Re: Using NP 231 in 4WD in heavy water, damage?
8991XJ said:
So when the standing water on the road surface is more than 1/4 inch, I sometimes put my 231 in 4WD (high).
Okay. Just to get this out of the way: a quarter-inch of water is *not* "heavy" water by a long shot.
I know the 231 is a Part Time 4WD system. Other then sharp turns and the front end complaining what problems will this cause?
Well, apart from what you've already mentioned, you shouldn't have any problems. I used to run the 231 in my previous XJ in the wet for control under straight-line take-offs without any issue. What the Command-Trac cases don't like (based on my experience), though, are surface changes: no traction to traction back to no traction (snow to pavement to snow), for example, are not things it's keen on.
I used to use my 231 in the rain on surface streets for straight-line takeoffs. As long as I could anticipate a turn and shift into 2HI before I was driving straight, it was fine. Having said that, I'd also run it at up to 70mph on the freeway where turns weren't as acute.
YMMV, and it's not as flexible as a 242, but as long as you don't abuse it 4PT can be used in situations that are technically not recommended. Don't push it, keep to the usual warnings, and you'll be OK.
FWIW, I use 4FT when it rains. Call me a p****, but I'd rather have the extra control than lose it. Same applies to 231 t-cases in 4PT, just with different usage.