Transfer cases

mikes07kj · **Posted:** Fri Feb 06, 2009 2:57 am

I know there's a select trac and a command trac but I was doing some searching and found there are 2 diff command trac transfer cases a 231 and a 241, what the difference. :?:

trailman · **Posted:** Fri Feb 06, 2009 3:43 am

When in doubt, ask wiki.

Command-Trac (NP/NV-231 or NP-207) was introduced along with the Jeep Cherokee (XJ) in 1984. The system offers a basic chain-driven, aluminum, "shift-on-the-fly" transfer case. The "shift-on-the-fly" feature provides manual ease and assist while engaging gears. Although Command-Trac does include 4x4 capabilities, it can only be driven under temporary usage; due to the front and rear axles locking, giving out extra traction, therefore it cannot be driven on dry pavement under most circumstances. 4-wheel modes are most commonly used for wet/slick surfaces or extreme weather conditions (rain, snow, etc.) (4H), towing (N), and off-road activities (4L). Even though Command-Trac was created over 20 years ago, it is still readily available in the Jeep Liberty and Jeep Wrangler even now.

There was a modified version known as NP-231 HD which was supposedly (SP) a "heavy duty" version for the Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ with big V8 Engines. The NP/NV-231 case was a chain driven that takes a 21 or 23 spline input shafts. Where the 23 spline was for the AX-15 transmission, and the 21 spine was used for the AX-5 and BA 10/5 transmissions. Low range for this case was 2.72 and high range was 1.00

Totally omitted from this initial publication is the Command-Trac HD transfer case used in 6-speed Liberty KJ's from 2005–2007. Although sometimes referred to as the "NV(NP)231HD, " the transfer cases are labeld as "NV(NP)241J." This is not the NV241OR transfer case found in the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the only brand inside the company marque to totally discontinue this 4WD system from its lineup during mid-production (unlike the XJ whose entire lineup was dropped rather than Command-Trac itself). The reason behind this was its poor sales along with the SE trim among consumers, an improved Selec-Trac and simplistic Quadra-Trac had the convenience and comfort of "Full-Time" 4WD that Command-Trac obviously lacked for luxury SUVs; it was quickly dropped from the ZJ platform in 1996

mikes07kj · **Posted:** Fri Feb 06, 2009 4:05 am

Totally omitted from this initial publication is the Command-Trac HD transfer case used in 6-speed Liberty KJ's from 2005–2007. Although sometimes referred to as the "NV(NP)231HD, " the transfer cases are labeld as "NV(NP)241J." This is not the NV241OR transfer case found in the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.

So I take it the 241 is used for manual trans and not the auto trans. Sometimes I wish I had the Select trac but I like the idea of the command trac being stronger.

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Fri Feb 06, 2009 6:58 am

command-trac handle is basically the "Oh @*&$ bar Type 2" Passenger, Driver, and sometimes even rear seat passengers have access to "Oh @*&$ bar's type 1"

I've only used my 4Lo like twice, and I'm still a bit confused, the CommandTrac's 4Lo is still part-time as nature of transfer case correct?

It's the select trac's 4Lo which is full time with no PT option, with 4Hi as selectable as either PT or FT?

Do i have that right or am I smokin monkey grass again

trailman · **Posted:** Fri Feb 06, 2009 10:46 am

Command Trac:
4HI- Part Time
4Low-Part Time

Selec Trac:
4HI- Part Time
4HI- Full Time
4Low-Part Time

InCommando · **Posted:** Fri Feb 06, 2009 11:27 am

Once again wiki is a piece of crap. Just like 99.5% of the time. These terms were used in other jeep lines and refer to different cases there. Just keeping to KJ's:

Command-trac is a part time case . Power is 100% to the rear unless 4hi or 4lo is engaged. Then it has a 50/50% split of power front/rear. The 231 is a light-duty t-case. The 241J is a heavier duty case with versions found in full-sized (including 3/4 ton's) by dodge(241D) & chevy (241C). There is supposedly a 231J 'HD' that splits the diffference between the two in some Jeep applications. Only people in the jeep world think that the 241 is the 231JHD but it is not. This is like calling a 454 a "350HD". The 241OR is a different animal found in the Rubicon, but is a deeper-geared 241 with a reinforced case. Just to add to the confusion, Dodge does use a 241DHD that has a reinforced case but a standard low range. Part-time cases cannot be used on hard surfaces. 6spd KJ's got the 241 due to the shockloads capable with the low first gear. All other part-time KJ's got the 231.

Select-trac is a fulltime case, the 242. It has a differential action that allows an AWD setting to be used on hard pavement. You can also lock it for a 50/50 split, like the command trac case.

To break it down:
5spd KJ's & all auto's with a part-time ( Command-trac) case got the 231. 6spds KJ's got the command-trac HD, which is the 241. Jeep calling the 241-equipped jeeps "command-trac HD" may be where the "231HD" stuff comes from...
All KJ's with the full-time AWD option got the 242.
Command-trac & select-trac have been applied to 207, 208, 228,229 and possibly other cases in other jeep lines such as FSJ's.

Command Trac:
4HI- Part Time DO NOT USE ON HIGH TRACTION SURFACES
4Low-Part Time DO NOT USE ON HIGH TRACTION SURFACES

Selec Trac:
4HI- Part Time DO NOT USE ON HIGH TRACTION SURFACES
4HI- Full Time OK TO USE ON HIGH TRACTION SURFACES
4Low-Part Time DO NOT USE ON HIGH TRACTION SURFACES

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Fri Feb 06, 2009 8:55 pm

Thanks for that clarification fellas, can't tell you how many times ive seen command-trac 4lo labeled as full time, which simply confused the beans out of me

Transfer cases

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