At what price would you buy a 241 over an Atlas?

[The4bangertj]

I have a 2.5L and want better crawling gears. My 2 options are atlas 2 speed or 241. Both of which would mount behind an ax15 with advance adapters parts to get it behind the 2.5L. There is a used (70k but prob never wheeled) 241 being sold locally asking for 1800 right now. I always thought of the atlas as the far better pick but at what price does it make it worth it to live with the draw backs if the 241? My main concern is length. With swapping to an ax15 I believe it’s longer than the ax5, paired with the also longer and larger 241 I fear my rear shaft will be even shorter than most with a rubicon case and make this a bad choice and would be better spent with an atlas which is shorter than the 241. What would you do?

 

[mrblaine]

I have a 2.5L and want better crawling gears. My 2 options are atlas 2 speed or 241. Both of which would mount behind an ax15 with advance adapters parts to get it behind the 2.5L. There is a used (70k but prob never wheeled) 241 being sold locally asking for 1800 right now. I always thought of the atlas as the far better pick but at what price does it make it worth it to live with the draw backs if the 241? My main concern is length. With swapping to an ax15 I believe it’s longer than the ax5, paired with the also longer and larger 241 I fear my rear shaft will be even shorter than most with a rubicon case and make this a bad choice and would be better spent with an atlas which is shorter than the 241. What would you do?

1800 is right at the break over point, not quite but almost there where you stop the money spent comparison and just say screw it, that's too much for a 241 in principle and spend the extra on the Atlas.

Just be aware that unless you find a deal on one, you're almost double that generally to get the Atlas. The last one I was involved in not too long ago was about 32-3300 with the flat tow option in 4.3 ratio.

 

[macleanflood]

They're about $3800 right now with a 4-6 month wait.

I too was making the same debate...saw one for sale for $1700 and one for $1900.

With my propensity for breaking things I want a tougher case and a platform that's currently supported.

I just have to save up for a long time.

And suffer through the pins holding the Atlas shifter on...

-Mac

 

[mrblaine]

And suffer through the pins holding the Atlas shifter on...

-Mac

It isn't pins holding the shifter on, they are part of the shifter linkage. The linkage consists of all thread which goes through some connectors which have the pins that connect to brass adapters on the two shift rails. The brass adapters and the ends of the shifters have Igus flange bearings the pins go through that the external retaining clips retain. The Igus bearings are a very snug fit so that means you have to gently work both pins out to adjust where the handles sit in the cab by threading the pin adapter longer or shorter on the all thread.

 

[rasband]

I agree with @mrblaine - it's just at the edge of what I would consider okay (despite the alternative being a lot more). I think a little about the serviceability aspect as a major component. I've considered bumping to an atlas and selling my 241 since it cuts the cost almost in half, which might mean if you decide to do it and the market holds (and it doesn't have any issues) - you could buy time.

 

[mrblaine]

I think a little about the serviceability aspect as a major component.

That factor is near zero nowadays. Much more and we'll be removing the 241 or buying one for parts.

 

[macleanflood]

I wonder if we could organize a forum group buy and get a little discount.

But if they've got a six month wait who am I kidding.

-Mac

 

[The4bangertj]

Atlas it is. Thanks guys!

 

[bty34]

The Atlas also has perks once you move to a real front axle.

 

[The4bangertj]

The Atlas also has perks once you move to a real front axle.

Never been in a situation yet to need a front dig. Nor do I want to deal with the size and cost of swapping the front axle again. Get for some but just don’t need a 4 speed.

 

[TJustin]

I had a Teralow before I went to my Atlas. I won't talk much about the shortcomings about the Teralow, just know it had its limitations. My Atlas is a 5.0:1, which is arguably too low for my current 32RH. I became very enamored with the even lower gearing of the 5.0:1 contrasted to the 4:1 in the Teralow back when I had my NV3550. Now that I have the auto, I'd no doubt go back to the 4.3:1.

