The End of My Liberty

tj2kj · **Posted:** Sun Dec 04, 2005 6:51 pm

It looks like the end to an era for me. My Liberty is now 2 3/4 years old with about 100k on the Odo and it looks like I am going to have to take her out and shoot her - or at least sell her. I have had the goodies listed below on it for over 50k miles of very hard driving. Lots of freeways and tough trail work carrying equipment and tools up mountains. Must say it performed well, but not near as strong as my Wranglers, Cherokee, or Grand Cherokee (which I still have with 110k miles). For info on how it has stood up:

I did not have problems with the ball joints, or any other serious problems until recently. Now the auto trans is slipping like crazy. Sometimes when I push on the gas (even lightly) the car feels and sounds like a truck just hit me in the rear. I think it is a combo of trans shifting problem and the locking rear diff. There is a noise coming from under the car that sounds like chains dragging - not sure what that is all about. The drivers seat is showing wear. Brake pads are still original, and engine compression still seems good.

On the good side, the car still looks new from the outside, despite attacks from trees and a teenage driver that wanted to rearrange my spare tire. I still get looks on the road and it can climb out of stuff well. My gas mileage still sucks. I tried the advertised trick of adding a couple ounces of acetone to a tank of premium - did not help.

All in all, the vehicle performed well, the body is bulletproof, but I am not impressed with the strength of the mechanics. If I get another Jeep, I think it will have to be back to the Wrangler, maybe an Unlimited Rubicon. But it was not a bad ride. Had a lot of fun!

USPLibby · **Joined:** Thu Jul 28, 2005 12:29 am **Posts:** 377

My best friends Cherokee didn't make it past 120k when his transmission started raining red fluid all over the street. I don't think that you'll find too many Chrysler transmissions living that much longer either.

uvalax236 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 04, 2005 7:24 pm

The chains dragging are the chains in the transfer case. They need to be tightened up.

krazz1e · **Posted:** Sun Dec 04, 2005 7:37 pm

that sucks to hear. sounds like you did a lot of highway driving to get the mileage up that high.

Was the tranny ever service? Try putting some lucas in there and see if that helps (if you do or don't sell it.) Consider that you fix a few of these things and it should go another 100k.

Anyway, adios.

Eddo · **Joined:** Thu Jul 07, 2005 7:01 pm **Posts:** 1214

Man my cherokee went through 3 engines and tranny rebuid. Finally got rid of her around 130. It was one of those old 86 XJ with the 2.8 v6 and french tranny. Talk about cluster. I loved it but it was alot of problems.

So far my KJ has been great. Just about 36k now and not a problem. Plenty of hard miles. Also, if you get a auto Wrangler they have the same tranny and transfer cases as the KJs along with plenty other jeeps. The 42RLE has been used in Jeep for quite a time.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Sun Dec 04, 2005 10:53 pm

lol yea i know, that tranny is in everything. Including the rubicon. Which makes me feel good bc i they do so well in the wrangler, so they should in the libby. I would still like to have that 45rfe b/c its behind the hemi!! it would never break.

tj2kj · **Posted:** Mon Dec 05, 2005 9:36 pm

Thanks for the input on the trans. I will see if I can get the transfer case serviced before I sell it. I am steering clear of auto trans on the next vehicle. They usually are the weakest link.

kjcoastie · **Posted:** Mon Dec 05, 2005 9:40 pm

nooooo... please don't sell her she still looks in great shape :cry:

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Mon Dec 05, 2005 9:42 pm

Wanna make a quick $50 on it? Sell my your clamps that hold the renegade basket to the roof rails. ;-)

crash87 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 05, 2005 11:06 pm

i might me intersted in those wheel spacers how many miles on them

kj in a tight spot · **Posted:** Tue Dec 06, 2005 1:19 am

May be interested in pickin up a used BB Tranny skid...

huntin12ga · **Posted:** Tue Dec 06, 2005 10:55 am

I would be interested in the light bar if you still have it.

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Tue Dec 06, 2005 11:13 am

did I start soemthing here? Did he even say he was parting out the KJ?

crash87 · **Posted:** Tue Dec 06, 2005 2:32 pm

I dont believe he did, but it never hurts to ask.

kj in a tight spot · **Posted:** Tue Dec 06, 2005 2:49 pm

This is true, but I think you started a craze Adam...

A feeding frenzy or something :wink:

aardvark4x4 · **Posted:** Tue Dec 06, 2005 5:45 pm

The 42RLE is a direct descendent of the infamous 41TE used in Chrysler minivans. I'm surprised it lasts as long as 120K.

tj2kj · **Posted:** Tue Dec 06, 2005 10:33 pm

OK guys, I am selling a couple parts. I already sold the wheel spacers, and somebody is interested in the trans skid plate, but has not confirmed yet. I sold the light bar on ebay and I am keeping the rally lites. I am open to offers on some other stuff like the roof rack. Send your offers or questions to me at: rsargent@abeocorp.com and I will reply.

The End of My Liberty

Who is online