1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ - Project Teal-J II, Part 2

When we installed the skidplate/crossmember combo we found that the Atlas smacked the crossmember. We didn't want to lose valuable clearance by using spacers on the crossmember, or by notching it, so we decided to take the Atlas back out and re-index it one position higher. Once this was accomplished, it fit with no problem. However, our TJ has a 1-inch body lift, so if yours doesn't, some banging on the floor with a hammer for clearance might be required.

The next step is to modify the factory tranny/transfer-case mount, which needs the back half of it trimmed off. Off Road Unlimited busted out the torch to make quick work of the cut.

Next to be modified is the crossmember/skidplate assembly. The modified tranny/transfer-case mount moves forward on the skidplate to a flat surface. To match the angle of the original mounting location, the crossmember needs to undergo some minor surgery.

Once the crossmember was cut, we could pry up on the metal to match the angle of the original mounting pad, seen on the left in this photo.

The cut section of the crossmember was then boxed and plated for strength and the welder was fired up to fuse the new metal to the old. This is the only mount for the transmission and transfer case, so care needs to be taken to ensure that it is plenty strong.

With both the crossmember and the mount modified, the skidplate could be installed. All that was left to do was drill a hole in the skidplate so that we could access the Atlas' drain plug.

Moving to the inside of the TJ, we removed our console and installed the shifters. Once installed, we shifted them forward and back to check for clearance. A minimum of 1/2 inch is recommended to keep the body from knocking the shifters, and we had to do some cutting of the floor to achieve that.

In the first installment of the TJ project, we installed a Tuffy center console. Now we had to do a bit of trimming on it so that it would clear the shifters.

A finished shot of the install shows how the twin-stick shifters come out of the original location for a factory look.