I've been wondering for a while if it would be possible to put an NV244 transfer case behind one of our transmissions and wire it up. It's the electronically controlled all wheel drive transfer case found on the later 2nd gens with the all wheel drive option. I've been giving serious thought to scraping the idea of building a 2wd truck and trying to find a 4x4 frame to put the body on and build an awd truck instead. The only way that will happen is if I can use that transfer case. I would need to know if it would bold up to our transmissions and is it controlled by the trucks PCM or not, cause that would make it impossible. I'm not wiring in an OBDII computer.

 

Well I just remembered I had downloaded the 2001 Dakota FSM from over in 2nd gen. It gives a decent description of the NV244. It sounds like the shifting mechanism is controlled by a "transfer case control module" that uses both info from the selector switch and the diagnostics system to decide if a shift can be performed and if so, shift the transfer case. It sounds to me from the description like the pcm input may not be 100% necessary but who knows with the way new cars/trucks are programmed.

As for fitment, according to drivetrain.com the output spline count is different so it would require new slip yokes, but the input spline count is the same. So that just leaves the question, will it fit the bolt pattern on the back of our transmissions?

 

Just looking at that too. What transmissions did they come on. If on the 46re or 42re I would say it would.

But why do an All Wheel Drive? 4 Wheel drive does all you need.

 

Well I do know the 2001 Dakotas used the 42RE, 46RE, and 45RFE. I can't find anything that says which of those 3 the transfer case was used with. Do you think Dodge would have gone so far as to change the bolt pattern for the 45RFE?

I want awd for the traction control it offers. I'm worried about burning the tires off a mid sized truck with a 408 and 4:10s in the rear.

 

I'm guessing the 45RFE came on the 4.7. I would say it is a possibly its different. But a good note most modern transfer cases on dodge is 23 spline input. So maybe the bolt pattern is the same.

 

Yeah, the 45RFE came on all of Dodge's new line of OHC engines... 3.7, 4.7, maybe the 5.7? The 45RFE transmission input could be different than the 42RE and 46RE's input, cause I don't think the new transmission will work on our engines as far as bellhousing bolts go, but that doesn't neccessarily mean the output bolt pattern is different. I may just have to go junkyard surfing and find out cause it will bug me until I know for sure.

I just think an awd dakota with a 408, 6 point rollcage, and front and rear sway bars would both be fast and handle like a dream.

 

What about a 242HD?

 

Hmmm. I didn't know about that one. Good call! That would eliminate the electronics.

 

No prob, I know the XJ Jeep Cherokees had a 242 I don't recall if it is the HD version or not but I'm almost positive my 99 Dakota had a 242HD case. If you find a wrecked Dakota with the 242 you'll probably want to grab the driveshaft too since the 242 is a longer case.

Actually talking about this makes me want to find one to put in my truck the full time option is really nice to have while plowing snow.

 

the other question is will that t case and the front end/cv axles hold up to a 408 on the pavement?