The 242 case allows 2 hi, 4 high with center diff unlocked (basically AWD), 4 high with center diff locked, and 4 low.

Low range is completely different than 4 high. Have you tried it? Cant you tell?

 

Heres a good read on the 242...


http://www.offroadreport.com/np_242.html

 

With the 242, you should have five positions you can shift.

• two-wheel-drive, high (direct-drive)
• four-wheel-drive, high (48/52 differential torque-biased-drive)
• four-wheel-drive, high (locked, part-time)
• neutral
• four-wheel-drive, low (locked, reduction-drive)

 

So am i able to use the 4Hi with Center Diff unlocked and with it Locked? Are they 2 different settings on the t-case and floor shifter?

I have had it in 2Hi and its just 2wd. I have also had it in 4hi and I am able to drive at higher speeds (50+mph) with no problems.

And when it is in 4Lo it is only able to go at low speeds only. It is extremely different then 4Hi

I have 4 possitions... 4Hi, 2Hi, N and 4Lo

 

You have three four wheel drive modes.

Full Time: differential in the t-case unlocked, with aforementioned torque bias. in this mode, you can drive on hard surfaces, with no damage to the drivetrain. (but tires will wear faster than 2wd.) Basically, all wheel drive..... (a la gmc cyclone, and a fair number of subaru's.)

Part Time. differential in t-case is locked. The front and rear driveshafts turn at the same speed, regardless of what else is going on. High traction surfaces will cause parts breakage.

4 Lo. Basically the same as part time, with a caveat, there is an additional 2.72:1 gear reduction. Lots o' torque' Pull the house off the foundation. Yank that snow plow outta the ditch torque.

 

Yup my 4Lo has lots of torque. But I only have 1 other 4wd and 1 2wd possition that I am able to goto.

 

Wonder if that is a product of the shifter?

What other numbers are on the tag? Should be a build date on it somewhere. (probably in code.....)

 

maybe someone just used the 242 case and 231 internals, i know its not the same as say mine because my case is still a 231 albeit from a jeep but it may be possible that the cases are just swaped

 

I am starting to think that is the case. I because I dont see how a 242 case can fit in a truck that is a 231. there were only 3 transfer cases available for these. 231, 241 and 243.

 

Actually, the case is about the same size as the 231. They also came behind 46RE transmissions in durangos/dakotas. The only way to know for sure what you have, is drop it, and crack the case. See what's inside.

You could try disconnection the shift linkage from the t-case, and shift the t-case directly.... see how many detents there really are. If you are only getting four choices, and 4Lo works..... see if you can turn the front driveshaft by hand in what you think is 2wd. If it really IS 2wd, shaft should turn freely with trans in park. (providing the cad is still doing its thing.)