Master overhaul kit for the Chrysler A500, 42RE and 44RE four-speed: frictions, steels, seals and gaskets for Cherokee, Dakota and Ram 1500.
When a Dodge Dakota or Jeep with the Chrysler A500 four-speed starts slipping on the 2-3 shift, flares into overdrive, or leaves dark, burnt-smelling fluid and friction material in the pan, the fix is a teardown and a full set of soft parts. This FIWARY master kit (part number SZHFH-1217689) is built for the A500 family, later called the 42RE and 44RE. It contains clutch friction plates, matching steel plates, the rubber seal set, O-rings, and the case, pan and pump gaskets, packed in grouped bags so you can work through the unit in order. The listing's coverage runs 1988-1996 on the 2.5L, 3.9L and 5.2L Dakota and on Jeep 2.5L and 4.0L applications.
This transmission is really two units in one case. The front section is the three-speed Torqueflite design with a front clutch, rear clutch, two bands and an overrunning clutch. The rear section is the overdrive unit with its own overdrive clutch, direct clutch, planetary set and overrunning clutch. Chrysler's 42RE manual explains that the direct clutch is applied in every range except fourth and the overdrive clutch only in fourth, so both packs work hard, and the direct clutch is a common failure on high-mileage and towing units. A master kit renews every friction and steel in all four packs and reseals the pump, pistons and servos at once, which is the only way to stop the slips and the leaks together.
Check the fluid level and condition hot, then drop the pan. Fine gray paste is normal; flakes of friction material or a coat of metal on the magnet means the unit needs a teardown, not a solenoid. Before you commit, rule out an out-of-adjustment band or an electrical overdrive fault, which can feel like slipping. Our RE-series slipping guide covers those checks, and the rebuild wear points guide lists the hard parts to inspect once it is apart.
The listing names 1988-1996 Dodge Dakota with the 2.5L, 3.9L and 5.2L (5.2L from 1989), 1988-1996 Jeep with the 2.5L and 4.0L, and light-duty Ram 1500 models. Be careful with the Jeep part of that list. Most Cherokee XJ automatics used a different transmission, so the Jeep that normally carries this family is the Grand Cherokee with the 4.0L. Read the tag on the left side of the case and order only if it identifies an A500, 42RH, 42RE or 44RE. The heavier 46RE, 47RE and 48RE take a different kit. If you are unsure, send us your year and VIN. A lower-priced version is our A500 master kit for Jeep and Dakota, and every part for this transmission is on the 42RE/44RE parts page.
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Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
Clutch friction plates, steel plates, the rubber seal set, O-rings, and case, pan and pump gaskets. Bands, bushings, drums, a filter and solenoids are not listed as included.
Only if the transmission tag says A500, 42RH, 42RE or 44RE. Most XJ automatics used a different transmission. The 4.0L Grand Cherokee is the usual Jeep with this family.
No. The heavier 46RE, 47RE and 48RE use different clutch packs and need their own kit.
The 1998 Chrysler manual gives 1.70 to 3.40 mm (0.067 to 0.134 in.) for the 42RE front clutch. Measure every pack with a dial indicator and correct with selective snap rings.
Bushings, a new filter, and any worn drum or overrunning clutch. Many rebuilders also add a shift kit and service the torque converter.
ATF+4. Prime the pump on install and check the level hot in neutral.
