2005 & up Xterra & Frontier Atlas Install

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Clocking of the Atlas to fit requires trimming of the shifter base web to clear the adapter and modify a heat shield.

The twin stick shifter base will need to be modified to clear the adapter plate.

Above is the notch that needs to be clearanced. It is the web just inside of the rear shift rail. Picture below is the completed notch and the clearance to the adapter plate.

Below shows the set of mounting holes that should be used when installing the adaptor plate.

When installing the Atlas II to the adapter plate, the kit comes with bolts and the Atlas II comes with studs. For clearance with the transmission tailhousing, use the bolts provided with the adapter with sealer on the threads. Use the bolts to secure the adapter plate in the clocking position shown.

We found that there is sufficient room to install the spacer tube and all thread after installing the transfer case. Due to the tight fit between the transmission and the exhaust, it is easier to leave the shifter (except the shifter base) off the transfer case until the transfer case is installed, or at least up between the frame rails. The hardest part is threading the shift cables into the shift rails on the Atlas. This is difficult even with the transfer case out of the truck. Temporarily installing the rod ends makes it easier to thread the shift cables onto the transfer case. It is easier to install the cables onto the transfer case first, and then fish them up through the floor.

Be sure to mark the shift cables. It is annoying to put everything together and find that you have swapped the front and rear cables. While routing them through the floor it is easy to cross them and not realize it. By marking the cables it avoids confusing them.

Here we marked them “R” and “F” for rear and front.

It may be possible to install the Atlas II in the next higher clocking position. This would require modifying the floor pan and the exhaust for clearance. There is minimal value to this modification as the standard clocking is still above the cross member and clears the stock skid plate Higher clocking would increase the front driveshaft operating angle. This is not recommended unless you have a special need.