Atlas II T-case

Yes, the Atlas is pretty near to bulletproof, but unless you are building a Jeep that is going to see some extreme duty with large tires, etc., you can do a TerLow conversion on your NP231 for a lot less than you are going to pay for an Atlas. And, I believe the one you priced is the 3.8 to 1 low, the 4.3 is another $300 or so. I just seems to me the Atlas is overpriced, IMO do the TeraLow and put the rest of the money in other upgrades.

Brad (from the 4 Wheeling center of the universe, 4 corners USA)

The cost of a Terralow4/1 and a tail shaft kit (needed if you have lifted over 2") is just about a wash with an Atlas 2. The Atlas will be stronger than the Terra conversion but cannot be towed flat for a long time. You will also need a new Front and rear drive shafts. .

Rear drive shaft will need to be replaced, but the front one can be cut to fit. When you replace the rear drive shaft be sure and get one with a CV joint as opposed to two u-joints.
I have the 4.3 Atlas. It is a few hundred dollars higher, but well worth the extra money. Would also suggest that you get the site glass to check for fluid level. There is no way to check the fluid level otherwise.
The Atlas is a fine, strong unit. Takes up every bit of room available for it too. May be a bit overpriced, but there is nothing else on the market like it. I like mine!!!

Doug '97 TJ
My Web Site

Brad: I guess it depends on your definition of extreme and large. I have already put on 33" BFG's with a D44 in the rear with 4.56 gears and ARB's F&R. I have built the rig to do mostly rock crawling, but want to be able to drive it to and from the trails. I also have someone who owes me a favor to do the drive shafts. One of the people I wheel with has done the terra low conversion and he is into his t-case about the same amount of money. Your right that price was for the 3.8 not the 4.3. Still haven't decided which one to go for. thanks for the input.

One member of the 4X4 club I'm in put the Tera-Low in his NP231. He has a stock 4.0L, Dana 44's/4.10:1 gears and lockers F/R with
33X12.50 BFG MT's. He broke the 4:1 parts in the xfercase twice this year before going to the AtlasII. In my experience the Tera-Low
doesn't hold up.

Gary

So far I have been happy with my TeraLow conversion in a Dana 300, it is the 5 gear setup. Therefore, I have no firsthand knowledge
of the 231 version. The D300 is gear driven, so we are probably comparing apples and oranges. I have heard of many people breaking
the early 3 gear 300 version.

Brad (from the 4 Wheeling center of the universe, 4 corners USA)

Not to mention that the 231 uses planetary gears which make it inherently weaker than the D300 or Atlas, no matter what "kit" you put in it!

Snowtow hit the nail on the head. It's the rather small planetary gears in the 231 that cause most of the problems.

Gary

Don't forget with the Atlas, you can sell your old 231 and pick up a little savings.

correct me if I'm wrong but the dana300 is not available in a passenger side output is it? this rules out a swap to one of those with a 4-1 kit, the gear kits for a dana20 are available but pricey and no real increase in strength, I don't suppose the t-case out of a fullsize (241?) would fit in? that would have to be stronger if it came out of a one ton truck, if the inputs are the same this would give you the strength required without the huge cash outlay.
the 4-1 kit I saw for a planetary was only $1100, the shaft conversion $250, this is still less than an atlas and easier to replace in east upper armpit should you happen to bust it somehiw.

Personaly I am planning on picking up a NP231dhd(dodge heavy duty) and then build that up as I go. I was told that it is a direct swap for the AX-15 tranny, and it houses stronger gears and a thicker chain. Just another option.


Kirk
95 YJ rio grande