241 vs Atlas ll

[Igoo65]

I have a 97 TJ with a 4.0 and AX-15. I am thinking of doing a transfer case swap. I originally was going to go with a 241 to replace my 231, but after looking at the price for a used 241, I am contemplating the Atlas ll. The Atlas is only about $500-$600 more than a used 241. I have read a few past threads that said the Atlas wasn't worth the extra money and the extra work to get it to fit. Of course that was when you could get a 241 for around $1000-$1200. The swap is going to be expensive either way, so I would like to get some opinions on what is the better way to go.
TIA!

Igoo65

 

[B00mb00m]

IF you want to do front digs then the Atlas is the only way. And if you don't want to do front digs then you ain't living right. Also, have you heard the good news about Cutting Brakes?

 

[RINC]

IF you want to do front digs then the Atlas is the only way. And if you don't want to do front digs then you ain't living right. Also, have you heard the good news about Cutting Brakes?

 

[jjvw]

I'll say that the more I do, the more I want either an automatic or lower gears than the 241.

 

[Igoo65]

I'll say that the more I do, the more I want either an automatic or lower gears than the 241.

The Atlas comes with 5:1. That was another reason I was looking at it.

 

[TRE3TOP]

Anyone who says an Atlas isn’t worth the extra money over a 241 is probably just mad they bought a 241 when they should have bought an Atlas.

 

[Igoo65]

IF you want to do front digs then the Atlas is the only way. And if you don't want to do front digs then you ain't living right. Also, have you heard the good news about Cutting Brakes?

Cutting brakes????

 

[jjvw]

Cutting brakes????

More levers!

 

[Rescue6]

I have an Atlas 4 speed in mine but my suggestion would be Atlas all the way. However I would not go lower than the 4.3:1 in a 2 speed because you will have to shift too dang much going back and forth from low to high between obstacles on the trail with the 5:1 ratio. That would be too slow in my opinion. I’d be happy to let you see how mine shifts and works once it’s back together in a few weeks as I see you are in the Springs also. I had a 4:1 case prior to my Atlas now I’m 1:1, 2.72:1, 3.8:1, and 10.34:1

 

[rasband]

With the current prices it's a no brainer to go atlas in my mind. I've thought about selling my 241 to fund the majority of it even. I want those two sticks!

 

[Alex01]

Atlas 5:1 with a GR universal crossmember, and a ucf no bl skid. The only unforseen thing was having to move the third cat due to interference with the GR crossmember. The 5:1 completely transformed the jeep. No regrets and 100% worth the time / effort.

Basically think of the 5:1 as adding a new super low 1st gear then your 2-5th is your previous 1-4. If you find yourself in 5th with the 231 and will miss having it don't get the 5:1. Otherwise it's a game changer. So much more control on the rocks and stalling is virtually impossible even against a brick wall. I'll break traction on all 4 while locked with no gas before stalling in 1st.

 

[someguysjeep]

I have an Atlas 4 speed in mine but my suggestion would be Atlas all the way. However I would not go lower than the 4.3:1 in a 2 speed because you will have to shift too dang much going back and forth from low to high between obstacles on the trail with the 5:1 ratio. That would be too slow in my opinion. I’d be happy to let you see how mine shifts and works once it’s back together in a few weeks as I see you are in the Springs also. I had a 4:1 case prior to my Atlas now I’m 1:1, 2.72:1, 3.8:1, and 10.34:1

if you start into 4 speeds there could be more to choose from midnight metal and bohemoth both offer 205 and 300 cases that adapt to several underdrive boxes.

 

[Igoo65]

I have an Atlas 4 speed in mine but my suggestion would be Atlas all the way. However I would not go lower than the 4.3:1 in a 2 speed because you will have to shift too dang much going back and forth from low to high between obstacles on the trail with the 5:1 ratio. That would be too slow in my opinion. I’d be happy to let you see how mine shifts and works once it’s back together in a few weeks as I see you are in the Springs also. I had a 4:1 case prior to my Atlas now I’m 1:1, 2.72:1, 3.8:1, and 10.34:1

That would be great. I would like to see it. Hit me up when you get it back together.

 

[jjvw]

What is your axle gearing?

 

[Igoo65]

Atlas 5:1 with a GR universal crossmember, and a ucf no bl skid. The only unforseen thing was having to move the third cat due to interference with the GR crossmember. The 5:1 completely transformed the jeep. No regrets and 100% worth the time / effort.View attachment 324071

Basically think of the 5:1 as adding a new super low 1st gear then your 2-5th is your previous 1-4. If you find yourself in 5th with the 231 and will miss having it don't get the 5:1. Otherwise it's a game changer. So much more control on the rocks and stalling is virtually impossible even against a brick wall. I'll break traction on all 4 while locked with no gas before stalling in 1st.

Were there any obstacles installing that in a TJ that had a 231 in it? What about the electric speedometer and four-wheel-drive light on the dash?

 

[Igoo65]

What is your axle gearing?

4.88

 

[jjvw]

Were there any obstacles installing that in a TJ that had a 231 in it? What about the electric speedometer and four-wheel-drive light on the dash?

Driveshaft, transmission mount, tub clearancing, finding/making a raised skid you can be happy with.

 

[jjvw]

4.88

5.13 would make the hi range more useful all around, in addition to improving the low range(s).

 

[Alex01]

Were there any obstacles installing that in a TJ that had a 231 in it? What about the electric speedometer and four-wheel-drive light on the dash?

The 4 wheel sensor is a small plug they include that you just splice the current wire to and extend a foot or so. I have a gear driven speedo not a wire, 2001, so I wouldn't know what needs to be done for that. You should have a gear driven as well though. I thought the switch was 2003+

 

[hosejockey61]

four-wheel-drive light on the dash?

If you're asking this you don't need an atlas