42RLE Master Rebuild Kit 2003, new and ready to install. Fits the 42RLE. Ships fast from the USA.
The 42RLE first went into production for the 2003 model year, and the earliest units in Jeep Liberty and Wrangler trucks are now the ones showing up with flared shifts, burnt fluid and second-gear limp mode. This master kit is built for 2003-and-later 42RLE rebuilds and goes further than a typical frictions-and-gaskets box: along with Alto friction clutch plates and steel plates, it includes new bonded pistons, sealing rings, metal-clad seals, a full gasket set, O-rings and rubber piston seals. When a high-mileage unit is apart on the bench, that is the list of parts that actually wears out.
Every gear in a 42RLE comes from a clutch. Underdrive, overdrive and reverse drive the gearset, and 2-4 and low/reverse hold it, with the controller timing each shift by filling one clutch while it vents another. Several of those clutches are applied by pistons with the sealing lip molded onto the piston itself. Heat hardens that rubber, and once the lip shrinks or cracks the clutch leaks apply oil, takes longer to fill, and slips during the shift. A plain overhaul kit leaves the old pistons in place; this kit replaces them, so the clutch packs you rebuild have new apply seals behind them as well as new frictions.
Before tearing a 2003-up 42RLE down, pull codes and read the clutch volume index values with a capable scan tool. ATRA's bulletin gives normal ranges of 35-83 for low/reverse, 20-77 for 2-4, 48-150 for overdrive and 24-70 for underdrive. A reading above its range is the transmission telling you that clutch is taking extra oil to apply, the exact condition worn frictions and leaking piston seals create. Electrical codes with clean fluid point to the solenoid pack instead, and our 41TE and 42RLE problems guide covers how to tell the two apart. For slipping that only appears under load, read the slipping-under-load guide before ordering parts.
This kit is listed for 2003-and-later 42RLE transmissions, the rear-wheel-drive four-speed used in Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler models with the 3.7L V6 and other engines. Chrysler changed the 42RLE over the years, including adding electronic line pressure control to the Ultradrive family with an extra pressure sensor connector next to the range sensor. Soft parts are shared across most of that run, but confirm that the tag on your case reads 42RLE and compare the new sealing rings and pistons to the old ones before installing. If you want us to check, send your year and VIN with the order. Hard parts and electronics for the same unit are on our 41TE and 42RLE collection page.
The listed contents cover frictions, steels, pistons, seals and gaskets; a filter is not listed, so order the 42RLE filter and gasket kit with it. Soak the Alto frictions in ATF+4 before assembly, install the new bonded pistons with clean ATF on the lips, and measure each pack's clearance against spec. Inspect the input clutch hub bushing: Sonnax notes that excess clearance there leaks underdrive apply oil and burns that clutch, so a loose bushing will kill new frictions. Check the input drum for cracked snap ring grooves and worn splines, and replace it with the 42RLE input clutch drum if needed, then look over the planetary carriers for blued pinions; the 42RLE planetary set covers a damaged gearset. Refill with ATF+4 only, set the level hot, and run the Quick Learn with a scan tool once the transmission is back in.
| Fits | 42RLE 2003 |
| Part type | Master Rebuild Kit |
| Condition | New |
| 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.
It is listed for 2003-and-later 42RLE units. Later transmissions added electronic line pressure control, so compare the new sealing rings and pistons with your originals, or send your VIN and we will confirm.
They are clutch apply pistons with the rubber seal molded on. When that seal hardens the clutch leaks and slips. Replacing the pistons means every rebuilt pack has a fresh apply seal.
A filter is not part of the listed contents. Add a 42RLE filter and pan gasket kit to your order.
The friction and steel clutch plates in this kit are made by Alto.
Fill with ATF+4, check the level at operating temperature, then clear codes and run the Quick Learn with a scan tool so the controller relearns clutch volumes.
