Best Jeep Transfer Cases

Ideally your Jeep’s transfer case can withstand harsh trail punishment and slow crawls, but some are more robust than others.  If you’re unlucky enough to have an ’87 YJ with the NP207, you may already know the woes of having a flimsier setup. The main two cases in Wranglers are the NP231 (or NVG231) and the NP241. The NP231 is a decent case and can even be converted from 21 splines to 23 with relative ease. It’s a fairly solid case and used in various iteration throughout the YJ and TJ lineup. The NP241, on the other hand, is an all around stronger unit. The best transfer case, however, is considered the NP241OR or Rock-Trac case used in some TJ Rubicons and the JK Wrangler. The NP241OR features bigger planetary gears to better handle increased torque loads.

The first upgrade most consider for their transfer case is the slip yoke eliminator kit, often abbreviated as SYE. This isn’t a concern for stock height Jeeps, but as you raise your rig, you run the risk of the driveshaft slipping out of the yoke. Driveshafts are held in by the splines and nothing else. An SYE converts the transfer case to having a fixed mount for the driveshaft. These also tend to compensate for certain lift heights, so be sure to check the manufacturer specs. SYEs have the added benefit of eliminating leaks at the yoke as well. Another option are transfer case drop kits. These kits aim to put the transfer case more in line with the differential, thereby reducing the extreme angles on the driveshaft.