Dodge / Ram / Jeep · Rebuilt, built to order
Rebuilt 42RLE transmission for Jeep Wrangler, Liberty and Nitro
A rebuilt 42RLE is Chrysler's 4-speed rear-wheel drive and 4WD automatic, rebuilt in our Plantation, Florida shop for Jeeps and V6 Dodge trucks from 2003 to 2012. It is for owners of a Wrangler TJ or JK, Liberty, Nitro, or a 3.7L Dakota or Ram 1500 stuck in limp mode, shifting hard or slipping.
Price
From $2,699
Final price confirmed for your VIN before you pay. Some years, engines and 4WD versions cost a little more. Plus a refundable core deposit.
- Type
- 4-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive / 4WD
- Build time
- About 4 to 6 weeks
- Delivery
- Free pickup or freight
Fits these vehicles
- Jeep Wrangler TJ (2003 to 2006, automatic)
- Jeep Wrangler JK (2007 to 2011, automatic)
- Jeep Liberty (2003 to 2012)
- Dodge Nitro with 3.7L V6 (2007 to 2011)
- Dodge Dakota with 3.7L V6 (2004 to 2011)
- Dodge Ram 1500 with 3.7L V6 (2006 to 2012)
Common applications. Your VIN confirms the exact version before we build.
Signs yours is failing
- Stuck in 2nd gear (limp mode) with a check engine light
- Flared or harsh shifts
- Shudder at highway speed when the converter locks
- Slipping in overdrive
- Shift solenoid codes that come back after clearing
Weak spots we fix
- Solenoid pack failures that put the vehicle in limp mode
- Solenoid switch valve bore wear in the valve body, which can make a new solenoid pack alone fail to fix the problem
- Valve body wear that causes flared or harsh shifts
- Torque converter clutch shudder and overdrive clutch wear, worse on modified Jeeps
What's in the rebuild
- New clutches, steels, seals and gaskets
- Valve body reconditioned for the known solenoid switch valve wear
- Solenoid pack checked and replaced when it's faulty
- Worn or damaged hard parts replaced after teardown
- Torque converter matched to your engine
- New filter and fresh fluid
- Written warranty
About the 42RLE
The 42RLE is a 4-speed automatic Chrysler built from 2003 to 2012 for rear-wheel drive and 4WD vehicles. It is closely related to the front-drive 41TE family and uses clutches rather than bands. It is best known in the Jeep Wrangler TJ and JK and the Liberty, and it also went into the Dodge Nitro and V6 Dakotas and Ram 1500s. Starting in 2007, Chrysler changed it to variable line pressure, so the solenoid pack, valve body and computer calibration differ between early and late units.
Why the 42RLE fails
The solenoid pack is the most common trouble spot. When it or a sensor fails, the computer drops the transmission into limp mode, holding 2nd gear to protect itself. Many owners replace the solenoid pack and see the problem return, because wear in the solenoid switch valve bore of the valve body is the real cause. Valve body wear also causes flared or harsh shifts. Torque converter shudder shows up at highway speed, and bigger tires and lifts on Jeeps put extra load on the overdrive clutch.
Rebuilt vs used for your Jeep
Used 42RLEs are easy to find, but many come from Jeeps that were lifted, run on big tires or used off-road, and the pre-2007 and 2007-and-later versions are not interchangeable. A remanufactured unit is built to a general spec. We check your VIN first, then rebuild the unit in our Plantation shop with a reconditioned valve body, new soft parts, a torque converter matched to your engine and any worn hard parts replaced. It goes back into your Jeep built for your Jeep.
How it works
01
Send your VIN
We confirm the right unit and your final price.
02
Pay online
Secure Stripe link. Refundable core deposit.
03
We build it
Rebuilt in our Plantation shop. Usually 4 to 6 weeks.
04
Ship or pick up
Free pickup, or freight with tracking.
42RLE questions
Will a 42RLE from an older Jeep fit my 2008 Wrangler?
Not as a straight swap. Chrysler changed the 42RLE to variable line pressure in 2007, so the solenoid pack, valve body and calibration differ between early and late units. Your VIN tells us which one to build.
My Jeep is stuck in 2nd. Does that mean it needs a rebuild?
Not always. Limp mode can come from a sensor, wiring, low fluid or the solenoid pack, and if it also slips, flares or shows burnt fluid, a rebuild is usually the right fix. Call us at (954) 764-5060 if you're unsure.
Does a rebuilt 42RLE need a relearn?
Some units need a relearn or programming after install; we'll tell you if yours does. On Chrysler units this is usually a quick learn done with a scan tool.
How does ordering and delivery work?
Pay online, and we VIN-check the order before we rebuild the unit in Plantation. Then pick it up at 631 S State Rd 7 or have it shipped by freight. A refundable core deposit applies.
How long does it take?
Units are built to order. Most are ready about 4 to 6 weeks after payment. Need it sooner? Call us, we can often work something out.
What is the core deposit?
A refundable deposit added at payment. Send your old transmission back to the shop and we refund it to your card once it's checked in.