ZJ 231 Swap

[DJJordache]

I was not talking about the 231 shift tab, I meant the shift arm that is about 16" inches long that hooks up to the shift tab

[Jim311]

So you just shortened it an inch and everything was good to go, even with the tab that came with the 231? Or did you buy that tab AND shorten the rod?

[DJJordache]

We used the stock 96-01 231 shift tab on the case, I just had to cut out an inch of the long rod, that you already have, and re-weld it back together.

you will see that if you hook up the linkage as is, it will bind and not allow full throw into 2wd. by taking out the inch it will allow the full range of motion and still have plenty of adjustment on the rod that hooks up to the hand shift lever.

maybe dp96zj can slide under his and take a quick pic for us of the linkage

[fpkites]

Short tab solved that for me - no need to cut the linkage. Different folks, different strokes, I guess.

[OverkillZJ]

Get a short tab, cut an inch out of the rod, doesn't matter: same result.

[dp96zj]

Yeah if you want me to, I'll go out and snap a picture for you tomorrow. After cutting down that shifter rod, everything fit into place. After that, all you have to do is mess with the shifter linkage using the adjustment screw (thanks DJJordache ).

[dp96zj]

Here ya go.



We cut about an inch off of the top. You can see the weld up towards the top of the rod.

[Jim311]

Cool. I think I'd rather cut and re-weld than buy a tab from the dealership.

[Derek33]

stupid question,

do any 231's come with a slip yoke eliminator?

[DJJordache]

yeah after you install one in them

[Jim311]

I didn't even have to buy the shifter tab for the 231. Just used the one it came with and it bolted up. It seems to go through all the gears fine. Maybe I just got lucky.

[stockzjwnc]

im kinda confused. i did a 231 swap out of a 94 zj into my 94 zj. everything worked perfectly except the shifter doesnt work at all like it just doesnt want to move into more than one correct spot. what do i do

[dp96zj]

Did it hand-shift when the transfer case wasn't on the rig? Were you able to move the shift tab and have it cycle through gears?

If not, it's a probably linkage problem. You can adjust the lever arm that connects to the shifter really easily.

[stockzjwnc]

yea the t case shifts fine but i cant do it with the stock linkage that was for a 249 like do i need a new tab thing on the tcase or what

[fpkites]

For a 231, probably not - it has the same quantity of shift points as the 249. Fiddle with your linkage a bit. What worked for me was to shift it in to low using the lever on the case, and adjust the linkage accordingly.

[stockzjwnc]

no a 249 has alltime 4wd N and 4 LO
231 has a 2wd 4wd N and 4 LO

[fpkites]

D'oh! I sat and thought about it, and you're right. Still less than the 242 though.

If you're having problems getting it adjusted, you'll need to either shorten and re-weld the linkage as (well) documented here, or get the short tab from the dealer.

[BigDaveZJ]

So brain fart moment here. Any reason that a standard 98 ZJ 249/44A rear driveshaft won't work with a 231 that has the external slip yoke? Got a line on a couple and want to make it as hassle free as possible.

[DJJordache]

will need to shorten the rear DS a little, but you can run around in FWD until that is ready

[jeepr4life]

I second that you have to shorten the driveshaft. i had to do the same. There was also some concern about keeping the yoke greased however I just greased up the inside of the yoke real good and used an old shock boot to keep most of the dirt out and havent had any problems. I have also seen people install a zert fitting on the yoke

[go4x4it]

Resurrecting this thread..

I have a 231 AMC that I am wanting to swap into my 98 ZJ.. The issue Im running into is the c clip groove in the input shaft from my ZJ is closer to the trans, than the 231 shaft is, cause the bearing height difference. Does anyone know what I could do for this?? Trying to get this done for moab.. if not, I'll be rockin the 249 until I can figure this all out.

[skaven]

i also have a question...i swapped the input shaft and im ready to put it back in but my 231 had no electrical hook up like the 249 and the 231 also has 4 or 5 cant remember right now extra vaccum line hook ups...they both had a vac line on the top of the t-case tho.

[quadratokn]

Anyone try a 241HD swap???

Im wondering if it will fit cuz of the PTO thingy.

[Jeep Whore]

Hey would anyone have the part numbers for any of the bearings / seals in the 231?

[dp96zj]

Here are Mopar p/n's, you can find aftermarket ones relatively easily.