<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Cool, thanks. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Tjay, dude a stock 300 in the same county as a an Atlas?
However a 300 with 32 spline outputs, 4:1 kits....an atlas looks much more affordable.

Why does it always have to be how cheap you can build something?
Why not start with the best way and work down to what you can afford. This way you don't miss out on a better part or method in favor of bubblegum and bailing wire BS of installing one wrecking yard part after another until you have exceeded the cost of having done it right in the first place...?

SD

PS Clocking a t case is critical if you intend to have a better break over angle, if you want to have a flat skid, if you want to chuck the oe skid plate garbage...

I don't understand why everything has to be a "$2500 Atlas" or a "$2500 rear axle" when building a rig, most people don't have $15-$20K just laying around to drop on rig as a hobby especially in this economy. Just to clarify I'm not advocating that the 231/D300 is the end-all-be-all transfer case upgrade, I'm just saying that there are OTHER options out there outside of buying the most expensive thing on the market for a particular part that might be better suited for a particular wheeler, their wheeling style, terrian type and their budget. That being said, why would Advanced Adapters makers of the Atlas T-case actually manufacture and sell multiple doubler kits on their site using a D300 if that was such "bubblegum and bailing wire" method of doing things? I still stand by saying that a 231/D300 doubler literally has MORE selection than a 2-speed 4.3:1 Atlas and can be built REALLY STRONG for LESS than going with the Atlas t-case option. Just looking at JB Conversions site you can get a D300 rebuild kit for $125, a 32-spline D300 front output for $175, a 32-spline D300 rear output for $390, $200-300 for a used D300 (that's if you don't shop around and just buy one from a yard), FREE 231 from the project rig and $500 for the 231 doubler kit totals $1390. I'm not sure what the going rate is for a D300 rebuild but I doubt that it would run $1k which is the difference between the 231/D300 build and the 2-speed Atlas price. Furthermore there are many detailed D300 rebuild write-ups on many reputable sites out there so the average wheeler should be able to rebuild one with basic tools if they so wished. Plus most people involved in this sport/hobby actually enjoy working and learning about their rigs, I know I do <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> . It brings a sense of accomplishment knowing that they built/worked on something themselves and actually know how it works as opposed to just having someone else build and install something for them and then if they ever need to work on their rig on the trail when something goes south they have no idea where to even begin working on their rig. So to reiterate, there is more than one option out there when building ones rig... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Fred R.

Among the rhetoric being tossed around, there are some points that are being overlooked.

It is recognized that modifications cost money and many people are short on ready cash.

There are some points to keep in mind before you lay out the cash for the first mod.

Basically, begin with the end in mind. Consider what type of wheeling you will be doing and address whether your rig will double as a daily drive or trailered to the trail head.

Answering those questions will set the tone for the type of mods you will be doing.

Do your homework. Many modifications are fads that are quickly adopted and quickly discarded.

Availability of repair parts. So, you can get an SM-420 4-spd truck tranny from the bone yard and it has a super-low first gear for a real cheap price. Will that fit your Jeep 4.0l??

Or, you want EFI and have a line on a complete LT350 from a wrecked Chevy. What fabrication skills do you have to mount that engine in a Jeep?

Yes, you can mix, match, and swap spline count parts. Is that really necessary? Consider the overall cost....

And, consider that when you get off-stock to the point of having Ford, Chevy and Jeep parts working together (maybe), there becomes a point where maintenance becomes an issue. You say, no problem, NAPA is jsut down the street. Well, I know of many places where the closest NAPA is 4-5 hour drive. And, I was recently stranded for three days while the local NAPA had parts shipped in.

In short, what people are saying is that sometimes it is best to consider your long=term goal for the build and do it right the first time. In the end, you will probably spend less if you take your time, plan your build and do it once.

Posted by Admin:

TayJ has been having trouble posting and wanted me to post the below for him...

Not dogging a D300 at all, just suggesting that one does swaps with the best parts, ones that hold value and can be used for builds and rebuilds for decades. Civilizations will rise and fall and you can keep passing an atlas on to great great grandchildren...
For the first time in all of my own personal jeep builds I finaly installed an atlas in my own rig (Horse traded for a used one)...The ability to a "dig" saved me a nasty roll over on Sledge Hammer a couple weeks ago while out there for KOH. On the waterfall at the "plaque" on sledge..I was trying the right side and found myself hanging on by 1/2 a tread from a nasty roll into the hole (ala casey Currey)when I said to myself..hey you're running an atlas...use it..I grabbed the front drive out and pinned the gas and it spun me right around avoiding the roll.......

A 300 is a strong case. to build it though...$175 for a 32 spline front output kit may be correct...but do you have the Bridgeport mill and the know how to machine the race seat? Or the know how to build a 300 at all? Not many do.
If not, ...then...you are paying someone to build it.
My shop charges $150 to just machine the race seat. (set up is most of that time)..
Is your time worth nothing?

The post was not asking how to do it cheap, just suggesting.

SD

This is one aspect of building rigs that is often over looked.

Your time does have a value.

And, your life could depend on the value you give to your time.

For anyone that considers altering the design of a vehicle, do it right which is not always cheap....