 SelecTrac
>>
>> Is there an easy way to identify the 2?
>
>
> A 249 has three positions on the transfer case shift lever. 4 hi, neutral,
> and 4 low.
>
> A 242 has five: 2 hi, 4 part time, 4 full time, neutral, and 4 low.
>
> A 231 has four: 2 hi, 4 part time, neutral, and 4 low.
>
> The 249 is an AWD transfer case with a troublesome viscous coupler to
> divert
> power between the front and rear axles. The 231 is a bit stonger than a
> 242
> (marginally, depending on opinion), but lacks the full time 4wd setting
> that
> can be used on dry pavement.
>
>
>
> --
> Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
>

 

"Les" <nospam@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:C1595E46.AE1B%nospam@nospam.com...
>
>
> On 10/16/06 3:30 PM, in article 742a1$4533ec40$422afc51$1825@FUSE.NET,
> "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote:
>
>> The problems come with the doo dads, gee gaw, and bling bling on the
>> upscale
>> ZJ models.
>
> Basically bells and whistle issues. Electric windows and what not?

More the whatnot..... the automatic temperature control is troublesome and
costs about $1000 to fix ($2 parts, $998 labor)
>
>>
>> The NP249 AWD transfer case is a troublesource, restrict your search to
>> the
>> nv242 SelecTrac
>
> Is there an easy way to identify the 2?


The differences were described in another post but I will add that the nv242
(SelecTrac) is a true 4WD, the nv249 (and later 147 and 247s) are AWD where
the majority of power goes to the rear wheels and power is sent to the front
when the vehicles wants to.... you really have limited control.

With the nv242 you select 2WD or 4WD yourself. In addition the transfer
case is gear and chain driven not the gerorotator pumps and clutches
http://www.wjjeeps.com/nv242_1.jpg

>
>>
>> That being said the ZJ offer superior ride and handling to the XJ
>>
>> If you get an XJ look for a model with the NV242 SelecTrac transfer case.
>> While it is a bit inferior to the nv231 (when in part time 4WD) its
>> ability
>> to use full time 4WD make it a better choice in my poor opinion.
>
> Gee I feel kinda dumb now, but could you embellish a bit more. I read
> something about that on a different site, and was a little confused. What
> is
> the difference between the part time and full time selections on the 242?
> It
> still has a 2wd selection, right? When I hear the term full time 4wd I
> think
> all wheel drive, with no 2wd setting.
>>
>> Both models can be customized for off-road use, the XJ has a far better
>> choice of options and would be superior too boot.
>>
>> The later XJs with the 4 liter engine are stronger and, perhaps, easier
>> to
>> maintain the older 4.2 liters.
>
> I will only be looking at 97 and up XJs, so the 4.2 need not apply.
>>
>> What do you plan to do with it?
>>
> Daily Driver. Maybe a 2" Budget Boost to accommodate some 31s that I have
> in
> my garage. Not much wheeling. I'll be keeping the YJ for all that jazz.
>

I would opt for the ZJ given that criteria.

FWIW: with the most recent purchase I intended to get a newer XJ or a couple
year old ZJ and ended up with a WJ because it was in good shape and the
price was right.

>
>
>
>

 

"Les" <nospam@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:C1595E46.AE1B%nospam@nospam.com...
>
>
> On 10/16/06 3:30 PM, in article 742a1$4533ec40$422afc51$1825@FUSE.NET,
> "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote:
>
>> The problems come with the doo dads, gee gaw, and bling bling on the
>> upscale
>> ZJ models.
>
> Basically bells and whistle issues. Electric windows and what not?

More the whatnot..... the automatic temperature control is troublesome and
costs about $1000 to fix ($2 parts, $998 labor)
>
>>
>> The NP249 AWD transfer case is a troublesource, restrict your search to
>> the
>> nv242 SelecTrac
>
> Is there an easy way to identify the 2?


The differences were described in another post but I will add that the nv242
(SelecTrac) is a true 4WD, the nv249 (and later 147 and 247s) are AWD where
the majority of power goes to the rear wheels and power is sent to the front
when the vehicles wants to.... you really have limited control.

