I'm about to change the ATF in my KJ for the first time. I've read almost every thread in this forum about
ATF change and think I got the idea very clear. Only some issues I need help about and hope somebody can share his experience or advice:

- In other forums is said that after removing the filter, we have to be sure to remove a gasket that usually stays in the transmission,
but that information is specific for the 45RFE trans. Mine is 42RLE, should I have to look for a gasket to remove?

- About cleaning the pan, someone mentions to do it with brake cleaner, but the procedure is not clear for me. Could
someone help with this please?

- An last, about the RTV, exactly how much time do I have after applying it and before placing the pan in place?.
Do I have to hurry once started to apply it?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

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2006 Limited 4x4 Silver

*Make sure that there is no old RTV or gasket material on the pan mating surfaces before installing the new rtv or gasket. (I recommend finding a kit w/ gasket or buying a pan gasket And putting a Thin layer of rtv on both sides of it before installation for the best, leakproof seal)

*Also, Make sure that the Filter O-ring/seal is removed when you pull the filter off. Your kit should include a new one to install on teh new filter, you don't want the old one in the way when putting the new filter up in place.



*After thougroughly cleaning off old rtv and/or gasket material from the pan and mating surface of the trans, spray the pan w/ brake cleaner to clean it of any old fluid and clean off the magnet. Wipe it dry before putting the new gasket and/or rtv in place.



*You have several minutes After application to work w/ it. I apply a small bead to the pan, I spread it across the perimeter surface of the pan making a thin layer, I then lay down the new gasket and repeat the process on the gasket itself. Then I let the rtv skin over, takes a few minutes or so and then you install it, tighten bolts finger tight w/ just a socket and extension, then go back over the bolts alternating sides of the pan as I work my way around the pan. I use a 1/4" drive ratchet for this and just make them hand tight, I don't worry about any torque specs, etc. since after all these years of doing it I have developed a feel for it. Just don't go crazy and break a bolt or strip the trans case going too tight oh or squish out the gasket. If you have a torque spec and wrench, use it if you feel you need to.


fwiw, I have used the above process as well as Just using rtv using a slightly thicker layer of rtv spread around the permiter of the pan and Never a leak either way on Many vehicles over the years both my own, on customers cars and friends and family cars. I also swear by Permatex Ultra Copper for this and many other uses. I have seen leaks on other parts w/ other rtv but Never when I have used Ultra Copper. (don't know why, just my experience)

Hope some of that helps.

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99 TJ
71 C101
04 KJ
03 SFA KJ Sport
LOST JEEPS So-Cal

Wow, thanks a lot JJsKJ!!

Now it's more than clear for me.

Today is the day, so I hope every thing goes fine.

I have the torque specs and a torque wrench, so think I won't have any problem with that.

About RTV, couldn't find Permatex here, then I'm gonna use the mopar one. Hope it works OK.

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2006 Limited 4x4 Silver

The best RTV I have found for trans pans in Ultra Gray,it gets harder then regular RTV and can handle high torque apps.