Automatic Tranny - Is It Really That Bad?

jnaut · **Posted:** Mon May 17, 2010 6:55 pm

Shifts and operation of the 42rle is clunky. Power bands are quirky. Infamous 'dead spot' between about 40 and 55 or so mph. Lot of users turn off OD to get around this. I admit my jeep feels like it has a big loss of power if I'm accelerating up a hill with passengers in the 40mph range. Either floor it to force a kickdown or turn off OD.

Other than that, no failures, breakages or codes ever thrown by my tranny. Offroad I actually argue I have fewer complaints about it becase I stay in the first two gears 99% of the time.

GeekyJeep · **Posted:** Mon May 17, 2010 6:57 pm

if my 42rle makes it to 270k i will be happy to replace it!

at that point its done its work..

KJWildman · **Posted:** Mon May 17, 2010 8:03 pm

A lot also depends on the driver and how you treat it. I have an '02 with the 45 , I bought it new in '01 and at 30k (before lift kit or tires) I lost my first trans. after I beat the heck out of it. Half the time my foot's in it and I'm manually shifting it because I don't like the shift points. Just general abuse. The dealer replaced it under waranty and at 70k I lost the 2nd trans. (didn't change my driving habits) I replaced that with a $150 junkyard trans and added an APS 2400 stall converter and Amsoil, now at 110k it's still running good. (still haven't changed driving habits) An abusive driver can overcome any well built vehicle! :twisted:

L.O. · **Posted:** Tue May 18, 2010 12:27 am

I've the 42 in my '05 KJ and have done some solid towing in hot Texas summers and have had no problems yet (79,000mi). I do keep the fluid changed though....

Powerman04 · **Posted:** Tue May 18, 2010 7:56 am

I have the 42 as well, and besides the shift points making you scratch your head from time to time, it's not a bad trans. Sometimes I like the slower shifting, only because I also get annoyed when trans feels it needs to prove itself and drop down a gear at the slightest increase of pressure on the skinny pedal. Every vehicle is different, just have to learn the quirks and either throw money at it to make it what you want, or learn it. :seuss:

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Tue May 18, 2010 9:53 am

You can buy the aftermarket TC and/or shift "correction" kit to help make the trany a little stronger and/or more efficient. And now you can buy an aftermarket aluminum pan for better cooling and it has a drain plug.

GeekyJeep · **Posted:** Tue May 18, 2010 10:02 am

dieselenthusiast wrote:

And now you can buy an aftermarket aluminum pan for better cooling and it has a drain plug.

huh what?
you can? where?

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Tue May 18, 2010 10:31 am

GeekyJeep wrote:

dieselenthusiast wrote:

And now you can buy an aftermarket aluminum pan for better cooling and it has a drain plug.

huh what?
you can? where?

Check it out:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=40061&p=580793#p580793

Automatic Tranny - Is It Really That Bad?

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