so i got to spend some more time on it this weekend. finally got my x-member/skid plate "frame rails" done. took waaaaay longer than expected, about 15 hrs total, but they turned out pretty sweet and they're light and strong.
i was looking at the atlas fo a while trying to decide which mount/adapter to go with.
one option is to use the AA adapter which is a 2 piece aluminum design. one is a 1" spacer, the other is the adapter itself. i'm not so sure that i like the design for a few reasons:
1) strength. i have seen a few of these break, starting years ago when i went to the TTC in hollister and the scorpion snapped his. and i've seen a bunch more on the boards
2) heigth. this setup is 2" taller than the stock adapter (including the rubber mount on both setups).
3) the mount itself. the AA unit uses a crappy gm 2wd type mount which uses 2 bolts spaced roughly 4" apart to attach the mount to the adapter and then 2 more bolts spaced roughly 1.5" apart to attach the mount to the x-member/skid-plate. and they do not hold up very well. i have seen numerous mounts like this fail.
4) cost. looks to be around $200.
good points about the AA unit:
1) light weight. but who really cares about a pound or 2 in a street driven rig.
2) adjustability. the AA version allows lots of it so you can clock the t-cae pretty much however you need it.
3) length. overall length on both pieces is 2.5". i need all the rear drive shaft length i can get.
4) no modifications needed.
the other option would be to go with the stock gm cast iron th700-np241c cast iron adapter.
bad points:
1) weight. but who really cres.
2) lack of adjustability. can be modified to be adjustable, but takes some machining. (good thing i have the bridgeport mill sitting in my garage)
3) length. overall 3.25", that's almost an inch wider than the AA unti.
good points:
1) price. these are cheap and plentiful. i got mine for $20.
2) durability. i have never seen one of these crack or break.
3) heigth. 2" shorter than the AA unit, so the mount will not hang down as low.
4) mount style. this unit uses a rubber mount from the full size trucks and suburbans. the mounting bolts are located roughly 6" apart on the adapter itself. the bolts attaching the mount to the x-member are roughly 5: apart. lots of stability and the mounts hold up very well.
right now i'm gonna wait until i get the frnt axle mounted up so i can see where the front output on the t-cvase needs to be in order for the front driveshaft to clear. that will determine if and how much i have to clock the t-case. i have both mounts at home so i can work with either.
i'll post some weekend progress pics later tonite.
best part, i really wrenched my back this weekend between digging holes in the yard for some new trees we're planting and messing with the atlas. at least it's mocked up.
