Nope, my thought process was a little different. I forgot we're talking early JK that has the cooler externally mounted- if present at all.

 

This one does have a transmission cooler. I'm wondering if 200k miles is about all you can reasonably expect out of a Chrysler products transmission.

Is the 42RLE from a 2007-2011 Wrangler all that will swap in, or can I look at other years / models ?

 

One thing that I did to previous jeeps is to pop in a shift kit. They are beefer Springs and plates and well worth the money. Check them out. It might be what you need or you could probably have a bad valve assembly. Sorry can't think of the exact name I am pretty tired today. It is the chunk of aluminum(generally) that is exposed when you remove tranny pan.

 

I took a short drive, 1/4 mile or so in it today and it's now making a whining noise and spewing out codes. I found a good deal on a low miles transmission so I think I'll just retire the lump that's in it and drop in a new box.

Thanks for all your help and comments !