42RLE Input Drum 2003, remanufactured and ready to install. Fits the 42RLE. Ships fast from the USA.
If a Jeep Liberty, Wrangler, Dodge Nitro, Dakota or Ram 1500 with the 42RLE four-speed is flaring between gears, slipping when you get on the throttle or dropping into second-gear limp mode, the input clutch drum is usually where the damage is. This listing is a 42RLE input clutch drum built as a complete assembly for 2003-and-later units. It has been cleaned and inspected and comes back together with new friction clutches, new lip seals and new O-rings, while the steels and pressure plates are good used originals. The photo shows the drum, the input shaft and hub, the pistons, return springs, snap rings and frictions, so you are buying the clutch pack work already done rather than a bare housing.
The 42RLE is Chrysler's rear-wheel-drive member of the 41TE family, and it shifts entirely with clutches; there are no bands to adjust. Five clutches make every gear. Three of them, underdrive, overdrive and reverse, are housed in this input drum and turn with the input shaft, while the 2-4 and low/reverse clutches hold parts of the gearset against the case. Underdrive is on in first, second and third. Overdrive comes on for third and fourth. Reverse is only used backing up. Because the transmission controller fills and vents each clutch directly, a glazed friction or a leaking piston seal in this one drum can affect every forward gear and reverse at the same time.
Read the clutch volume index values with a scan tool before the transmission comes out. The CVI is the volume of oil the controller learned it takes to apply each clutch, and it climbs as frictions wear and clearances open up. ATRA lists normal ranges of 24-70 for underdrive and 48-150 for overdrive; a number above its range on one of the input drum clutches, with the 2-4 and low/reverse values still normal, is a strong sign the problem is in this assembly. Our 41TE and 42RLE slipping-under-load guide walks through that test and the input hub bushing leak that can burn up a fresh underdrive clutch. If you also have solenoid or limp-mode codes with clean fluid, read the Ultradrive limp mode guide first, because an electrical fault can look like a slip.
This drum is described for the 42RLE from 2003 on. The 42RLE went into Jeep Liberty and Wrangler, the Dodge Nitro, Dakota and Ram 1500 with the 3.7L V6, and V6 versions of the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Magnum. It is not the front-drive 41TE drum used in minivans and sedans, and it does not fit the 45RFE or 545RFE five-speeds. Compare the input shaft length and spline count, the drum's tone wheel teeth and any casting numbers against your old assembly, or send us your year and VIN and we will check it before it ships. All of our 42RLE and 41TE parts are on the 41TE and 42RLE collection page.
| Fits | 42RLE 2003 |
| Part type | Input Drum |
| Condition | Remanufactured |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
Yes. It is a complete assembly with new friction clutches, new lip seals and new O-rings already installed. The steel plates and pressure plates are good used originals that were cleaned and inspected.
The underdrive, overdrive and reverse clutches. The 2-4 and low/reverse clutches are in the case and are not part of this assembly.
The drum is described for 2003-up 42RLE units, which includes the 2003 Liberty with the 3.7L and 42RLE. Compare the input shaft and drum with your old one or send your VIN so we can confirm before it ships.
ATF+4 only. Do not use a generic multi-vehicle fluid in place of it, and install a new filter when you refill.
Yes. Clear the codes and run the Quick Learn so the controller relearns clutch fill volumes. Without it the shifts can be harsh or flare until the adaptives settle.
Check the CVI values. An underdrive or overdrive value above its normal range while the 2-4 and low/reverse values look normal points to the input drum clutches.
