I was reading the post about the shift kit that is inexpensive and is supposed to imporve the tranny performance and durability a great deal.
I started getting more and more irritated as I was typing, so I thought I better make my own topic instead of poisoning the other one with negativity.

I don't understand why the experts that designed the Jeep transmission didn't make it as good as it could have been in the first place.
Don't they know what they're doing?
Isn't this kit something like $40 in parts?
I just don't understand.

AND you can't even check your own tranny fluid anymore. They took away the dipstick?
Maybe I'm missing something, but that just sounds idiotic.
So if I want to ensure the dealership filled the fluid to the correct leve, I have no way of doing so?
Next thing you know you'll have to go to a dealer to get your windshield wiper fluid topped off.
It's almost like they are trying to piss off the traditional "Jeep" people, and tailoring everything to the soccer mom.

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2007 Liberty Sport
6-Speed Manual
Stock

The trend to eliminate the tranny dipstick is nearly across the board for new cars. I guess they think most people don't bother to check anyway. You can get the part number for a stick and buy one someone had posted that they did that a while ago.

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Brian, Blue KJ in PA
LOST#99, Mid-Atlantic LOST
Blue 2003 KJ Sport

RL Super Skinks

The reason that the stock transmission is so "mushy" feeling for PERFORMANCE enthusiasts - is that they are in the minority of car buyers and owners. 95% of the people that purchase the liberty are not going to do anything to the transmission because they want it to shift smootly and seemlessly. Sure a lot of people on this board are interested in improvements and upgrades but we are what 3,000+ people where as, out in the real world, there has to be at least 800,000 Jeep liberty's...

When you design a car - it's a whole lot of compromises to satisfy the general buying public.

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02 Liberty Limited
Silver Outside & Taupe Inside
Heated Seats, Sunroof & Infinity speakers
USA Spec I-Pod adaptor, Mopar Sub, Garmin GPS
Tow Package, Select-Trac
Rock Rails, Tow Hooks

Perfectly said sleeve84028! MacAttack, look at it like this, your Jeep is your Hobby. You love it, you build it the way you want it, you share your experiences with the rest of us here on the L.O.S.T. Forum, then we all try to do a Jeep meet and greet out on the trails for some off-roading, BBQ, camping, and good times. We "performance" minorities are kinda like family. Or a support group in some cases! From the EPA to bad manufacturer designs, it’s all a game, and we have to learn how to play the game so we can enjoy our Jeeps.

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2015 Ram Ecodiesel/Big Horn/4x4/Quad Cab
2016 Arctic Fox 22G/Onboard 2500 LP Cummins Onan Generator/160 Watt Solar Panel

I took the road less traveled. Now I'm LOST.

Nicely said everyone! I think you hit the nail right on the head!

Its also all about cost cuts. If you park a 2002 libby beside a 2007, there are tons of little things inside and out that you will notice are different. If they put that $40 part on 1,000,000 libbys, that adds up quick.

_________________
LOST KJ'S
Where are you going???
Current Jeep: 2004 Jeep Liberty
-Atlantic Blue
-Air Ride Rear Suspension ; OME/Rustys Lift ; Powertrax Locker ; Moog Lower Ball-Joints ; 245/70/16 Yokohama Geolander A/T-S's on MOABS ; Flowmaster 50 SUV
Lost #007082
http://www.cardomain.com/id/jeepjeepster