Model year of a transfer case

I have a NP231 transfer case with a tag on it that has a date of 12 19 96.
Would that make it a 97 model year case or a 96?

FNF

I put a 1996 NP242 into my 1997 - the wiring for the indicator lights was different but mechanically it fits. Your mileage may vary..

96 and 97 are fairly similar anyways.

If it has the new style rear output with the seal riding on the shaft and a dust slinger over it, it will work in 96 through 01 vehicles. If it has the old style rear output cone with the seal riding on the yoke (i.e. seal is over the splined area on the shaft, with a gap between) then it will work on ?? (forget when they stopped using the NP20x/NP22x series cases) to 95 vehicles.

Thanks for the "input".

FNF