A new T-case is going to be one of my winter projects and I am really split on which way to go. My current set-up is a 2013 2-door, 6 speed, 3.73 gears, and 35's. A lot of my wheeling is in the rockier parts of the East, but I plan to start going out West a couple times a year as well. While there are many upgrades on my list, my greatest frustration wheeling was a lack of low range.

Help me decide which T-case to go with! Hold all other factors constant (gearing, etc), but assume that I may move to 37's. I'm not very price sensitive, but I don't like to spend more when I don't need to (and sometimes the best and the badest isn't the right way to go). My thoughts:

Used Rubicon case: good price, 4:1 low range is definitely an improvement, bolts right up.

Atlas II: More bomb proof for whatever I do in the future, option to go 4.3:1 or 5:1.

Atlas IV: More options, obviously.

I struggle with the Atlas II option since if I go with 4.3:1, I may as well save the money and get the Rubi case. I've read the 5:1 is just too much low range for anything but rocks, so that seems less than ideal.

The Atlas IV solves all of the issues, but it is a steep price. I also fear the install of the Atlas IV. I've read that I'll need at least one new driveshaft, and that there is a clearance issue with the crossmember. Plus, finding a place for the extra shifter (you know, when you need 10:1 so you can ghost ride in the rocks).

 

I put a 241OR into my 2012 sport with 3.21's and 35's and i absolutely love it! Still plan to regear to 4.10 or maybe 4.56, but that's for on road performance only. I no longer have any problems with stalling in the rocks.

As for 5:1 being too much, I don't really think that's possible. You have a six speed manual, use it Most of my trail riding now is done in 2nd or 3rd. 4th and 5th gear gets used as well in spots. And of course first anytime I'm in the rocks. All depends on your budget. If you can find a 241OR in good condition under $800, i'd jump on it.

Incase you didn't know, you can swap in a 241OR from any JK EXCEPT a 2012+ auto. The one i swapped in was from a 2010 auto.

 

If you are going to be using your factory axles I would go with the rubi transfer case.

 

May I ask why that is?

 

The factory transfer case is a chain drive where the Atlas is a gear drive case and can be quite noisy having the front driveshaft turn all the time as well as the extra wear and tear on the metal on metal gears while daily driving. An front lock out hub is recommended when using an Atlas TC.

Its a great transfer case but you rarely hear about the noise issue.

 

Ah, that answers it. I plan to swap in a ProRock 44/60 hybrid with locking hubs mid to late next year, but sounds like I should just pick up a used rubi case for the interim and revisit the Atlas question then.

 

How would one go about sourcing a transfer case? Start calling around to auto wreckers?

 

that, forums, or call motech in vegas. of course you can always go to jeep to get one.

 

I got mine from a local 4x4 shop doing an LS swap for a customer. They like to use a 241J (2.72:1) case in combination with the GM tranny. SO our deal was $450 plus my transfercase in return for the customers pretty much mint condition mall crawler 4:1 case from a 2010 with less miles than my 2012.

So local offroad shops doing engine swaps is a good place to get a deal. Also hit up Motech. They are one of the bigger names in LS swaps and are sometimes searching for sport tcases and sell rubicon ones. Last resorts would be someone buying an Atlas or something from a wrecked JK. Gotta be careful tho. My understanding would be than tcase is in the list of things to be damaged in a front end collision?

Edit: yeah what he said ^