Installed the Predator Module today!

Chris Jangula · **Posted:** Fri Sep 01, 2006 7:22 pm

This module is AWSOME! I went full throttle numerous times and did not through any check engine codes. I have a full trans-go shift kit in my liberty so there was no excess slippage during full throttle shifts. I did however notice that the convertor now stalls anywhere from 200 to 400 rpm higher when the module is installed. I also noticed that I can now lay 15 to 20 foot patches on the pavement as well. I will monitor my fuel economy over the next few tanks and report back the info althought I expect the current tank milage to take a nosedive (kid with new toy). Anyway for $400 bucks the module is well worth it in my opinion any future buyers will not be disappointed.

Zonie · **Posted:** Sun Sep 03, 2006 1:54 am

I'd be interested in your fuel mileage, but I'd guess it'll take you a couple of tanks to stop playing with all that power and drive for mileage:D

Where'd you find a Predator for $400.??????

What's a trans-go shift kit? What's it do?

Chris Jangula · **Posted:** Sun Sep 03, 2006 11:50 pm

I looked at so many diesel performance websites that I can't even begin to count. I then started looking on e-bay and I found two predator modules from a place called ETR Diesel Performance and they have a website. I called them and I got my Dr. Performance Module new in the box with shipping included for $400 bucks. This is like $100 or more less than I could find it anywhere else. I absolutely love this module. As I said earlier I can now lay 20 ft black streaks on the pavement from a dead stop. The Trans-Go shift kit that I have is the full shift kit that Trans-Go offers (they offer two for the 545RFE). The kit includes different springs for the valve body which trick the transmission control computer into raising line pressure for quicker more positive shifts. The kit also has a thicker accumulator plate for the valve body (the factory plate is thin,flexes and is prone to breakage over time) as well as some parts that upgrade the trans to make it much more durable. Even with the Predator Module installed I can hammer the throttle to the floor and every shift happens somewhere in the neighborhood of .5 seconds with very little or no slippage. Before I installed this kit the tranny slipped heavily under full throttle shifts and that was before I installed the predator module. The torque convertor also locks up way faster. Of all of the problems I have been reading of or have heard about from others the EGR valve and the trans seem to be the weak points for our CRD's. If there is any single performance mods that anyone is going to do to there CRD's the full shift kit from trans-go should be first. I think that anyone who does this will save themselves alot of maintenance and headache down the road.

Zonie · **Posted:** Mon Sep 04, 2006 1:33 am

Thanks for the info! It sounds like you've found ways to enhance the Libby's good points and compensate for its shortcomings. I have a 7/70 warranty, so I'm afraid to do mods that aren't easily reversible. I will, however, go do some research on the shift kit just to satisfy my curiosity. I wonder if the Predator would bring an early death to my tranny? I'm towing and would like the extra power for that, but I know once I installed one I couldn't control my foot or the grin on my face, at least for a while.

Chris Jangula · **Posted:** Tue Sep 05, 2006 12:41 am

Zonie, the Predator Module can literally be unhooked and removed in less than 1 minute with absolutely NO TOOLS! As far as the shift kits goes Jeep cannot void your warranty unless they can prove the parts that you installed actually caused the failure of the particular automotive part to be replaced. The shift kit actually contains heavier parts built by transmission manufacturers to correct inherant problems with this or any transmission. The shift kit will by no means change the power output or design parameters of your vehicle. Now the module on the other hand could raise exhaust gas temps beyond acceptable levels if you are pulling something heavy. I pull my 3200-3300 lb boat and trailer around with my CRD all summer but I have yet to pull it with this module installed. I will have a boost gauge and pyro installed before I tow again just to be safe. Keep in mind that the module DOES improve power but nothing like propane,methanol, or nitrous kits and those are the things that can get any motor in trouble if used excessively or improperly.

edon · **Posted:** Tue Sep 05, 2006 1:37 am

The Predator advertising says it reduces amount of unburnt fuel/smoke produced. Have you found this to be true? Was wondering if it still smokes on full-throttle acceleration.

CRuD Bucket · **Posted:** Tue Sep 05, 2006 7:51 am

How much cabbage for the shift kit? I've covered 3000+ miles since 7/31, so my warranty will be gone in a year. I don't want any BS from Jeep/the dealer, so I probably won't do any mods till then.

Chris Jangula · **Posted:** Tue Sep 05, 2006 9:12 am

The 2 kits for the 545RFE application are the SK45RFE Shift Kit and the 45RFE HD2 reprogramming kit. The 2nd of the two is the one you want. One of the things that this kits fixes or helps is pump life and lord knows I have heard enough bad things about the torque convertor and pump in this transmission. I think I paid something like $125 or $135 dollars for the kit. Be advised that the other kit is somewhere in the neighborhood of like $60 so don't be fooled into thinking you saved a bunch of money because you probably didn't get the best kit.