With the nv242 you select 2WD or 4WD yourself. In addition the transfer
case is gear and chain driven not the gerorotator pumps and clutches
http://www.wjjeeps.com/nv242_1.jpg

>
>>
>> That being said the ZJ offer superior ride and handling to the XJ
>>
>> If you get an XJ look for a model with the NV242 SelecTrac transfer case.
>> While it is a bit inferior to the nv231 (when in part time 4WD) its
>> ability
>> to use full time 4WD make it a better choice in my poor opinion.
>
> Gee I feel kinda dumb now, but could you embellish a bit more. I read
> something about that on a different site, and was a little confused. What
> is
> the difference between the part time and full time selections on the 242?
> It
> still has a 2wd selection, right? When I hear the term full time 4wd I
> think
> all wheel drive, with no 2wd setting.
>>
>> Both models can be customized for off-road use, the XJ has a far better
>> choice of options and would be superior too boot.
>>
>> The later XJs with the 4 liter engine are stronger and, perhaps, easier
>> to
>> maintain the older 4.2 liters.
>
> I will only be looking at 97 and up XJs, so the 4.2 need not apply.
>>
>> What do you plan to do with it?
>>
> Daily Driver. Maybe a 2" Budget Boost to accommodate some 31s that I have
> in
> my garage. Not much wheeling. I'll be keeping the YJ for all that jazz.
>

I would opt for the ZJ given that criteria.

FWIW: with the most recent purchase I intended to get a newer XJ or a couple
year old ZJ and ended up with a WJ because it was in good shape and the
price was right.

>
>
>
>

 

"Les" <nospam@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:C1595E46.AE1B%nospam@nospam.com...
>
>
> On 10/16/06 3:30 PM, in article 742a1$4533ec40$422afc51$1825@FUSE.NET,
> "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote:
>
>> The problems come with the doo dads, gee gaw, and bling bling on the
>> upscale
>> ZJ models.
>
> Basically bells and whistle issues. Electric windows and what not?

More the whatnot..... the automatic temperature control is troublesome and
costs about $1000 to fix ($2 parts, $998 labor)
>
>>
>> The NP249 AWD transfer case is a troublesource, restrict your search to
>> the
>> nv242 SelecTrac
>
> Is there an easy way to identify the 2?


The differences were described in another post but I will add that the nv242
(SelecTrac) is a true 4WD, the nv249 (and later 147 and 247s) are AWD where
the majority of power goes to the rear wheels and power is sent to the front
when the vehicles wants to.... you really have limited control.

With the nv242 you select 2WD or 4WD yourself. In addition the transfer
case is gear and chain driven not the gerorotator pumps and clutches
http://www.wjjeeps.com/nv242_1.jpg

>
>>
>> That being said the ZJ offer superior ride and handling to the XJ
>>
>> If you get an XJ look for a model with the NV242 SelecTrac transfer case.
>> While it is a bit inferior to the nv231 (when in part time 4WD) its
>> ability
>> to use full time 4WD make it a better choice in my poor opinion.
>
> Gee I feel kinda dumb now, but could you embellish a bit more. I read
> something about that on a different site, and was a little confused. What
> is
> the difference between the part time and full time selections on the 242?
> It
> still has a 2wd selection, right? When I hear the term full time 4wd I
> think
> all wheel drive, with no 2wd setting.
>>
>> Both models can be customized for off-road use, the XJ has a far better
>> choice of options and would be superior too boot.
>>
>> The later XJs with the 4 liter engine are stronger and, perhaps, easier
>> to
>> maintain the older 4.2 liters.
>
> I will only be looking at 97 and up XJs, so the 4.2 need not apply.
>>
>> What do you plan to do with it?
>>
> Daily Driver. Maybe a 2" Budget Boost to accommodate some 31s that I have
> in
> my garage. Not much wheeling. I'll be keeping the YJ for all that jazz.
>

I would opt for the ZJ given that criteria.

FWIW: with the most recent purchase I intended to get a newer XJ or a couple
year old ZJ and ended up with a WJ because it was in good shape and the
price was right.

>
>
>
>

 

I had a '96 ZJ for a long while and was very happy with it. It needed
no repairs that were out of the ordinary for a Jeep (radiator, fuel
pump, sway bar links).

Mine had all the scary options that people complain about:

Full time 4wd: Never had a problem.
Aluminum Dana 44: Never had a problem (and I towed with it a lot).
Automatic Trans: Never had a problem (and I towed with it a lot, but I
installed a shift kit).
All power options: Almost never had a problem - driver seat heater
quit and the memory mirrors were funky.

If you get a ZJ, get a V8. The mileage and reliability is the same as
the I6 but it has much more power. With the tires at max inflation, I
could hit 22mpg on the highway. Average mileage was 18-20. I'd also
recommend a Limited over a Laredo since the used prices are nearly the
same and you get more gizmos to play with.

