Builds Chicago builds a 40

[chicago]

So a question to all of you here...
Should I do the 4 speed Atlas, or the 2 speed?
Im a bit concerned with the 2 speed not being enough of a selection for ALL types of terrain that this rig will encounter. However, it seems that the motor might be able to make up for that?
Ill be spending 2.5K or 3K on the damn thing, so whats another 5 or 600 bucks at this point?
The low gears is what I was primarily concerned with in the first place which basically prompted these DRASTIC measures.

However, if it is not necessary and Ill be able to get away with the 2 speed, Id like to hear that too.

Thanks,

K

 

[Sputnik40]

I have an SM420 and an Orion HD and 4.56's which gets me up around 125:1 - with 39" Red Labels - did a couple of steep slick ascents on a trip a few weeks back - only one in our group who made it 2 days running, but the video was boring as all get out - slow, kinda takes the fun out of it (course you don't break as much).

I often run 2nd gear low - or even 3rd when getting on it. Sometimes get lazy and even run 4th gear low when tooling around between good trails.

I can't imagine having a 4 speed and 4 additional gears to select. Just too many options to play with if you're trying to squeeze pennies. Will be interesting to hear feedback from those who have one - or the enough money that it's no biggie to pony up the difference.

Bummer about the auto - often dream of being able to have an auto - concur with all the statements that have been made about how an auto makes it so much easier.

 

[Sputnik40]

On the 14 bolt question above - I'm sure others will fill in with more detail, but what I've been told (and from what someone I know did) summed up is: a 14 bolt carrier is offset to the passenger side, and stock come with a short side drivers side axle and a long side passengers side axle so as to have a centered pinion. To make it offset you cut the long side passenger side axle tube and then run short side axles on both sides. Using single wheel or van hubs - that gives you a 61" WMS to WMS axle width.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

On the 14 bolt question above - I'm sure others will fill in with more detail, but what I've been told (and from what someone I know did) summed up is: a 14 bolt carrier is offset to the passenger side, and stock come with a short side drivers side axle and a long side passengers side axle so as to have a centered pinion. To make it offset you cut the long side passenger side axle tube and then run short side axles on both sides. Using single wheel or van hubs - that gives you a 61" WMS to WMS axle width.

This is exactly what Freds40 did, and I've seen it on the trail. It works great. See his build thread for details.

And Kieth-I'd vote for the 2 speed Atlas to keep it simple and short. The 4 speed part of the Atlas I think is a weird planetary gear box and makes something simple and great into something not so simple. I like shorter drivetrains as you can make stuff fit and work with greater ease. I even took the 5 speed out of my FJ60 and went back to a 4 speed when I got the Toybox to get that 5 inches back.

It would be cool if you could mate your super nice tranny to a 2 speed Atlas. That should fit no problem. I'm not sure I agree that autos are "better", they are just different with their own ying/yang. Manual transmissions are for sure shorter and less complicated and probably stronger. But then you gottta shift the gears.

Are you doing 1ton axles too? This is going to be epic I think. I saw a cheap Dana 70 on CL Sacramento with 4.11 gears. Just something to consider. I'm actually hoping someone buys it before I do as I really don't need it but I want it.

 

[chicago]

This is exactly what Freds40 did, and I've seen it on the trail. It works great. See his build thread for details.

And Kieth-I'd vote for the 2 speed Atlas to keep it simple and short. The 4 speed part of the Atlas I think is a weird planetary gear box and makes something simple and great into something not so simple. I like shorter drivetrains as you can make stuff fit and work with greater ease. I even took the 5 speed out of my FJ60 and went back to a 4 speed when I got the Toybox to get that 5 inches back.

It would be cool if you could mate your super nice tranny to a 2 speed Atlas. That should fit no problem. I'm not sure I agree that autos are "better", they are just different with their own ying/yang. Manual transmissions are for sure shorter and less complicated and probably stronger. But then you gottta shift the gears.

Are you doing 1ton axles too? This is going to be epic I think. I saw a cheap Dana 70 on CL Sacramento with 4.11 gears. Just something to consider. I'm actually hoping someone buys it before I do as I really don't need it but I want it.

Not sure on the 1 tons yet...
The 14 bolts can be had REAAAAAAALY CHEAP! The down side of those is the pumpkin size. I dont think Id like clanging that around too much.
I can do the hybrid toy mini truck axle NOW, get a set of cro mo's CHEAP and run that and see what happens.
The D60's are reasonable too from what Ive found.
The only down side to running the bigger axles for me is the re gear cost.

 

[Mace]

And rims..

 

[chicago]

And rims..

And that too!

 

[slvrbck]

I'd go with the 2 spd Atlas, a 4 spd is OVERKILL. I know a cat with a 4 spd, and he said all he uses the 10.3:1 for is moving it around the shop. And might as well build a 1 ton rear...you'll probably end up with a 60 front anyways down the road. Also, you can CHOP, not just shave a 14 bolt....or you can run a 70U...35 spline and a smooth belly.

