np242-vs-np231

Hey guys I bought a totaled '98xj for the motor to put into my '00xj. It has a np 242 in it, and it also has the dana 30/ dana 35 combo. My '00 has the np231 and the dana 30/ chrysler8.25 combo. Just wanting opinions on which would be the all around best setup?

1975Ironhead said:

...... which would be the all around best setup?

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For what usage and/or modifications ?

Going to be a dd, with some moderate crawling, and trail use. Going with 4.5" lift.

There will be a few items that will need addressing when using the '98 engine to replace the '00 engine.
The '00 is distributorless ignition which means using the coil pack (you will need to fabricate a way to fasten the coil pack since '00 head has casting mounts and the '98 head doesn't) and Cam Position Sensor (in place of distributor) from the '00 on the '98 engine, use the '00 alternator on the '98 engine and use the '00 intake manifold on the '98 engine.

4WD is pretty much the same between them so the only real question is if you need the all-wheel-drive feature. You get ice and snow and rain in Tenn, so I would go with the 242. The all-wheel-drive is really nice on pavement.

the important thing is to keep the Chrysler 8.25 rear axle unless ABS is a requirement. So if you want to use the 242 you might have to have a driveshaft shortened. I'd be tempted to run the 242 as it would be awful nice to have an AWD option. (or you could sell it to me if you don't use it...) Theoretically the 231 is stronger than the 242 but I haven't heard of a 242 being the real weak link (but I *have* heard of the D35 as such...)

I would take the HP D30 out of the 98, the engine w/head out of the 98 and the 242 transfer case out of the 98 and put it in your 2000.