-rev



Les wrote:
> I'm a long time YJ owner, and need something bigger. I've been looking
> around at 4.0L ZJs and XJs . Most everything in my price range has higher
> miles, which doesn't necessarily bother me. I've had 2 YJs with over 150K
> each and the 4.0 is probably the most reliable engine I've ever been around.
>
> Basically I'm getting a mixed bag of opinions regarding the ZJ. A few people
> say they are plenty reliable, but I'm hearing a lot of stories of transfer
> case/transmission problems & electrical gremlins galore. Also what is a
> typical MPG for a 4.0L ZJ. I'm hearing of reports of 12mpg to 18mpg.
>
> Pretty much everything I'm hearing from XJ owners is that they are basically
> bulletproof and pretty much rock solid. Take care of it and you can drive it
> forever. Weighs less than the ZJ, so better power and better mileage.
>
> So in additions to general opinions, is there anything specific in a ZJ that
> I should look for. Is it the quadratrac transfer case that is the bad one?
> How do you identify whether you've got this case?

 

I had a '96 ZJ for a long while and was very happy with it. It needed
no repairs that were out of the ordinary for a Jeep (radiator, fuel
pump, sway bar links).

Mine had all the scary options that people complain about:

Full time 4wd: Never had a problem.
Aluminum Dana 44: Never had a problem (and I towed with it a lot).
Automatic Trans: Never had a problem (and I towed with it a lot, but I
installed a shift kit).
All power options: Almost never had a problem - driver seat heater
quit and the memory mirrors were funky.

If you get a ZJ, get a V8. The mileage and reliability is the same as
the I6 but it has much more power. With the tires at max inflation, I
could hit 22mpg on the highway. Average mileage was 18-20. I'd also
recommend a Limited over a Laredo since the used prices are nearly the
same and you get more gizmos to play with.

-rev



Les wrote:
> I'm a long time YJ owner, and need something bigger. I've been looking
> around at 4.0L ZJs and XJs . Most everything in my price range has higher
> miles, which doesn't necessarily bother me. I've had 2 YJs with over 150K
> each and the 4.0 is probably the most reliable engine I've ever been around.
>
> Basically I'm getting a mixed bag of opinions regarding the ZJ. A few people
> say they are plenty reliable, but I'm hearing a lot of stories of transfer
> case/transmission problems & electrical gremlins galore. Also what is a
> typical MPG for a 4.0L ZJ. I'm hearing of reports of 12mpg to 18mpg.
>
> Pretty much everything I'm hearing from XJ owners is that they are basically
> bulletproof and pretty much rock solid. Take care of it and you can drive it
> forever. Weighs less than the ZJ, so better power and better mileage.
>
> So in additions to general opinions, is there anything specific in a ZJ that
> I should look for. Is it the quadratrac transfer case that is the bad one?
> How do you identify whether you've got this case?

 

I had a '96 ZJ for a long while and was very happy with it. It needed
no repairs that were out of the ordinary for a Jeep (radiator, fuel
pump, sway bar links).

Mine had all the scary options that people complain about:

Full time 4wd: Never had a problem.
Aluminum Dana 44: Never had a problem (and I towed with it a lot).
Automatic Trans: Never had a problem (and I towed with it a lot, but I
installed a shift kit).
All power options: Almost never had a problem - driver seat heater
quit and the memory mirrors were funky.

If you get a ZJ, get a V8. The mileage and reliability is the same as
the I6 but it has much more power. With the tires at max inflation, I
could hit 22mpg on the highway. Average mileage was 18-20. I'd also
recommend a Limited over a Laredo since the used prices are nearly the
same and you get more gizmos to play with.

-rev



Les wrote:
> I'm a long time YJ owner, and need something bigger. I've been looking
> around at 4.0L ZJs and XJs . Most everything in my price range has higher
> miles, which doesn't necessarily bother me. I've had 2 YJs with over 150K
> each and the 4.0 is probably the most reliable engine I've ever been around.
>
> Basically I'm getting a mixed bag of opinions regarding the ZJ. A few people
> say they are plenty reliable, but I'm hearing a lot of stories of transfer
> case/transmission problems & electrical gremlins galore. Also what is a
> typical MPG for a 4.0L ZJ. I'm hearing of reports of 12mpg to 18mpg.
>
> Pretty much everything I'm hearing from XJ owners is that they are basically
> bulletproof and pretty much rock solid. Take care of it and you can drive it
> forever. Weighs less than the ZJ, so better power and better mileage.
>
> So in additions to general opinions, is there anything specific in a ZJ that
> I should look for. Is it the quadratrac transfer case that is the bad one?
> How do you identify whether you've got this case?