Good to hear the frame is in decent shape. I can't wait to make it up there and check it out!!!

 

[chicago]

motor is OUUUUUT!!!!
Now I dont have the space to do anything with it...got it in the For sale section for DIRT CHEAP. Just want it gone!

Anyway, Ill continue cleaning the frame to get ready to set the vortec in soon.

My Computer took a s***...Im having to use my old ass lap top from college, so pics will be a while...
Seems there is a new microsoft operating system coming out that I CAN NOT buy a new computer right now? WTF is with that?

 

[rusty_tlc]

motor is OUUUUUT!!!!
Now I dont have the space to do anything with it...got it in the For sale section for DIRT CHEAP. Just want it gone!

Anyway, Ill continue cleaning the frame to get ready to set the vortec in soon.

My Computer took a s***...Im having to use my old ass lap top from college, so pics will be a while...
Seems there is a new microsoft operating system coming out that I CAN NOT buy a new computer right now? WTF is with that?

Good luck selling a 2F.

I think you will be glad you waited for the new OS, everybody I've talked to says it's pretty slick.

 

[bustanutley]

If I could have swung it I would have gotten a 4speed atlas. Having a 5:1 and a 2:1 in a short package is rad

 

[chicago]

Good luck selling a 2F.

I think you will be glad you waited for the new OS, everybody I've talked to says it's pretty slick.

Yeah...however, im a little pissed that they hold you hostage for it. The is in school, had a paper on the old comp and NEEDS a new one that will work as her classes are on line. This works, but it just takes a LOOONG time to do anything. Que Sera.

K

 

[chicago]

If I could have swung it I would have gotten a 4speed atlas. Having a 5:1 and a 2:1 in a short package is rad

What motor are you running?
Ive thought about that too, however the general opinion has been that its over kill, and it might be a bit more complicated and thus taking the simplistic beauty away from the atlas.

K

 

[bustanutley]

I'm running an F.

 

[chicago]

I just realized TODAY, that I cant do the wiring and get the rig running until I do the body work to the tub!!!!!
HOLY CRAP!!!!!

Chicago

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I just realized TODAY, that I cant do the wiring and get the rig running until I do the body work to the tub!!!!!
HOLY CRAP!!!!!

Chicago

LOL. Don't worry, it should be done in time for Rubithon 2012.

 

[rusty_tlc]

LOL. Don't worry, it should be done in time for Rubithon 2012.

As much as he pretends to hate sheet metal work he is a wizard*, I'm sure it will be done long before then.


*The quarter panel chop he did on the blotch rig is way more complicated then anything the 40 will require.

 

[chicago]

As much as he pretends to hate sheet metal work he is a wizard*, I'm sure it will be done long before then.


*The quarter panel chop he did on the blotch rig is way more complicated then anything the 40 will require.

I hope that is the case!
Im gonna have to re build the DS fender well, and then do the rear 1/4, THEN replace that rear cargo flooring that is already cut out. The PO WELDED the rear of the tub to the frame, so Im also gonna have to re configure that so Ill be able to remove the tub...
Work is definately cut out for me. Im still gonna shoot for the death valley Blotch run to be AT LEAST wheelable, and that is next spring. Its gonna be close, but I MIGHT make it.

Ill be starting on the tub this week, weekend.

Thanks for the props on the work Rusty.

K

 

[chicago]

Something that I THOUGHT would be relatively easy was a NIGHTMARE!
I spent about 7 hours today "re building" my rear fender well and got NOTHING accomplished except the removal of it! found MORE rust on the tub, sat for HOURS trying to figure out HOW to repair it all, realized that Id have to re build the rear sill etc...went and spent about 100 bucks in steel and scrapped it for today. I then checked on CCOT and found the WHOLE SHEBANG is only 134.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Im ordering tomorrow. Its just NOT WORTH the time to re build it myself!

What a SH!T day in the Chicago gargae!
At least I didnt have to be at work;p

K

 

[rusty_tlc]

Something that I THOUGHT would be relatively easy was a NIGHTMARE!
I spent about 7 hours today "re building" my rear fender well and got NOTHING accomplished except the removal of it! found MORE rust on the tub, sat for HOURS trying to figure out HOW to repair it all, realized that Id have to re build the rear sill etc...went and spent about 100 bucks in steel and scrapped it for today. I then checked on CCOT and found the WHOLE SHEBANG is only 134.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Im ordering tomorrow. Its just NOT WORTH the time to re build it myself!

What a SH!T day in the Chicago gargae!
At least I didnt have to be at work;p

K

So what you are saying is that a bad day in the garage is better than a good day at work?

So any chance MM will take the stuff you bought back? Or will it just wind up in the stock pile?