The Atlas is a bit persnickety, identifying the correct clocking, shifter setup and adjustment, etc. Since it isn't a direct R&R, it just requires time and patience. It's well worth it and I would 100% do it again. Also know that the Atlas is synchronized so while every once in a while you might be able to get it to shift ranges at a complete stop, it isn't the norm. It's much easier to get it to shift ranges while rolling 1-3 mph. It will also be a bit harder to shift in general when new. It DOES get better with use.

I'd recommend a few things for you to consider:

Go with the linkage shifters
Spend a little extra to get the sight tube
Spring for the anodized aluminum shifters, not a fan of the plastic jobs that are now standard
Buy the flanges that will allow you to run anything from a a 1310/1350 to a 1410

 

[TJustin]

They're about $3800 right now with a 4-6 month wait.

I too was making the same debate...saw one for sale for $1700 and one for $1900.

With my propensity for breaking things I want a tougher case and a platform that's currently supported.

I just have to save up for a long time.

And suffer through the pins holding the Atlas shifter on...

-Mac

I've heard the same lead time from others.

I do feel that they tend to under promise and over deliver. My brother ordered an atlas and a friend ordered a Rubicrawler just after EJS in the beginning of May. They both were quoted a significant lead time, but just received both of their orders within the last 2 weeks, FWIW.

 

[Rickyd]

I have a 2.5L and want better crawling gears. My 2 options are atlas 2 speed or 241. Both of which would mount behind an ax15 with advance adapters parts to get it behind the 2.5L. There is a used (70k but prob never wheeled) 241 being sold locally asking for 1800 right now. I always thought of the atlas as the far better pick but at what price does it make it worth it to live with the draw backs if the 241? My main concern is length. With swapping to an ax15 I believe it’s longer than the ax5, paired with the also longer and larger 241 I fear my rear shaft will be even shorter than most with a rubicon case and make this a bad choice and would be better spent with an atlas which is shorter than the 241. What would you do?

Look up gollywompers build. He had a dana 300 doubler setup with his 2.5l manual. Might be worth looking at if you can't find a used atlas. I wouldn't waste money on a 241. Lack of parts and reliability is a major issue these days

 

[mrblaine]

I've heard the same lead time from others.

I do feel that they tend to under promise and over deliver. My brother ordered an atlas and a friend ordered a Rubicrawler just after EJS in the beginning of May. They both were quoted a significant lead time, but just received both of their orders within the last 2 weeks, FWIW.

It tends to be hit and miss depending on what parts are out getting heat treated etc. We've had some stuff come in early and other stuff very delayed due to their vendors not keeping up.

 

[macleanflood]

Any thoughts on Behemoth's D300 as an alternative to an Atlas?

-Mac

 

[mrblaine]

Any thoughts on Behemoth's D300 as an alternative to an Atlas?

-Mac

We've been over this several times. If you look at the Atlas, you will note that it is identified as the Atlas II. The Atlas I was based on the Dana 300 architecture and over time they learned that the offset of input shaft and front output was not enough to get the driveshaft to clear a lot of transmissions. They started from scratch and built a set of gears that would mesh at the wider offset.

 

[macleanflood]

Fair enough...but for our AX-15s, 32RHs and 42REs that offset is sufficient, right?

The Behemoth appears to be shorter, lighter than an Atlas... probably just for the reasons you mentioned.

-Mac

 

[mrblaine]

Fair enough...but for our AX-15s, 32RHs and 42REs that offset is sufficient, right?

The Behemoth appears to be shorter, lighter than an Atlas... probably just for the reasons you mentioned.

-Mac

It is pretty much going to be for manuals only. The 32RH and 42RLE are already interfering with the 231 and 241 when you run high travel suspension.

That and about the only reason you get something like the Behemoth over just a flipped Dana 300 is so you don't have to do the flip conversion and deal with potential leaks.