Aug 5, 2015, 12:47 PM
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- Dodge Ram 2nd Gen How to Replace Transfer Case and Seal
Step by step instructions for the do-it-yourself repairs.
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Transfer Case Swap: NP231 to NP242
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 87,461
Likes: 4,218
From: Clayton MI
I don't think the PCM really cares how many drive wheels you are using at any given time. I also considered the 231 to 242 swap. 
I like the idea of AWD as well.
Your cluster pics aren't showing for me.... Though, I suspect the bulbs in the Rango cluster are drive by a 'range sensor' on the shifter, not by the PCM. Not 100% sure of that though.
One thing about the 242 and AWD range you need to pay attention to though, is your brakes. The 242 uses what amounts to an open diff in AWD mode. So ALL of your brakes need to be working properly. Otherwise.... step on the brakes, and the fronts may lock, but the rears will then spin twice as fast. My full-time Blazer clued me in to that one, pulling in to a parking spot, I stepped on the brakes, and went FASTER..... and it stuffed the truck into a concrete retaining wall...... That was a surprise. Fortunately, no damage though. Had I been parking on the other side of the lot though, it would have been a trip down a VERY steep hill, into the river.......
I like the idea of AWD as well.Your cluster pics aren't showing for me.... Though, I suspect the bulbs in the Rango cluster are drive by a 'range sensor' on the shifter, not by the PCM. Not 100% sure of that though.
One thing about the 242 and AWD range you need to pay attention to though, is your brakes. The 242 uses what amounts to an open diff in AWD mode. So ALL of your brakes need to be working properly. Otherwise.... step on the brakes, and the fronts may lock, but the rears will then spin twice as fast.
My full-time Blazer clued me in to that one, pulling in to a parking spot, I stepped on the brakes, and went FASTER..... and it stuffed the truck into a concrete retaining wall...... That was a surprise. Fortunately, no damage though. Had I been parking on the other side of the lot though, it would have been a trip down a VERY steep hill, into the river.......
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 412
Likes: 26
Hmm. I had assumed the data from the transfer case range sensor would pass through the PCM, but perhaps not now that I look at it more.
I need to dig into the wiring diagrams for the ram and durango and see what's different...ugh...I hate electrical work.
I need to dig into the wiring diagrams for the ram and durango and see what's different...ugh...I hate electrical work.
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 412
Likes: 26
It looks like there are going to be enough differences between the clusters to make this fairly infeasible...but then again I'm easily daunted by electrical work...I just hate it.
I still think the swap is a good idea, but need to think up different solutions for displaying which 4x4 setting is which.
I still think the swap is a good idea, but need to think up different solutions for displaying which 4x4 setting is which.
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 87,461
Likes: 4,218
From: Clayton MI
Put lights in the console to highlight which range you are in. On the full size trucks, the 4x4 light will be on regardless of which 4x4 version you are using, just have a couple lights in the console for Full time, or part time.