Atlas Transfer Case Jeep ZJ Istallation Page2, by Advance Adapters Inc.

ZJ Information

ZJ Installation

Jeep Cherokees known as the “ZJ” are a great platform for offroad use. They are comfortable enough to be driven daily, yet rugged enough to warrant the Atlas. The majority of the information in this section is based on a 1994 ZJ.

The '94 ZJ was equipped with a 5.2 liter V8, a A518 (46RH) transmission, Dana 30 and 35 differentials with a 3.73 gear ratio. First, the ZJ was raised enough to clear 32 x 11.50 tires, which took 4.5 inches of lift consisting of new springs, adjustable control arms, and longer shocks. Since the Cherokee is uni-body in design, the suspension had to be adjustable allowing us to dial in our pinion angles. This was crucial to obtain correct driveshaft angles when installing an Atlas transfer case. Because of this uni-body construction, any driveline vibration (due to improper driveline angles) will be very noticeable.

Shift Indicator Switch

The Atlas is designed to work with both the vacuum actuated front axles and the stock dash board indicator lights. Since these features were designed into the Atlas based around the YJ & TJ Jeep vehicles, installing the Atlas into the ZJ & XJ presented a few problems in this area.

The shifter indicator on many of the ZJs is a 4-prong connector that indicates 4WD High, 4WD Low, and part time 4WD. Unfortunately, the shift rail detents in the Atlas cannot provide the same features as your stock indicator did. You can use a Jeep TJ switch which will indicate when you are in 4WD, but not high and low range. On our application, we opted to not use any type of shift indicator light.

Crossmember & Body Modifications

Front output shaft provides better crossmember clearance due to the positive offset yoke.

The installation of an Atlas requires little or no modifications to the body or the crossmember. The installation that we performed actually improved driveline angles, crossmember clearance, and ground clearance. The photos that follow illustrate the Atlas with a shallower than stock rotation. On some ZJs, a full crossmember/skid pan was used. If this is the case with your vehicle, you may have some of the same modifications as shown in the TJ section. Most of the ZJ installations that we have done have been preformed using a Atlas 2 speed cases. When installing the Atlas 4 speed in an ZJ, the Atlas will be located further back and will require floor board mods and custom cross member mods to properly complete installation.

Shifter Installation

There are several configurations of Atlas twin stick handles. For the vehicles that we have installed the Atlas into, we have designed specific shifters for each application. The photos show the stock ZJ console with Part No. 303005L Atlas twin sticks installed.