What is needed for NP229 Conversion?

[Zoro]

I have a 1984 Eagle Wagon and I'd like to put a low range transfer case in it. Before I head to the junkyard what all do I need? Transfer case, linkage, what else? Also, is there any spot in perticular to drill the hole for the shifter linkage or do I have to guess and hope it works? I tried searching this site but nothing came up under NP229

Last but not least who makes the best rebuild kit for the NP229?

Thanks!

[MaskNMI]

feel the floor under just under your driver's seat right next to the drive tunnel, there is a flat spot for a shift lever...use the lever from a Grand Waggy you yank the case from

229s are not a popular swap that I have heard of (at least not any more)...probably because they are just as obsolete as the 129...however they wiill require less modification to install than a newer NP case

I don't think you need anything else, but double check for compatibility between input shafts and both driveshaft yokes...but I haven't done this particular swap myself


I've heard of reman'd transfer cases.....I've never heard of a rebuild kit for a transfer case, so you should probably be happy if you find one at all...there really is not THAT many parts to replace  (as far wearables: bearings, bushings, and seals), so it's not like a transmission where you'll end up ordering 201 different parts if you don't get a kit

as for who makes the best bearings and seals, that would be National, a brand of Federal-Mogul (you may get better parts for other N.P. T-cases from Mopar, but I can almost guarantee you they do not support the 229)...Timken would be my distant second choice....I avoid SKF

[Zoro]

I've had poor luck with SKF as well. I guess the main thing I'd be worried about is a new chain and good non-leaking seals. I'd like to go with the 229 because this is my daily driver and not an off road machine, I like the full time 4wd and would like the 4 low for occasional use.

In regards to the flat spot on the trans tunnel, was the 229 ever an option on the Eagle? Just out of curiosity.


Thanks for the help!

[j2sax]

No, the Eagels never had any 2 spd transfer cases... the only option was to shift from 2WD to 4WD. 

The NP229 is an awesome transfer case, especially since it is a bolt on, except for the speedo location.  (FSJ's used the Speedo output on the trans, Eagles on the T/C, whcih means you have to use the back half of the Eagle T/C if you want to run the stock Speedo.  There are writeups somewhere on the site).  I have done light roading with 229's for years and not had issues and I appreciate the on the road 4WD capabilities for inclement weather.  If they survived in a truck that heavy with V8 Power, I don't imagine they would have issues with an Eagle! 

Advance Adapters or BJ's Offroad, maybe Novak should be able to help with a rebuild kit. 

Best of luck!

[mudkicker715]

No, the Eagels never had any 2 spd transfer cases... the only option was to shift from 2WD to 4WD. 

The NP229 is an awesome transfer case, especially since it is a bolt on, except for the speedo location.  (FSJ's used the Speedo output on the trans, Eagles on the T/C, whcih means you have to use the back half of the Eagle T/C if you want to run the stock Speedo.  There are writeups somewhere on the site).  I have done light roading with 229's for years and not had issues and I appreciate the on the road 4WD capabilities for inclement weather.  If they survived in a truck that heavy with V8 Power, I don't imagine they would have issues with an Eagle! 

Advance Adapters or BJ's Offroad, maybe Novak should be able to help with a rebuild kit. 

Best of luck!

Speedo was never on the tranny. The differance fsj 229 to 129 externally is the clock position of the speedo cable

[mick]

No, the Eagels never had any 2 spd transfer cases... the only option was to shift from 2WD to 4WD. 

The NP229 is an awesome transfer case, especially since it is a bolt on, except for the speedo location.  (FSJ's used the Speedo output on the trans, Eagles on the T/C, whcih means you have to use the back half of the Eagle T/C if you want to run the stock Speedo.  There are writeups somewhere on the site).  I have done light roading with 229's for years and not had issues and I appreciate the on the road 4WD capabilities for inclement weather.  If they survived in a truck that heavy with V8 Power, I don't imagine they would have issues with an Eagle! 

Advance Adapters or BJ's Offroad, maybe Novak should be able to help with a rebuild kit. 

Best of luck!

Speedo was never on the tranny. The differance fsj 229 to 129 externally is the clock position of the speedo cable

Yeah what he said!  You OK Jesse? Alright, Alright!

[Zoro]

Ok, so the entire FSJ t case goes in without any parts needed from the Eagle case? I'm a little confused

[mudkicker715]

Correct. But the speedo is either needing to be reclocked or a 90* adaptor or creativity. Otherwise it hits a body frame thinggg

[twoslowinwyo]

i too am thinking of putting a hi-low trans. case in my 85 wagon. were the 229 tc in only the grand wagoneer, or were other jeeps also equipped with it. my local pull-it yard has 3 wagoneers, and 8 other jeeps from the 80's. and if i am understanding this correctly, (please correct me if i am wrong) it is pretty much a direct swap. LAZ

[j2sax]

HA, yes... just doing this all too late! OK, at least I got the swap the tails right!  Sorry that it was for the wrong applctn/reason! 

Alright alright!   

Depending on the years of Wags (stick with the 80's and up with driver side front drop) you could get an NP219, 228 (86 only), or 229.  If you want 4WD all the time with a lo option on demand, the 219 will bolt right on.  Avoid the 228... not bad but not worth swapping in.  229 has 2wd Option and Hi/LO.  A Chero with Standard trans or Jtruck may also have the 208... much tougher but not an option for 4WD on pavement.  Better for offroading though. 

You can ID them by the round tag on the back of the T/C. 

[Zoro]

Thanks for all of the info. If I understand correctly the Eagle tailcone can be swapped onto the NP229 to make the speedo output correct?

[IowaEagle]

Or reclock the 229 one to work.  There is a How To on the web somewhere about that.

[MaskNMI]

No, you can't do that , the difference is not in the tail section the difference is in the centter section (with the red NP tag on it and the drain/fill plugs), not in the casting itself, but how it is studded.
The studs are installed in different locations to alter the clock orientation of the tail section, you need to move a some of them to be how they re installed in the Eagle's case....this may require a drill and a tap, but I think its only 1 or 2 studs that move.

The 90-deg adapter could be an easier fix, but I don't know where to get one, and I'm not sure if the speedo cable will be long enough to reach the new adapter location.


I agree if you go with an off-road specialist like BJ's, and you contact them, they should put together a "kit" for you even if it is not boxed that way from a manufacturer.


You mentioned that you want the 229 because it is full time, just though I'd mention the Grand Cherokee's 249 is a lot more recently made and a lot more common in the time it was made, uses the same case, and you will have a easier/cheaper time getting parts,
but the initial install will require rear driveshaft customization as the slip yoke goes into the T-case instead of being in the middle of the driveshaft like on the eagle and FSJ

NP249 will also eliminate the vacuum system (I consider this a plus, others I'm sure will not) as the lever will control all ranges instead of just the low range...it also has a N, but doesn't have a 2wd range.

[mudkicker715]

After I pulled my 229 case it reclocked fine for me. Before that it was in a different eagle and I cut some "body frame" to make it fit.

[wagonmaster]

are you happy with the 229 swap mk?