correct use of np242

[torynich]

I'm hoping for clarification from you guys. I bought a grand Cherokee for my daughter that has the 4.0 and 242. She is going to college in Fort Collins. I was under the impression that on a snowy day where she wont really know where the slick spots on the road are she should put the vehicle in part time 4x4. But reading the jeep manual, it suggests full time 4x4, with part time 4x4 only for of road situations. For some reason that doesn't make sense to me.

 

[1995zj]

Use 4-full time unless she will be driving on mud/dirt or is stuck in a snowbank/ice. Full time is more forgiving on the front end when she is on pavement. Imagine your t-case as another differential. In 4-full time it is a very “limited” slip, allowing the front and rear driveshafts to spin at different speeds. In 4-part time or 4-low it is like a Detroit and is mechanically locked. This is good for off-road or terrain that is always forgiving on front tires so they can slip.

 

[corbin.black]

think of the full time 4x4 as more of an all wheel drive mode, the front end will not engage unless the rear begins to slip (proving the post above saying that it is more forgiving on the front end)
and think of the part time 4x4 as 4HI

 

[Badger]

As said above you need to think about how it is used. Part time is 4 wheel drive you only use part of the time in the worst situations. Full time as said above is more forgiving and it meant to be be used all the time or full time. I know it's confusing and the shift pattern doesn't help with part time being first then full time.

 

[TurboMinivan]

The 242 is an awesome transfer case, and it is easy to make it foolproof for her. Just tell her this: any time there is even a chance of slick roads, put it in 4HI full-time. If she knows it is perfectly dry and/or well above freezing temps, then 2WD is fine.

Easy.

 

[torynich]

You guys are great...thanks.