NEW! SHIFT KIT!

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Thu Mar 15, 2007 8:34 pm

I’m a little surprised by how smooth the Transmission still shifts. Smooth is not a bad thing. Traditionally, my experience with Transgo shift Kits have been a little different. With the Liberty I do not feel the dramatic sensation (hard shift) as I’ve felt with previous shift kits. My experience in the past has been with high output engines with lots of torque. For example, a Transgo shift Kit in my Dodge Cummins undoubtedly makes a noticeable difference (feel). Previous Kits also offered more replacement parts and required lots of drilling. Our Liberty does not require as many replacement parts to perform at its best level. Based on what I can feel, I would say that under normal acceleration you will find a smooth but quicker shift than before. If you really get on it, then you’ll more likely feel the difference (engages firmly with no lag). I wish I could give you more detail. Honestly, I haven’t owned it or driven it long enough prior to the Kit to make any real judgments. Like my mechanic pointed out, this shift kit is primarily a correction Shift Kit. It’s purpose is to deliver performance for all types of real world driving conditions (Towing, Highway. and Off-Road) Transgo and my mechanic said it will definitely prolong the life of the transmission. If you aren’t planning to Keep the Liberty for the long haul, then it might not be worth it to you. If you’re planning to keep it, then I would highly recommend doing it. :wink:

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Thu Mar 15, 2007 9:00 pm

Sounds good dieselenthusiast.. Makes me want it even more!

So is the drill bit used with this kit? Or is that for something else(whatever the 604 application is??)

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Thu Mar 15, 2007 10:39 pm

Jeepjeepster wrote:

Sounds good dieselenthusiast.. Makes me want it even more!

So is the drill bit used with this kit? Or is that for something else(whatever the 604 application is??)

No, there is no need for drilling. However, the 604 is a different transmission and does require drilling. The Dodge Cummins requires a lot of drilling. The factory had small weep holes restricting the flow of transmission fluid. Transgo opened those holes 3 times their original size making a remarkable difference. Our Liberties were designed pretty good therefore disregarding the need for drilling.

performancechef · **Posted:** Fri Mar 16, 2007 9:32 am

dieselenthusiast wrote:

I’m a little surprised by how smooth the Transmission still shifts. Smooth is not a bad thing. Traditionally, my experience with Transgo shift Kits have been a little different. With the Liberty I do not feel the dramatic sensation (hard shift) as I’ve felt with previous shift kits. My experience in the past has been with high output engines with lots of torque. For example, a Transgo shift Kit in my Dodge Cummins undoubtedly makes a noticeable difference (feel). Previous Kits also offered more replacement parts and required lots of drilling. Our Liberty does not require as many replacement parts to perform at its best level. Based on what I can feel, I would say that under normal acceleration you will find a smooth but quicker shift than before. If you really get on it, then you’ll more likely feel the difference (engages firmly with no lag). I wish I could give you more detail. Honestly, I haven’t owned it or driven it long enough prior to the Kit to make any real judgments. Like my mechanic pointed out, this shift kit is primarily a correction Shift Kit. It’s purpose is to deliver performance for all types of real world driving conditions (Towing, Highway. and Off-Road) Transgo and my mechanic said it will definitely prolong the life of the transmission. If you aren’t planning to Keep the Liberty for the long haul, then it might not be worth it to you. If you’re planning to keep it, then I would highly recommend doing it. :wink:

from what i understand after speaking to a tech at transgo is that the improvements this kit was designed for are not fully realized unless the other components are installed. for that the trans needs to be out and disassembled. Maybe this is why the difference your experiencing is not all that dramatic.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Fri Mar 16, 2007 11:03 am

performancechef wrote:

from what i understand after speaking to a tech at transgo is that the improvements this kit was designed for are not fully realized unless the other components are installed. for that the trans needs to be out and disassembled. Maybe this is why the difference your experiencing is not all that dramatic.

What do you mean it needs to be taken out and disassembled? The only other thing you can do to it is get a new torque and get the computer programmed.

performancechef · **Posted:** Fri Mar 16, 2007 12:37 pm

Jeepjeepster wrote:

performancechef wrote:

from what i understand after speaking to a tech at transgo is that the improvements this kit was designed for are not fully realized unless the other components are installed. for that the trans needs to be out and disassembled. Maybe this is why the difference your experiencing is not all that dramatic.