CRuD Bucket · **Posted:** Tue Sep 05, 2006 9:27 am

Noob question---how do I know I have the 545RFE tranny? Is it stamped? I see you have an '05---not sure if that mattered.

Chris Jangula · **Posted:** Tue Sep 05, 2006 9:32 am

All Libby CRD's have the 545RFE tranny (at least the ones sold in the U.S.) god I wish I could have gotten the 6 speeds that are sold over in Europe! I will say that after 11000 miles (at least half are pulling 3000 lbs or more) my tranny has been good so far (I will keep my fingers crossed).

CRuD Bucket · **Posted:** Tue Sep 05, 2006 9:45 am

Thanks---fingers crossed here too. Love my ride but I just wish I had more confidence in something I paid $22k+ for (sigh). A manual tranny would have kicked booty. I have no problem with shifting gears and I think I do a better job of it than the auto tranny.

no-blue-screen · **Posted:** Tue Sep 05, 2006 11:43 am

Just thought I would chime in with my two cents. IMHO tuning is not a good idea. The vehicle was not designed to operate at this increased power. At the very least, when you add these modules, you are reducing the reliability and longgevity of the powertrain. Is it fun...sure....but not worth it if you ask me. The trans issues the vehicle has would be something that would also steer me away from tuning. To each his own, but I personally wouldn't do this to my car...nor would I want to buy a used car that had been tuned. Again, just my opinion.

Zonie · **Posted:** Tue Sep 05, 2006 2:11 pm

Chris,

A couple of questions....

I can't find anything for the Liberty on the Trans Go web site.

Where do I find the correct kit?
Where would I take it to have it installed, any tranny shop?
I'm confused with your part #s. Do I need one or both? Please state only what I want to install.
Might this be a good thing to do at the same time I have to replace the tranny fluid?

AZScout · **Posted:** Tue Sep 05, 2006 4:02 pm

I tried to find the earlier post on someone installing the trans go. Anyone know what thread that was in?

Thanks!

Jeger · **Posted:** Tue Sep 05, 2006 4:10 pm

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/vie ... php?t=9230

Chris Jangula · **Posted:** Tue Sep 05, 2006 11:05 pm

Zonie, an answer to your questions. To find the kit go to www.transgo.com. Any qualified ASE Transmission shop should be able to install this for you and the kit comes with full instructions. I had a friend of mine install it. My frien owns Bell Transmission Products here in Bismarck. You can check his buisness out at btpracing.com and check out his absolutely B*%#!&$ 1969 Camero that is running 6's in the quarter right now. All you need is the 45 RFE HD2 kit. The other kit listed is the SK 45 RFE kit, you do not need this one. Installing the kit when you are changing trans fluid is a great time and may even save you a little bit of labor as the pan is already of and the fluid is already drained. Hope this helps.

AZScout · **Posted:** Wed Sep 06, 2006 3:50 am

Thanks Jeger!

Dave

Desert Dog · **Posted:** Mon Oct 23, 2006 10:32 am

I installed my Preditor in August. Towed a popup camper to Colorado. Noticed immediate increase in pep and milage. No stain going over Slumgullion Pass (11,000 ft.) Now we have a 23 ft. travel trailer. In Texas get 16+ mpg at 65.

alljeep · **Posted:** Tue Oct 24, 2006 11:21 am

Desert Dog wrote:

I installed my Preditor in August. Towed a popup camper to Colorado. Noticed immediate increase in pep and milage. No stain going over Slumgullion Pass (11,000 ft.) Now we have a 23 ft. travel trailer. In Texas get 16+ mpg at 65.

Do you have any pictures of your Jeep attached to the travel trailer? And is it the Jayco 23B? I've been looking at travel trailers and pop-up tent trailers as we plan to start exploring next year.

A big issue I've run into is the GVWR of 5650lbs for the Jeep. With 4 of us in the Jeep, plus the skid plates and trailer hitches I have, we only have room left for 500lbs(which will be tongue weight) so no cargo in the Jeep and it will all have to go in the trailer.

But, most trailers (TT and Pop-ups) are close to their max rating as well and their true "dry" weights with all options installed(a/c, microwave, ect.) leave only a few hundred pounds for cargo....

So, I'm looking for something this Jeep can tow that has a very good cargo capacity as well..... Our GCVWR is 10,150lbs so a heavier load behind me is OK.....

Installed the Predator Module today!

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