To Those with an Atlas

[dkchrist]

I am considering an atlas but I need some advice. I have a manual transmission so the brakes and the shifting i don't think will be that much of an issue. But, my truck is a DD commuting 32 miles round trip a day and then 2 hours home on weekends. My truck sees a lot of highway time but also see a moderate amount of wheeling 2 weekends a month when the weather is fair and one week in Colorado during the summer (and it is not trailered there). I have 4.10s and would kind of like to stay there but i need something lower for the trails. Is an atlas fine for a DD or should I stay away and bite the bullet and put in 4.56s and not worry about the t-case?

P.S. I run 33X10.50s with the 4.0 sohc

Thanks

 

[IZwack]

Another option is a doubler.. say it with me now, "doublaaahh".. "doubl--aaaH'

 

[dkchrist]

another thought but are they any more road worthy?

 

[IZwack]

Of course, its just another transfer case (although butchered) placed between the transmission and your current transfer case.. so during normal driving, you just put both transfer cases in their 1:1 ratio. And when off-roading, you can put both transfer cases in their LO range, which would bring the LO ratio to almost 5:1. A few ppl on the board run a doubler, also sometimes called a "stubler", and other names -- so if you're interested, search for it and you should come up with a few hits.

 

[FAT CAT]

Either one will be the same as your current transfer case on the road you will be fine with an Atlas or a doubler.

Where I like the Atlas is off road you can cruise around in 2 wheel low and only engage the front axle when you need to climb an obstacle. This is great if you want a front locker because you can turn easier.

Where I like the doubler is you have 1 to 1 on road, then the standard low you have now, plus an extra low for obstacles.

I think the Atlas is easier to install...

Right now I'm trying to find a Transfer case/doubler with lower gears than I have now because I'm running 40" tires & I'm having a hell of a time finding something

 

[IZwack]

You know what would make this whole thing more interesting is to swap in a 2wd transmission, then you can use a divorced transfer case from the larger trucks (which often have a greater aftermarket support including lower gear ratios). The issue is clearance as such transfer cases are often a lot wider, that another shift linkages, transfer case mounts .. the list goes on. But I'm just talking out loud here so dont mind this post

 

[dkchrist]

what about these 2wd transmission and how can you use a different transfer case? (not saying i would attempt it or anything.) I know of doublers which with the 1350/54 doubler works out to be 6.15 to 1 (awesome but maybe a little more than i need) I am looking to do minimal cross member work because this is my primary vehicle. Since I have a lift if an atlas sits back further i may run in to big problems with cross member interference this I am avoiding for the time being

 

[IZwack]

Lets just say that a 2wd transmission and a divorced transfer case would be the most involved process because it would probably require you to relocate or swap out the gas tank for a shorter one. Then you have to build a cross member to support the divorced transfer case, get custom length driveshafts , and then finally figure out the shift linkages.

 

[dkchrist]

yea i figured on most of that but how do you mate the t-case to the tranny output shaft and tailhousing? just wondering... for maybe a later project

 

[Rick]

I've never had a problem driving highway speeds with my Atlas II. It's been the most reliable piece of equipment on the truck

 

[IZwack]

yea i figured on most of that but how do you mate the t-case to the tranny output shaft and tailhousing? just wondering... for maybe a later project

They are connected via a small driveshaft.

A few of the larger trucks and some oddballs (like the Suzuki Samurai) comes with a divorced transfer case.

 

[dkchrist]

ok so that is what divorced means yea that may be a little much but that is good information

Also thanks for all the information guys I think this summer i am seriously going to consider an atlas or stak maybe

one more option though more involved...don't the new mustangs with a 4.0 use the nv3550? swap one of those in with a jeep tail housing np231? (plus better tranny and more gearing options)

 

[4x4junkie]

I run an Atlas II in my Ranger, but I also have a doubler in my BII (D.D. Machine doubler). I've probably got around 40,000 miles on the Atlas with no issues to speak of. The doubler I've got around 5000 miles or so.

IMO, the doubler is much more versatile (and cheaper, too).
With the Atlas, you're left without a "stock" lowrange, its just hi, and superdeep (which still isn't as deep as with the doubler). The FWD-only mode on the Atlas can be nice at times, although it's rare that I've ever needed it.


If you get the Atlas, just be sure to pull the yokes off and seal up the splines with RTV so they don't leak fluid like the ones on mine did.