42RLE Clutch Module 2003, new and ready to install. Fits the 42RLE. Ships fast from the USA.
When a Jeep Liberty, Wrangler, Dodge Dakota or Nitro with the 42RLE four-speed starts slipping on the 2-3 shift, flares into fourth, or smells burnt after a tow, the friction plates are usually what has given up. This is a new Raybestos RHT96-009 HT friction clutch pack for 2003-and-later 42RLE transmissions. The product description lists 19 frictions in four groups: 4 for the 2-4 clutch in Raybestos HT material, 5 low/reverse in high energy material, 6 underdrive/reverse in tan material, and 4 overdrive in HT material. It is frictions only. Steels, seals and the filter are separate, so you can reuse steels that still measure flat and pair the pack with the rubber your rebuild needs.
The 42RLE is the rear-drive version of Chrysler's Ultradrive design and, like the 41TE, it has no bands. Every gear is two clutches applied at once. The underdrive, overdrive and reverse clutches drive the gearset from the input side, while the 2-4 and low/reverse clutches hold parts of it to the case. Each shift is one clutch releasing while another applies, and the controller times that swap from the clutch volume it learned for each pack. As the friction lining wears, the piston has to travel farther, the volume climbs, and the overlap goes soft. Raybestos says its HT material combines the oil flow of a segmented lining with the strength of a full ring and resists compression, which matters here because the controller depends on consistent piston travel.
Pull the codes and read the clutch volume index for each clutch with a scan tool. ATRA's technical bulletin for the 41TE/42LE family gives the normal range. One or two clutches reading high with burnt fluid points to worn frictions in those packs. All clutches reading high together suggests a line pressure or bushing problem, which our guide to Ultradrive slipping under load explains. A late Reverse with a high low/reverse reading can also be the piston retainer gasket leak Transmission Digest describes, so check that before blaming the plates. Clean fluid with solenoid codes leads to the electrical side covered in our Ultradrive limp mode guide.
The pack is catalogued for the 42RLE from 2003 on, the longitudinal rear-drive unit in the Jeep Liberty, Wrangler, Dodge Dakota, Nitro and related trucks. It does not fit the front-drive 41TE, which uses its own plate sizes. The 42RLE moved to variable line pressure in 2007; Sonnax identifies those units by the extra case connector next to the range sensor. That change is in the valve body and controls, not the clutch plates, but count your old frictions per clutch against the four groups above before you start. If anything differs, send us your year and VIN. More parts for this family are on the 41TE and 42RLE collection page.
| Fits | 42RLE 2003 |
| Part type | Clutch Module |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Reference | A604 |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
Nineteen friction plates: 4 for the 2-4 clutch, 5 low/reverse, 6 underdrive/reverse and 4 overdrive. Steels, seals and the filter are not included.
Yes, it is catalogued for 2003 and later 42RLE transmissions, which includes the Liberty. Count your old frictions per clutch to confirm, or send us the VIN.
No. The 41TE in Caravans and sedans uses different friction sizes. This pack is for the rear-drive 42RLE only.
Only if your steels are heat discolored, scored or out of flat. Measure them; if they are worn, the 42RLE steel clutch module replaces the full set.
Fill with ATF+4, set the level at operating temperature, clear the adaptives and run the quick learn with a scan tool so shift timing matches the new clutches.
