NP231 in place of 229

[preacherman]

Ok I have a bad np229 in my 91 GW. I have been looking for a np208 to swap in for several months but have not been able to find one within 500 miles and shipping is outrageous for one of these bad boys ( I live way out west Texas). However I do have several buddies with extra np231's from grand Cherokee's and Tj's I could get for just about free.

I have searched and found that a 23 spline np231 will in fact bolt up to the 727 very easy. There is a seal that has to addressed but other than that no major problems. I know these cases are strong... I have seen and have flogged them on many occ. They have a great aftermarket and are just about the only thing I can find in my area so I am thinking about a 231 swap for my GW.

So here are my questions.
1. Do you think it would be a good swap for a stock GW with 31's? Good idea? Bad idea?
2. Does anyone know how much drive shaft mod will have to be done for a GW? i.e. will the shafts need to be shortened or lengthened I assume it will be one or the other??? and will the shafts hit the oil pan like some d300 swaps do when flipped and installed on a GW?
3. What about the t-case shifter??? I assume it would have to be modified???

thanks

[Dan Stewart]

I am doing the same thing. I have the 231 sitting on the bench but havnt gone any further. You will have to change the driveshaft but most likely you would have to measure the length you need when you have the Tcse bolted on. Also do the slip yoke eliminator. It should be fine for 31s. I am gonig to run larger tires, It may or may not be a problem later on, but I chose the 231 for availability because you can get them pretty easy and cheap. and you have more options for low gearing and strength parts. Only con to it maybe the position of the Tcase it may hang lower, but you can get a locking ring to put it up.

[preacherman]

Have you measured it for the location of the shifter yet? I am curious to know aprox where the shifter will pop up.

[Dan Stewart]

I havnt done that yet. I do not have a shifter with mine and will have to make one up. I have two options, make one like the Novak kit or try to put a shifter right to the shofter cam on the Tcase. It will probably be a bit till i get to that point, my truck isnt even running yet :( But there is enoguh floor that you can probably find room for the shifter. The floor will have to be cut since the little flag shifter doesnt seem to be the right size or location.

[fulsizjeep]

preacherman - Would you like a deal on an NP229 from an 87 GW? I actually have a 208 as well. I will be going to Las Cruces for some FSJ wheeling next month and can bring it if there is not a huge rush. Please PM me if you are interested.

[Heimeken]

I looked into this once and decided it was not worth it. I will look for the pics I took of the internals but the 231 is nowhere near as stout as a 208. The slip yoke is one problem and the chain is much narrower. As far as price, I don't think there is any difference, 208s come up on this board all of the time. I just sold my spare for $100 to Sam in Carlsbad a few weeks ago. Since this is the off-road forum, I would think you are going to wheel your rig, so I would definitely stay away from the 231.

[710 Burner]

Not many of the t-cases that came in our rigs are as stout as the 208. The 231 should be every bit as stout, if not more, than a 229 though. Yes a slip yoke eliminator would likely be needed for the rear output and the driveshaft would need to be measured to fit that. When I considered doing this swap I originally envisioned using a shifter from a TJ mounted in a new position on the floor.

[preacherman]

preacherman - Would you like a deal on an NP229 from an 87 GW? I actually have a 208 as well. I will be going to Las Cruces for some FSJ wheeling next month and can bring it if there is not a huge rush. Please PM me if you are interested.

I would be interested in the 208, I really like the 208 better because of the no vacuum hoses I just didn't want to pay shipping on one.

[JeepinPete]

Dodge used a NP241, 23 spline input I believe. Any reason that won't work?

[shimniok]

I don't think you're going to see the kind of durability out of a 231 vs a 208, 229, 228, 219, etc. I guess as a stopgap until you find a 208, then again, why bother swapping out the 229 if it works, right? :)

[onesunJ10]

Dodge used a NP241, 23 spline input I believe. Any reason that won't work?

I just swapped one of these in. Badass case IMO. 32 spline outputs, wide chain, 6 pinion planetaries, jeep pattern bolt pattern, 23 spline input, factory slip yoke eliminator. I found mine for 140 bucks.

They came in 89 to 93 4wd Dodge Ramchargers and gas pickups. The case is actually an NP241D. Not to be confused with the 241DHD or 241DLD.

If you can find an NP208D that will work too. Those also have factory SYEs and are plenty stout. Came in the same dodges that i mentioned before.

[Chevelleguy]

But those are passenger side drop. He is looking for a drivers side drop.

[8379qtj10]

To swap an NP231.....Clocking ring, long 23 spline input,and an SYE

Novak makes everything you need. I'm leaning toward the NP231 also as I have seen them hold up to a bunch of abuse. Lighter rigs but same HP and 38 in tires.
Better than the 229.....and I have on from a past Wrangler build.
Someone needs to get one installed and beat on in then report back

[Stuka]

I say go with an NP241HD if you want a more modern case. Its stronger than the NP208, and are widely available.

[Sambo]

I say go with an NP241HD if you want a more modern case. Its stronger than the NP208, and are widely available.
my buddy mike is using a 241 in his rig that has held up excellent to the abuse he throws at it:thumbsup:

[shimniok]

229 > 231.

No slip yoke.

Bigger.

Bigger chain.

Have seen 231 break and leak fluid all over a 3-rated trail in a light jeep with 31's. Have never seen a 229 break on the trail on any wagoneer, whatever the tire size (up to 35's).

JMHO of course :D

Michael

[grimgaunt]

thats because they mostly break on the street.


They are awesome, until neglected and left to fail

Honestly, look at the stats, how many 229 equipped waggies did serious off-road duty ????

[grimgaunt]

I mean serious !!!

Carnage, Gillespie (which is closed now), Indy, ......

[Michael]

I would be interested in the 208, I really like the 208 better because of the no vacuum hoses I just didn't want to pay shipping on one.

Where in West Tx are you? I am going to Las Cruces too and if you are on my way back I could drop it off if Flint would let the np208 go. If not Flint I could just bring it home with me....lol Pm me if you are interested. Maybe you could just meet me somehwere. My email is 87redwag@sbcglobal.net. I would be happy to help.