To complete an installation into the Jeep TJ’s, please review the general Installation Procedures For All Vehicles located in the Atlas application guide or the on the web page.

TJ Installation Page 3

The TJ Wrangler began to be manufactured in 1997. This vehicle model is normally equipped with either an automatic transmission (Torqueflite & 42RE), or a manual transmission (AX5, AX15 & NV3550). The installation photos in this section relate to both automatic & manual transmission applications.

Crossmember & Body Modifications

The Atlas is able to be installed without spacing the stock crossmember, even with a suspension lift. Without spacers, it is crucial that the pinion angles be considered. Improper pinion angles can cause driveline noise which could easily be misinterpreted as transfer case noise. If you opt to use some type of spacers on your crossmember, this can affect the installation and operation of your twin stick shifter. NOTE:The Crossmember modifacations do not need to be made when you are upgrading to a 4 speed Atlas.

If you plan on using a lift kit in addition to your new Atlas, it is important that you correct your pinion angle when running a rear C.V. type driveshaft. The pinion angle should be equal to that of the output driveshaft. Many aftermarket suspension systems allow you to adjust the lower control arm length to give you the pinion angle you need..

Note the new Atlas installed with no crossmember spacers (which robs you of precious ground clearance), and the gain of over 6 inches of new and much needed REAR driveshaft length.

On TJ installations, you will have a few modification options when installing the Atlas transfer case. The first and most desirable option is to rotate the Atlas to a shallower than stock rotation. This will cause interference with the floorboard of the vehicle on the driver's side. By positioning the Atlas in the vehicle and rotating it up to where it makes contact with the body, you will need to mark this location.

Modifications will require some 'hammering' on the floorboard to provide clearance. By installing the Atlas with this modification, you will obtain the necessary crossmember clearance. If your vehicle has a body lift, modifications to the body may not be necessary.

A second option is to use the same rotation as your stock transfer case. Since the Atlas is physically larger in size than the stock New Process case, modifications to the skid pan will be required. The Jeep TJs used a few different skid plate designs, so the modifications may vary. We have shown some of the most typical modifications required. There are also several aftermarket companies that offer new skid plates that fit closer to the frame rails and have been clearanced for the Atlas transfer case.

No matter which option you decide to do, we recommend that you provide clearance on the crossmember for the Atlas drain plug. This drain plug is located on the access pan of the transfer case.

On stock AX15 & NV3550 manual transmission applications, the crossmember bracket will need to be modified. The photos below and the illustration on the following page will aid in the necessary modifications.

The stock manual transmission bracket before modifications.

The modified transmission bracket with the rubber support in the new location.

Once the bracket has been modified, the crossmember must be modified to fit the angle of the transmission and rubber support.

The AX5 transmission is slightly shorter than the other manual 5 speeds found in the TJs. The 1997 & newer AX5 found in TJs has a 21 spline output shaft that protrudes .500" from the back of the 5 speed. This 1/2" stickout allows for this transmission to be equipped with a 1" spacer. The 1" spacer is recommended because it allows for a cleaner shifter installation. The rubber support must be modified and moved under the transmission tailhousing. In its original