21 - 350 NP241
TRANSFER CASE
• NP241 TRANSFER CASE
INDEl
page
Checking
Fluid
Level
351
Component Cleaning
and
Inspection
359
Fluid
Drain/Refill
351
General
Information
350
Recommended
Lubricant
.................. 350
Service
Diagnosis
....................... 350
Shift
Linkage
Adjustment
354
Speedometer Adapter/Distance
Sensor
Service
. 352
page
Speedometer Gear, Shaft
Seal,
Bearing
and
Retainer
Service
352
Transfer
Case
Assembly
.................. 361
Transfer
Case
Bearing Replacement
......... 360
Transfer
Case
Disassembly
................ 356
Transfer
Case
Identification ................ 350
Transfer
Case
Installation
................. 356
Transfer
Case
Removal
356
GENERAL
INFORMATION
The NP241 is a part-time transfer case with a low-
range gear system. It has three operating ranges
plus a Neutral position. The low range system pro vides a gear reduction ratio for increased low speed
torque capability. NP241 operating ranges are: 2-high, 4-high and 4-low. The NP241 has an aluminum, two-piece gear case.
Drive sprockets and an interconnecting drive chain are used to transmit engine torque to the propeller
shafts.
Four-wheel high and low ranges are undifferenti
ated. The transfer case is not designed for continuous
operation in 4WD range on hard or paved surfaces.
Four wheel drive ranges are recommended for off
road operation, or on snow covered or similar low
traction surfaces. A front axle disconnect system is used to achieve
two-wheel drive mode. The axle disconnect vacuum motor is actuated by a vacuum switch on the transfer
case.
The switch is operated by the transfer case
range rod. Two-wheel drive range is used for on road, high
way operation. The four-wheel drive ranges are for off road operation or when the vehicle is driven on
paved road surfaces covered by snow, ice or similar low traction elements.
TRANSFER CASE
IDENTIFICATION
An identification tag (Fig, 1) is attached to the rear
case of each NP241 transfer case. The tag provides
the transfer case model number, assembly number, serial number, and low range ratio. The transfer case serial number also represents the
date of build. For example, a serial number of 9-10-92 would represent September 10, 1992. Transfer case operating ranges are selected with a
floor-mounted shift lever. The shift lever is connected
to the transfer case range lever by an adjustable linkage rod (Fig. 2). A straight line shift pattern is
used. Range positions are marked on the gearshift le
ver knob.
Fig.
1 NP 241 Transfer
Case
A synchronizer assembly in the transfer case al
lows the unit to be shifted between 2H and 4H
ranges while the vehicle is in motion. The vehicle should be stopped before shifting into 4L range.
RECOMMENDED
LUBRICANT
Recommended lubricant for the NP241 is Mopar
ATF Plus, type 7176, or Dexron II™ automatic trans
mission fluid. Use either fluid for topping off the
level, or refilling after service, or normal fluid
changes. Do not use anti-friction additives or similar prod
ucts in the NP241 transfer case. Use the recom
mended lubricant only. NP241 transfer case lubricant should be changed
at the intervals specified in the Maintenance Sched
ule or after service repairs.
SERVICE
DIAGNOSIS
Before attempting to repair a suspected transfer
case malfunction, check all other driveline compo
nents beforehand. The actual cause of a problem may be related to
such items as: front hubs, axles, propeller shafts,
wheels and tires, transmission, or clutch instead. If all other driveline components are in good condition
