Doubler cost vs. Atlas

[doonjumper]

Ok, so I have a sm465 10 spline out, a 203 range box, and the 205 10 spline with coupler with 32 splined fixed yoke out. What I would like to do is convert it all to 32 spline for max strength but seems that the price for doing so is high based on all the sites I have visited. Does the doubler have any benefits over the Atlas other than cost? I have yet to see one in action so sorry if this is a dumb question . Is there a need to go 32 spline from the 465/203/, or can I just get away with having the 205 32 spline? Has anyone broken 10 spline shafts at the 465 or 203?

 

[76zimmer]

It's my perception that the farther down the drivetrain you put power the stronger the components need to be, because of torque multiplication. So If your running a relatively stock small block, My opinion is you could run a 10 spline 203 input, but should upgrade the 205, and farther down the line.
It seemed funny to me that my D60 has a 1310 yoke on it, with 1480 axle ujoints....gotta figure there is some torque going through those.

 

[Chaddy]

I would take an atlas all day long. I have seen plenty in action. Nice and short, all the gear you could ever want, and super strong.

 

[manchildau65]

why not just get away from the figure eight 10 spline and go to the circular? That is unless you were looking to get 4:1?

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

It seemed funny to me that my D60 has a 1310 yoke on it, with 1480 axle ujoints....gotta figure there is some torque going through those.

Because the axle joints see 4.xx (or whatever the gear ratio is) more torque

As for the necessity of swapping to 32 spline, its really not. The 32 spline stuff was implemented more for durability than strength, the 10 spline stuff is very strong and I wouldn't shy away from it for that reason.

 

[manchildau65]

I went to 32 spline b/c I've broken many of those 10 spline couplers...

 

[odin]

I would take an atlas all day long. I have seen plenty in action. Nice and short, all the gear you could ever want, and super strong.

X2
Ive often wondered why guys would opt for the complexity, weight, and cost of a doubler.
An Atlas isnt cheap...but everytime Ive considered doubling mine up, the cost quickly approaches the Atlas.

 

[rdn2blazer]

I WILL be going Atlas, when I can afford it.

 

[ryoken]

is the Atlas the same dimensionally as the 205?

 

[Desert Rat]

X2
Ive often wondered why guys would opt for the complexity, weight, and cost of a doubler.
An Atlas isnt cheap...but everytime Ive considered doubling mine up, the cost quickly approaches the Atlas.

I think some folks figure they already own a 205 so why not just add on. And, when I started my project, Atlas had basically one or two models. Now they have a ton of options. Also, you now have STAK, Lomax, and other options that I didn't have available to me when I started my project some years ago. If I was starting now, Atlas for sure.

 

[odin]

I think some folks figure they already own a 205 so why not just add on...

Thats what I was thinking.
I currently have a TH400/205 in my truck.
So just "adding on" like you stated is an option.

But if I purchase an Atlas or STak. I can recoup some of my money, by selling my Figure 8 32 spline 205, which are worth a nice chunk of change

 

[Desert Rat]

One advantage of the Atlas though is that you don't have to fiddle with two crossmembers and modifying the front one to accomodate the front driveshaft as well as the output shaft if you have a 700R4. You also gain length in the rear driveshaft as the Atlas is approximately the same size as a NP205 give or take. I do like my triple stick setup though.

 

[76zimmer]

X2
Ive often wondered why guys would opt for the complexity, weight, and cost of a doubler.
An Atlas isnt cheap...but everytime Ive considered doubling mine up, the cost quickly approaches the Atlas.

The cost factor is one reason why I'm keeping track of my expenses for my build, and breaking them down by major components, and the supporting equipment for those components....right now my doubler setup costs are a little over 1500$ which includes the twin stick, doubler kit, and the original purchase price of the 2 transfer cases of $200. In addition that sum also includes the extra $385 in shafts that might not be needed if the ideal cases where found to begin the process of doubling. Keep in mind my costs are for total costs, including the purchase price of the vehicle and all parts. Like you had nothing to start with, and just started shopping for the stuff.
So if you can get the right t/c cheap or in your truck already your half way there.

So what is an Atlas costing these days to actually get it functional in the truck?

 

[Chaddy]

You can get a used atlasII between 1500 and 2000 bucks.

 

[doonjumper]

Can you still use the 203 range box coupled with the atlas?

 

[Chaddy]

I dont know why you would even want to.....

 

[supersize75k5]

Atlas 4 speed, with a cable shifters, bling knob, vss tail, adaptor, and 1350 flange output was 2800 or 3200 I cant recall, but one of those two numbers It was well below what they quote on advanced adaptors. I ordered mine from a pirate vendor. I was told 8-10 weeks, it showed up in 7 or 8 I have had some questions, i call advanced.. they answer.. and have in depth knowledge and support.

Prior to this I tried no less than several times to get ahold of stak over the span of more than a week, left voice mails ect.. this was to actually order a case. I then figured if they can not answer my call to make a sale, there is no way I want to try to call them if I had a problem Turns out I made the right choice as they have had many issues with both the product and the product support. I support good vendors, not bad ones. I would place advanced adaptors, and the pirate vendor in the same group as those in my sig line.



For me I could not fit the doubler in the buggy and by the time you ad up the two cases, rebuilding everything, shifters, doubler kit, trans shafts, bearing issues, case searching ect.. The doubler is not to far off or right on par with at least a 2 speed atlas. As mentioned they are not to bad used too.

 

[Adventurous 4x4]

Me personally, I think the Atlas is a better option if you want 3 or 4 gears. The 4spd Atlas is more expensive the most will spend doing a Doubler so cost is a factor. Also IMHO the Th400/205 or the TH400/203 by itself sucks as far as low range goes. Both the Atlas and Doubler work great and will take serious abuse. If I already had a th400/203 or th350/203 in my rig I would do a Doubler. If you don't then you might want to price it all out first before making the decision. I myself plan to run a Atlas 4spd.

 

[Greg72]

Even though it's made of aluminum, the Atlas4 has done a respectable job of holding my garage floor down...

Someday I'll be able to post actual driving impressions.

 

[70jimmy]

Even though it's made of aluminum, the Atlas4 has done a respectable job of holding my garage floor down...

It's not good for the Atlas transfer cases to sit for long periods of time without lubrication and movement of the internal parts. So to ensure that it will be in good working order when you are ready to use it I would be happy to install it in my rig to be sure it gets the periodic lubrication required to protect your investment. I would even pay shipping both ways. Just to help a brother out!!