I have ordered an Atlas two speed transfer case. It should arrive sometime next week if they do not delay it again. It is my understanding that is simply bolts on in place of the stock TC. I am a 2010 JK Sport 2 door manual transmission.

However, when I talk to shops, they tell me how difficult it is to install and want anywhere from $1000,00 to $2000.00 to install. That is a lot of money. Why does it cost so much. Is it simply labor intensive or am I getting raped?

Are there any tricks to know to install the Atlas? Any special tools needed? If it simply bolts on, I am thinking I might be able to do it myself.

If you have an opinion, please share.

-John

 

Its just time consuming removing everything and installing the twin sticks into the factory location.

 

It sounds simple enough. I am just worried about adjusting the cables. I am sure it will come with instructions.

 

Havoc off-road has an instal video on the tube it seems pretty informative.

 

Best if you have someone to help you as it is pretty heavy when you get ready to hang it.

 

Were they accurate with the lead time or was it faster/longer than forecasted?

 

My 2016 is an auto. Not sure how different it is on a manual. I did it alone, but purchased Harbor Freight's floor trans jack and that was the "Tits." Thought I had it clocked the first time and had to re-do it and grind a little on the trans mount. But I think that's cuz I'm running 1350's all around (they rec 1310 at the front of the TC). Their instructions are very good. The cable adjustment on the TC it self is very easy to do on the bench. The sticks are just a little common sense by looking at the shifter throw and making sure it doesn't contact the box before the end of the full cable travel. Take the seats and console out and give yourself as much room as possible,

Good Luck

 

I did the install by myself recently when I did the ls swap. I am the first to admit that I'm not as bright as they come and have a tendency to troll the users manual instead of actually reading it. I tried using the HF trans jack, but i had a lot of problems with it slipping and just being a general nuisance. I muscled it up there, but would have been simple with a buddy.
My tips, watch the videos several times. Bench test the cables! Find a way if you don't have a bench... it can be as simple as bolting the shifter to a 2x4, but do it. Make sure you check to see if you need the jam nut behind the acorn nut on the t-case side. I believe all jk's do not use the jam nut, but check to make sure. I put it on mine, then couldn't adjust the cables far enough to shift into high on either stick. Once it's mounted, there isn't much room to remove the cables, so I ended up needing to pull the entire t-case to readjust the cables. I also put Loctite on the acorn nut and instantly regretted it. It was easy enough to loosen up with a propane torch but I feel I didn't really need to loctite them.
It will be a little tough to shift at first. When you're done bench testing, leave it in 2wd high. When you're rolling at 2-3 mph, it will shift fairly easily.

 

Great thread!

is there somewhere to learn about the esoteric functionality of running the Atlas 2?

you know, the different settings of hi in the back but low in the front?

I've seen folks do some amazing things on obstacles with this setup and would like to learn more...

matthew

 

I have never tired but I don't think you can run high rear and low front and if you caught traction with front and rear you would destroy the transfer case. Maybe you are referring to a front dig where you disconnect the rear and only run the front to pull the rear end around obstacles like big boulders.