what is advantage of Atlas 2 over other 4x4 options ?

[copescobra]

SMB seems to be the only 4x4 that uses the Atlas 2 and wonder why that is?

Is there something better or provide more capabilities for on road / off road options ?

would love to know in easy to understand terms if possible.

thank you in advance.

[BroncoHauler]

The premise is that the Atlas is a more rugged, durable transfer case. All gear driven, no chains, housing milled out of solid aluminum. A few people have had seal problems, but that's about it as far as I know.

From personal experience, I never had problems with my Atlas in my SMB, nor in my Bronco. I think I've had the Atlas in my Bronco for nearly 10 years now. Aside from durability, one reason I went for the Atlas in my Bronco was the ability to get a low gear ratio (5:1). Between my t/c, diffs and granny gear on the trans, I have a 100:1 crawl ratio.


Herb

[Pschitt]

Another advantage is that you can have only one axle traction in high or law gear (front or rear) and both together also in high or low ratio.

[TwoVans]

The other thing that is unique to the Atlas is the ability to put the rear axle in neutral and drive via the front axle. This is useful in at least two scenarios:

1. Rear driveshaft damage/failure.
2. The "move". This involves putting the rear in neutral, setting the parking brake (or holding back the rear in some other fashion), and pulling the front end around. I've seen a rock buggy do it. Very impressive. Think turn radius in inches vice tens of feet.

That being said, general ruggedness is the primary strength.

[BroncoHauler]

I've always been very cautious about using 2wd low. That's a lot of torque being applied to just one axle. If you have a weakness in your axle, you might find it.


Herb

[daveb]

I just use 2 wheel low when on an incline where I'm driving at low speeds. Once it gets too steep I engage both axles.

As mentioned, If you did loose a rear u-joint it's nice to be able to limp out with the front axle.

[BajaSportsmobile]

If you have a bad rear u-joint, you are still going to have to drop the drive shaft with either T-case unless you want it rattling around as it gets driven by the rearend.

Atlas is obviously a great T-case that will stand up to more abuse than the factory chain driven T-cases and has the advantage of lower ratios and front rear split.

All of which costs a pretty penny. Is it worth in on our vans? Not in my book.

[carringb]

2WD-low is great for backing trailers. Reverse makes LOTS of heat since it is a taller ratio, and you tend to back trailer at low speeds where the Torque Converter is slipping a lot, and also you don't get much air through the radiator backing.

But you can do this with an NV271 T-case and manual hubs (or even the auto hubs if you add a vacuum lockout aka "4-down towing kit").

[Tapatio]

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

The premise is that the Atlas is a more rugged, durable transfer case.

Herb

Within limits. Remember to tread lightly.

[Ford_6L_E350]

Originally Posted by carringb

2WD-low is great for backing trailers. Reverse makes LOTS of heat since it is a taller ratio, and you tend to back trailer at low speeds where the Torque Converter is slipping a lot, and also you don't get much air through the radiator backing.

But you can do this with an NV271 T-case and manual hubs (or even the auto hubs if you add a vacuum lockout aka "4-down towing kit").

Which is how I choose to backup my little SMB trailer. I need to go real slow because the trailer is so short and it reacts much quicker than a longer trailer. Van being an EB makes it react even quicker.

Shift into 4LO, do not apply vacuum to the front hubs, and creep back watching the trailer in both mirrors and the backup camera mounted high on the van. Put my hand at the bottom of the wheel and move it the direction I want the trailer to go.

I know it generates more heat in the trans, but since I'm basically idling it is about the same as a long stoplight in gear.

Mike