Topic: TRANSFER CASE

[bootguy]

I currently have the 30RH automatic, is the transfer case the same for both the automatic and standard transmission?

[Jeffy]

Yes, but the input shaft is different.  You can swap them though.

[bootguy]

That would be the NP231 correct?

[Jeffy]

NP231-J or NGV231-J depending on the year.

If you want a quick outline on the 231's then read these:

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/np231.htm
http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/np_nvg_input_gears.htm

[bootguy]

Besides the slip yoke eliminator what upgrades are out there for the transfer case?  I will have to have mine rebuilt and want to know what options I have.  I hope to do the Ford 8.8 rear end at the same time along with a new drive shaft (researching the CV type drive shafts).

[Jeffy]

6 Gear planetary, 1.25" wide chain and sprocket.  2Lo shift kits...  Basically the first two were standard upgrades for the Dodges since they used the same transfer case with the 5.2L/318 cid V8 in the Dodge Ram 1500.  The upgrades bump up the strength so as to handle the additional torque.  The 2Lo, I've mentioned before in a few threads.  It gives you the ability to shift into 2Low which is nice at times.  Also for a YJ, it gives you true Neutral like with the NVG's.

[bootguy]

What do you mean by true Neutral?  Having the 30RH I do have 1st, 2nd and drive what would the 2 lo do for me?

[Jeffy]

What do you mean by true Neutral?  Having the 30RH I do have 1st, 2nd and drive what would the 2 lo do for me?

When you shift the transfer case into Neutral on a NP231-J, the front and rear driveshafts are locked together still.  They changed this with the NVG231-J.  You can retro fit it to a NP231 by using a mode selector out of a NVG231 or you can use the 2Lo mode selector which has it as well.  2lo gives you 2WD Low gearing for those times you don't need to be powering the front axle.

You haven't seen this thread in the FAQ have you? http://4bangerjp.com/forums/index.php/topic,447.0.html

[bootguy]

I went to one of the local 4WD places and talked to them about these upgrades and was told:

1. Wide chain kit was not a problem when the slip yoke eliminator kit is installed
2. 6 gear planetary was a waste of $ as I am running only 31" tires and have an 30RH automatic
3. 2 lo is a waste of $ as I am not rock climbing.

They are willing to do anything as long as I pay them for it, and my goal is to make the rig as bulletproof and reliable as possible for when the zombies come.

So I guess now it comes down to opinions, all are invited.

[Jeffy]

So I guess now it comes down to opinions, all are invited.

Well, you just asked what options were out there not if you needed to do all of them.

Once the case is out or open, it's pretty much the same amount of labor do do anything else.

Do you use 4Lo at all?  If not then you probably won't need anything else.  2Lo isn't really for rockcrawling.  Though, if you plan on flat towing the new mode fork would be helpful.  You could get a TJ 231 selector for $37 - http://www.quadratec.com/products/918676_32.htm

[dwtaylorpdx]

I would check tranny shops before a 4x4 shop to customize the case, in general they know what you want and thier prices are better ,,,

[bootguy]

Went shopping for a rebuild on my transfer case.  Had one shop tell me $60 to diagnose and then would give me a quote, another shop said to just buy a replacement as it would be cheaper.  As in the future I would like to install a Ford 8.8 rear end along with a slip yoke eliminator and new drive shaft.  The final goal is to put a diesel engine in, but have not found anyone doing this with the automatic trans.  Is this due to being a light duty system?  Looks like I will also have to install a manual transmission.  So I will have to bite the bullet and just rebuild the existing unit until I can afford to install everything at once.