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The Novak Guide to the

New Process / New Venture Gear 242 Transfer Case

np242_transfer_caseThe Jeep NP242 transfer case was introduced in the 1987 model year as a replacement for the NP228. The 242 premiered in the XJ Cherokee / Wagoneer and MJ Commache as the SelecTrac option. It was used in the 1991-1998 ZJ Grand Cherokee. The 242 persisted throughout the full run of XJ Cherokees and continued on in the 2002 KJ Liberty.

The 242 was originally tagged as the 242AMC, and as ownership of AMC was taken over by Chrysler, it was later designated as the 242J. This transfer case was later called the NVG (New Venture Gear) 242. Despite the different nomenclature, very few mechanical changes were required or made throughout their production span.

Earlier attempts at torque-biasing transfer cases were spotty in their success, beginning with the QuadraTrac in the 1970's and continuing with the NP219 and NP228. The 242 has continued in the trend of chain-driven cases and has technically and commercially been more successful than its predecessors.

Features

The 242 has a driver's side front output and centerline rear output. The NP242 features two ranges; a low range gear that is a respectable 2.72-to-1 low and a direct-drive in high range. It features three drive modes; 2wd, full-time 4wd and part-time 4wd, yielding:

  • two-wheel-drive, high (direct-drive)
  • four-wheel-drive, high (48/52 differential torque-biased-drive)
  • four-wheel-drive, high (locked, part-time)
  • neutral
  • four-wheel-drive, low (locked, reduction-drive)
np242_tag_view

This tag indicates a 242J transfer case, with a part number of 52098886, a build date of 5-7-96 and a gear ratio of 2.72:1.

Though Full-Time is the nomenclature used, this is a position that is used sparingly, as component wear throughout the geartrain and tires is a result, in addition to decreased fuel-efficiency.

Early 242s from 1988 through 1991 featured a conventional mechanical (cable) drive speedometer output. In 1992, Jeep introduced a three-wire, digital square wave Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS), in the vein of modern automotive systems.

The design of the 242 is fairly good. They were engineered for durability and simplicity of build - both an advantage to the OEM assemblers as well as individuals servicing them. The NP242 transfer case has turned out to be stronger than expected. Most of our customers choose to retain their Jeep 242 with their conversions. It is very common for them to offer good service behind some of the strongest engines and transmissions.

The 242 weighs about 85 lbs.

Identification

This transfer case is identified by its red and silver tag on the rear of the case. They are also easily identified by appearance. They feature a six-bolt front face and a longitudinally ribbed barrel case.

There is a GM version of the 242 as used in the H1 Hummer (1992-2006) and the later H2 (2003-2009). It features a front face six-bolt pattern that is compatible with the Jeep six-bolt styles. This GM version is rated at a stronger duty by virtue of its heavy duty 32 spline input and output shaft, a 6 pinion differential and a 1.25" wide chain. It also features an integrated cooler.

Interestingly, New Venture documents show the 242 as being rated at 1486 ft. lbs. of torque. This is probably determined based on Full-Time position usage. Experience would say that this is a very conservative number for all other positions.

Transmission Compatibility & Adaptability

The Jeep 242 is found behind these factory transmissions:

Manuals

  • AX15, 1988-1999 (unconfirmed)
  • NV3550, 2000-2001 (unconfirmed)

Automatics

  • F904 (909) / 30RH, 1987-2006
  • F999 / 32RH (RE), 1987-2006
  • AW4, 1988-2001
  • 42 RE
  • 46 RE

Adaptation to better transmissions is often less costly than rebuilding the weaker Jeep gearboxes and provides serious performance and strength upgrades. The 242 adapts very well to several popular transmissions, including:

Manuals

Adapting the 242 to the SM-420 transmission Adapting the 242 to the SM-465 transmission Adapting the 242 to the T-18 transmission Adapting the 242 to the NP-435 transmission
SM420 SM465 T18 NP435


Automatics

Adapting the 242 to the TH-350 transmission Adapting the 242 to the TH-400 transmission Adapting the 242 to the 700R-4 transmission Adapting the 242 to the 4L60-E transmission
TH350 TH400 TH700R4 / Early 4L60-E Later 4L60-E

 

242 Shifter Assembly

242's have a variety of factory shifter mechanisms. Essentially all of them are clunky and problematic "Z-gate" shifters. Their convoluted linkage systems can be entirely replaced with Novak kit #SK2X, our smooth shifting, universal shifter. This shifter assembly also simplifies the upgrade to the above transmissions.

 

Rebuilding the 242 

The 242 is possibly the simplest of all the Jeep transfer cases to rebuild. Their assembly is intuitive, and parts are easily available and affordable.

np242_top_view

Input Gears and Compatibility

The important variations to look for in the 242 transfer case are in the input gear. The 242 comes in 21 spline and 23 spline versions with long, medium (rare) and short variations.

We have documented these gears here.

Speedometer Gears

NP242 speedometer gears are interchangeable to correct for tire size and axle ratio changes. See this page to learn more about this.

 

NP242 Shifting Modes