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Old 02-02-2011, 03:28 PM   #1
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Atlas Gear Ratio 3.8:1 vs 3.0:1

Couldn't find much info on any debate or opinions on this subject. SMBW says only about 1% of their 4x4 customers request the 3.8. Anyone here have it? or would have rather gone with 3.8 over their 3.0? is 3.0 low enough?
yes, i want to be able to pass difficult trails and not just forest groomers.

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Old 02-02-2011, 04:08 PM   #2
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Re: Atlas Gear Ratio 3.8:1 vs 3.0:1

I would suggest 3.8.
You should be able to idle in drive over most stuff with that.
Weight of the vehicle, tire size et al and you will like the lower ratio.
The motor won't have to work as much.

3.0 is not much lower than the stock 2.2/2.5/2.7 of most standard transfer cases.

My QuadVan uses a standard transfer case and its not low enough for me when I want to go slooow over stuff.

I have had too many 4x4's over the years where my low range was not low enough.
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Old 02-02-2011, 04:33 PM   #3
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Re: Atlas Gear Ratio 3.8:1 vs 3.0:1

The torque converter in an auto helps make up for it, that said if you're really going offroad (not just snow and dirt roads) you can't go too low in my opinion.
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Old 02-02-2011, 06:22 PM   #4
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Re: Atlas Gear Ratio 3.8:1 vs 3.0:1

You can always go with one of the two the 4 speed Atlas transfer case. Would shorten up the rear driveshaft a small amount, but there's plenty of margin there.

1:1, 2:1, 2.72:1, and 5.44:1
- or -
1:1, 2.72:1, 3.8:1 and 10.3:1


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Old 02-03-2011, 05:10 PM   #5
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Re: Atlas Gear Ratio 3.8:1 vs 3.0:1

Thanks for the tips, 3.8 it is!
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Old 02-03-2011, 07:51 PM   #6
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Re: Atlas Gear Ratio 3.8:1 vs 3.0:1

I have a 3.8 and am happy with it. You can NEVER be too slow with a 10,000 lb vehicle over rough terrain. I think they could also get a 4.2 if you want. Average 4x4 ratios are about 2.6-2.8? Enjoy your build.



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Old 02-03-2011, 08:22 PM   #7
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Re: Atlas Gear Ratio 3.8:1 vs 3.0:1

I'd also go lower if running a gas engine. My diesel crawls very well at slow speeds and am satisfied with what SMB supplied (tires, gears, and Atlas), but don't know about a gas engine and would think lower is better. Friggin things are big and I don't fly over tough stuff.
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Old 02-07-2011, 06:11 PM   #8
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Re: Atlas Gear Ratio 3.8:1 vs 3.0:1

Thanks for the information. I didn't even know the transfer case ratio was an option. Are there any reasons I *wouldn't* want 3.8:1 with a gas V-10?

Thanks,
-Peter
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Old 02-07-2011, 06:42 PM   #9
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Re: Atlas Gear Ratio 3.8:1 vs 3.0:1

Quote:
Originally Posted by Okie
Are there any reasons I *wouldn't* want 3.8:1 with a gas V-10?

Thanks,
-Peter
IMHO, no.
My V-10 in low range, I feel, could use more low (stock transfer case - 2.72 : 1).
Low range really doesn't need any more than 25 mph in drive, IMO.
Its for slow going. Keep it low.
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Old 03-23-2011, 01:58 AM   #10
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Re: Atlas Gear Ratio 3.8:1 vs 3.0:1

If you have the coin, i would go with the 4 sp 10:1 t-case. Options are gooooood to have, if you ever need them. I do not own a SMB yet, but have some pretty low gearing in my Power Wagon. 1st gear is 6.3:1, t-case Lo range is 2.72:1 & axles are 4.56, which all equals a 78:1 crawl ratio. 1st gear lo range at 3-4000 rpms = about 5 mph max. I have idled through stuff without spinning a tire, that others could not make it through with much momentum & tire spin. Just my humble non-SMB opinion. LOL
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