Master rebuild kit for the Chrysler 42RLE 4-speed in 2007-2011 Jeep Wrangler 3.8L and 2003-2012 Dodge Dakota. Ref 68332423AA, 52852913AB.
The 2007-2011 Jeep Wrangler with the 3.8L V6 and the automatic transmission uses the Chrysler 42RLE, and so does the V6 Dodge Dakota. Big tires, trail crawling and towing all heat the fluid, and the usual result is a Wrangler that slips into second or fourth, smells burnt, and starts dropping into limp mode. This master rebuild kit is made for that repair. It carries reference numbers 68332423AA, 52852913AB and 68059549AA, and the product photos show the friction plates, steel plates, filter, pan gasket and seal set, with the seals and O-rings bagged and labeled by circuit: underdrive and overdrive, reverse clutch, 2-4 clutch and low/reverse.
The 42RLE uses five clutches and no bands. Underdrive, overdrive and reverse drive the gearset; 2-4 and low/reverse hold it. Second and fourth both depend on the 2-4 clutch, which is why a tired unit so often slips in exactly those two gears. The controller compensates for wear by learning how much fluid each clutch needs to apply, but once a pack is glazed or a piston seal is hard, it runs out of room to adjust and sets codes or falls back to second gear. On a JK running oversized tires without a gear change, the transmission spends more time under load and hot, which accelerates both kinds of wear.
Pull the codes and read the clutch volume index values with a scan tool that supports Chrysler transmissions. ATRA gives the normal 2-4 clutch range as 20-77 and underdrive as 24-70; a 2-4 reading above its range on a Wrangler slipping in second and fourth is a strong sign the pack is worn. If you only have solenoid or pressure switch circuit codes and the fluid is clean, check the solenoid pack and its connector first. The 41TE/42RLE family problems guide lays out that split, and the slipping-under-load guide covers pressure faults that look like clutch wear.
The supplied fitment covers the 2007-2011 Jeep Wrangler 3.8L and the 2003-2012 Dodge Dakota. On the Dakota, only the 3.7L V6 trucks used the 42RLE; V8 Dakotas use a different transmission, so read the tag. The same transmission went into the Jeep Liberty, Dodge Nitro and Durango, but this listing does not claim those applications, so send us your year and VIN before ordering for one of them. One detail worth noting: the sealing-ring bag in the photos is marked for 2008-and-later 42RLE units, so on an earlier unit compare the new rings to your old ones before installing. For other 42RLE parts, see our 41TE and 42RLE collection page.
With the transmission on the bench, clean and inspect the drums, pump, valve body and bushings, since they are not part of this kit. Soak the frictions in ATF+4, rebuild each pack using the labeled seal bag for that circuit, and set clutch clearances to specification. Air-check each piston, then install the valve body, new filter and pan gasket. If the old solenoid pack set codes, the 42RLE solenoid block pack kit goes in while the pan is off. A Wrangler that tows or crawls benefits from extra fluid capacity, which the 42RLE aluminum deep pan kit adds. Refill with ATF+4, check the level hot in Neutral, and run the Quick Learn with a scan tool so the controller relearns clutch volumes on the new frictions.
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Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
No. The listed Wrangler fitment is the 2007-2011 3.8L with the 42RLE. Later Wranglers with the 3.6L use a different five-speed automatic.
Both gears are held by the 2-4 clutch. When that pack wears or its piston seal leaks, second and fourth slip while first and third still feel normal. A high 2-4 clutch volume reading on a scan tool backs this up.
No. The 42RLE was used in the 3.7L V6 Dakota. V8 Dakotas use a different transmission, so check the tag before ordering.
The product photos show a filter, pan gasket and the full seal set along with the frictions and steels. Bushings, drums and the torque converter are not included.
Fill with ATF+4, check the level hot in Neutral, clear codes and run the Quick Learn with a capable scan tool so the controller learns the new clutch fill volumes.
