NP 241C or NP 263 for LS3/4L80

[Iroc313]

Kind of debating wether to keep the truck full time 4WD with the LS/4L80 swap. Has anyone here stuck with full time 4wd?

I figure it might be less optimal to keep it since the truck is going to be cruising at 75-80 now with over drive.

If we went 241 it would stay full time, if we did 263 it would be select able.

Opinions?

[racerx12003r1]

I am not 100% sure, but I Know Jim (War Wagon) did a LS swap with a 400 turbo and I think he went full time 4x4. You can ask him. I'm sure he can give you some pro's and con's about it.

[surfwagoneer]

Are you sure the 241 is a full time 4 wheel drive?

"General Specifications: The NP241C is a medium-duty aluminum unit. It is a part-time transfer case that was produced in both right and left-hand drive versions. The unit features a chain-drive for front output and utilizes a manual shift. The NP241C features a six-bolt configuration that is arranged in a circular, asymmetrical pattern."

*Copy and pasted from a general info site*

[Stuka]

The 241 is not full time, none of them are. They are 2wd, 4wd high, and 4wd low, no full time mode.

If you want to keep full time 4wd, you need to go with an NP242 or NP249. Both were used in Jeeps and GM's (Tahoe, Escalade, etc).

[Iroc313]

Is there any downside switching from fulltime 4wd to 2wd/4wd select able setup?

The truck isn't going to be a rock crawler. Just a nice SUV.

[Stuka]

AWD is nice for heavy rain and snow. You can drive on pavement just fine without breaking parts.

However part time 4wd can only be used on low traction surfaces. So dirt, in the snow, etc. but you have to shift out if you are driving on dry or just wet blacktop.


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[Iroc313]

AWD is nice for heavy rain and snow. You can drive on pavement just fine without breaking parts.

However part time 4wd can only be used on low traction surfaces. So dirt, in the snow, etc. but you have to shift out if you are driving on dry or just wet blacktop.


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If it's that simple we might as well do select able.

Has anyone tried to run the above full time transfercases?

[Stuka]

I have owned two Jeeps with NP242's, and loved em. Also driven an Escalade with a 249, but was only for two days.


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[Iroc313]

Has anyone seen a big difference in mileage by switching to 2wd? I would only have to put hubs up front for it to work properly right?

Sorry for all the newb questions guys, I don't know much about transfer cases

[Stuka]

Lot of factors go into fuel economy. You can get a tiny bit better with unlocked hubs and the t-case in 2wd. But the real advantage is less wear and tear on parts.


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[Iroc313]

Lot of factors go into fuel economy. You can get a tiny bit better with unlocked hubs and the t-case in 2wd. But the real advantage is less wear and tear on parts.


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And as far as full time 4WD T-Cases go. You prefer a 242?

I've been reading that the 249 uses a viscous coupler. Which is sort of what I'm trying to get away from since I know they're expensive to replace.

But as far as drive ability goes, is there a big difference between the 242 vs 249?

This truck may see a few trails, but it won't have very big tires, and it won't be a rock crawler.