What do you mean it needs to be taken out and disassembled? The only other thing you can do to it is get a new torque and get the computer programmed.

"Extra Side Note: If the transmission is in the vehicle you will skip this step. Most of us will not add the new Low/Rev Piston Housing (known as the steel spacer) that comes with this Kit. The updated plate fits all years and models but the manual does not explain what it does. Perhaps someone who has installed these kits before might have a better understanding what the difference might be. Along with the “steel spacer,” an O’ring and expander spring will not be installed. This is NOT a big deal and is not a necessary installation. Keep these parts in case if you have your trany out, rebuild, or install a new trany somewhere down the road. I will report back after talking with the mechanic who will be installing this Kit and who has installed this Kit in the other DCX Makes and Models. He has done many of these Kits and says it is a breeze."

those "extra parts" is what TRANSGO is refering to. I am not saying that it does not work. I am just telling you what the manufacturer told me. This kit is not a "performance shift kit" its a intended to fix the design short-commings of the 42rle. To get everything out of the kit it has to have the internal trans parts installed aswell. It is not even intended to be marketed to the public, rather to trans shops. remember, don't kill the messenger OK? I am sure that the install described in this thread DID actualy improve the KJ. And I will be picking mine up on monday.

myjeepwalks · **Posted:** Fri Mar 16, 2007 12:45 pm

Where are you guys gettig these kits so cheap? [url]http://www.apsprecision.com/ShiftKit.html[/url] says they are $58 or $105 for the 45rfe trans and go from $94-$298 for the 42 trans! You guys with the 45rfe trans which kit did you purchase? thanks.

performancechef · **Posted:** Fri Mar 16, 2007 12:52 pm

myjeepwalks wrote:

Where are you guys gettig these kits so cheap? http://www.apsprecision.com/ShiftKit.html says they are $58 or $105 for the 45rfe trans and go from $94-$298 for the 42 trans! You guys with the 45rfe trans which kit did you purchase? thanks.

http://www.fatsco.com/
the sk604 is $25.00 and they have plenty instock for both transmissions

jcphoto20 · **Joined:** Sun Nov 19, 2006 1:36 am **Posts:** 507

[quote] Unfortunately, our wonderful engineers at DCX decided that we didn’t need a dip stick for our newer Liberty’s. So the mechanic had to run the Jeep over to the Dealership to use their “Dip Stick” to make sure we were up to par. I hope that somebody makes an aftermarket dip stick so we can at least check our fluids. This is ridiculous………………[/quote]

mine has a dipstick, someone please tell us lucky ones how we are supposed to check it? engine warm and in park running?

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Fri Mar 16, 2007 2:23 pm

jcphoto20 wrote:

Quote:

Unfortunately, our wonderful engineers at DCX decided that we didn’t need a dip stick for our newer Liberty’s. So the mechanic had to run the Jeep over to the Dealership to use their “Dip Stick” to make sure we were up to par. I hope that somebody makes an aftermarket dip stick so we can at least check our fluids. This is ridiculous………………

mine has a dipstick, someone please tell us lucky ones how we are supposed to check it? engine warm and in park running?

You answered your own question.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Fri Mar 16, 2007 3:05 pm

I think the tranny is actually supposed to be N. In P, the fluid is not circulating through the tranny and cooler. :wink:

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Fri Mar 16, 2007 9:52 pm

quote] from what i understand after speaking to a tech at transgo is that the improvements this kit was designed for are not fully realized unless the other components are installed. for that the trans needs to be out and disassembled. Maybe this is why the difference your experiencing is not all that dramatic.[/quote]

Excellent point! Thanks for making that connection. The instruction manual provided with the Kit doesn’t indicate the significance of the other parts. As a mater of fact, it says that this part can be skipped if the trany is already in the vehicle. My Mechanic did explain the value of the spacer, but I didn‘t remember him expressing the lack of performance if skipping that step. But I think your right, a side point very worth noting.

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Fri Mar 16, 2007 10:47 pm

Today I drove aggressively down the hilly and curvy roads through the Ozarks to Rogers, Arkansas.

The Shift Kit was definitely dialed-in (more noticeable) in this type of driving style and conditions.