 

Les proclaimed:

> I'm a long time YJ owner, and need something bigger. I've been looking
> around at 4.0L ZJs and XJs . Most everything in my price range has higher
> miles, which doesn't necessarily bother me. I've had 2 YJs with over 150K
> each and the 4.0 is probably the most reliable engine I've ever been around.

One problem with the ZJ is the auto climate controls and associated
stuff...if that ever goes out, the labor costs are horrid. Some folks
never have trouble, some do.


>
> Basically I'm getting a mixed bag of opinions regarding the ZJ. A few people
> say they are plenty reliable, but I'm hearing a lot of stories of transfer
> case/transmission problems & electrical gremlins galore. Also what is a
> typical MPG for a 4.0L ZJ. I'm hearing of reports of 12mpg to 18mpg.

The ZJ is more aero than the YJ, but kinda like comparing s sloped brick
to a brick. I've never gotten as bad as 12 mpg unless I am offroad in
lower range for long. Around town with fairly moderate hotrodding I get
in the 14 range. This is on streets and mixed expressways where you can
run it up to 45-50 and get the torque converter locked up nicely. For
freeway cruising at speeds from 65-80, I get about 20-22 depending on
gas brand, heat, and time of year [lower in winter]. Only non-factory
mod is a cat back.

>
> Pretty much everything I'm hearing from XJ owners is that they are basically
> bulletproof and pretty much rock solid. Take care of it and you can drive it
> forever. Weighs less than the ZJ, so better power and better mileage.

Except as the speed goes up the better body shape of the ZJ helps. A
bit. The ZJ is pretty light as well.
>
> So in additions to general opinions, is there anything specific in a ZJ that
> I should look for. Is it the quadratrac transfer case that is the bad one?
> How do you identify whether you've got this case?

Depends on what you plan to do with it.
You can get the part time 4 wheel drive which is arguably better for
mileage and still available when you need it. This one has 2 hi, 4 hi,
4lo positions. Or you can get the full time which has only 4 high and 4
low. I get the 14-22 mpg with the full time.

The ZJ can be turned into a good dual use machine, put some Edelbrock or
Ranch adjustables on it and you have a fairly decent highway machine
that still can go offroad to a good portion of the trails that the more
capable wranglers can go--and get back to the road at the end.

 

Les proclaimed:

> I'm a long time YJ owner, and need something bigger. I've been looking
> around at 4.0L ZJs and XJs . Most everything in my price range has higher
> miles, which doesn't necessarily bother me. I've had 2 YJs with over 150K
> each and the 4.0 is probably the most reliable engine I've ever been around.

One problem with the ZJ is the auto climate controls and associated
stuff...if that ever goes out, the labor costs are horrid. Some folks
never have trouble, some do.


>
> Basically I'm getting a mixed bag of opinions regarding the ZJ. A few people
> say they are plenty reliable, but I'm hearing a lot of stories of transfer
> case/transmission problems & electrical gremlins galore. Also what is a
> typical MPG for a 4.0L ZJ. I'm hearing of reports of 12mpg to 18mpg.

The ZJ is more aero than the YJ, but kinda like comparing s sloped brick
to a brick. I've never gotten as bad as 12 mpg unless I am offroad in
lower range for long. Around town with fairly moderate hotrodding I get
in the 14 range. This is on streets and mixed expressways where you can
run it up to 45-50 and get the torque converter locked up nicely. For
freeway cruising at speeds from 65-80, I get about 20-22 depending on
gas brand, heat, and time of year [lower in winter]. Only non-factory
mod is a cat back.

>
> Pretty much everything I'm hearing from XJ owners is that they are basically
> bulletproof and pretty much rock solid. Take care of it and you can drive it
> forever. Weighs less than the ZJ, so better power and better mileage.

Except as the speed goes up the better body shape of the ZJ helps. A
bit. The ZJ is pretty light as well.
>
> So in additions to general opinions, is there anything specific in a ZJ that
> I should look for. Is it the quadratrac transfer case that is the bad one?
> How do you identify whether you've got this case?

Depends on what you plan to do with it.
You can get the part time 4 wheel drive which is arguably better for
mileage and still available when you need it. This one has 2 hi, 4 hi,
4lo positions. Or you can get the full time which has only 4 high and 4
low. I get the 14-22 mpg with the full time.

The ZJ can be turned into a good dual use machine, put some Edelbrock or
Ranch adjustables on it and you have a fairly decent highway machine
that still can go offroad to a good portion of the trails that the more
capable wranglers can go--and get back to the road at the end.