Not to sound materialistic, but I‘m really starting to LOVE our little machine. :oops:

My Wife was a little nervous as I tackled the curves and hammered the hills. :shock:

It doesn’t shift like a car anymore. :wink:

It’s almost like the shifting points have changed???? It grabs the gear and feels a little more secure (responsive). We’ve driven this route a few times since we bought the Jeep. There is a hilly section of the road that typically causes the Liberty to downshift while running in cruise. However, today it didn’t downshift, kinda weird? The “Correction Kit” wouldn’t actually change the shifting points would it???? :idea:

I wonder what the 42RLE would feel like if all the Shift Kit parts were installed? This will be the question for the future. I have no immediate intentions of removing my transmission at this point in time to find out. I can’t wait until more of you guys get this Kit installed to hear your feedback. Let me leave you with this thought…………I think if the “Transmission Fairy” came tonight (unknowingly) and installed the Transgo Shift Kit, I’m guessing you would be a little dazed and confused the next day when driving to work.

It is “pleasantly” noticeable.

myjeepwalks · **Posted:** Fri Mar 16, 2007 10:55 pm

performancechef wrote:

myjeepwalks wrote:

Where are you guys gettig these kits so cheap? http://www.apsprecision.com/ShiftKit.html says they are $58 or $105 for the 45rfe trans and go from $94-$298 for the 42 trans! You guys with the 45rfe trans which kit did you purchase? thanks.

http://www.fatsco.com/
the sk604 is $25.00 and they have plenty instock for both transmissions

cool thanks! The sk604 is for the 42. sk45rfe is for the 45, i've seen those on ebay for $37. It appears there are two differnt kits available; a shift kit sk45rfe and a reprogramming kit 45rfe-hd. Anybody know the difference besides cost? I have to do a trans service soon and for the price of one of these kits i'm gonna put one in!

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Fri Mar 16, 2007 11:20 pm

I found this on ebay by using that part#..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TRANSGO- ... dZViewItem

Is that the right one? Its only $35+$5 for shipping..

performancechef · **Posted:** Sat Mar 17, 2007 1:23 am

myjeepwalks wrote:

performancechef wrote:

myjeepwalks wrote:

Where are you guys gettig these kits so cheap? http://www.apsprecision.com/ShiftKit.html says they are $58 or $105 for the 45rfe trans and go from $94-$298 for the 42 trans! You guys with the 45rfe trans which kit did you purchase? thanks.

http://www.fatsco.com/
the sk604 is $25.00 and they have plenty instock for both transmissions

cool thanks! The sk604 is for the 42. sk45rfe is for the 45, i've seen those on ebay for $37. It appears there are two differnt kits available; a shift kit sk45rfe and a reprogramming kit 45rfe-hd. Anybody know the difference besides cost? I have to do a trans service soon and for the price of one of these kits i'm gonna put one in!

like the sk604 for the 42rle, the sk45rfe is intended to fix the weak points of the trans it-self. the reprogram kit fixes the poor programing that controls it, as this trans is "full electronic control" (and i believe also has a seperate TCM). i this case why not do both?

KY Liberty · **Joined:** Sat Jul 09, 2005 1:46 pm **Posts:** 1195

The cheaper of the 2 for the 45RFE is like the kit for the 42RLE. The reprogramming kit is a performance shift kit. It makes it shift like a sport truck. It's the one I have. Combined with a stall converter, a B&G flash, and 4.10's, it will throw you back in the seat.

tjkoen01 · **Posted:** Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:06 am

My reprogramming kit for the 45RFE is suppose to show up tomorrow. Install is set to take place on Thursday. I won't be dropping the transmission, but still excited!

FYI. I bought it off ebay, $77 and change - shipped to my door. Still 7 available... Item # 170066673254

SS-Virus · **Posted:** Wed Mar 28, 2007 2:36 pm

KY Liberty wrote:

Combined with a stall converter, a B&G flash, and 4.10's, it will throw you back in the seat.

Please, from where can I get the stall converter? And 4.10's? Please I need direct links please.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Wed Mar 28, 2007 5:24 pm

SS-Virus wrote:

KY Liberty wrote:

Combined with a stall converter, a B&G flash, and 4.10's, it will throw you back in the seat.

Please, from where can I get the stall converter? And 4.10's? Please I need direct links please.

Well as far as the 4.10's you can get the rears for any 8.25(Yukon,US gear,etc),for the front you need to get them from a wrecked 4 banger KJ or the dealer/mopar internet dealer.For the torque converter if you have the 45RFE go to apsprecision.com,for the 42RLE I have no idea who makes on for them.

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