42RLE JK vs KJ?
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Ticonderoga, NY
42RLE JK vs KJ?
Since adding 33's to my JK I've notice a drop in performance. This got me thinking. Is it the engine that's really underpowered or the 4 speed transmission that's in it?
Here's my observation. My previous Jeep was a 2003 Jeep Liberty (KJ) with the 3.7L V6 and 45RFE transmission(5 speed). It had decent bottom end torque and decent power; even for being the heavy pig it was. The gearing in the transmission was perfectly matched for the vehicle.
On the other hand, my girlfriend's 2006 Jeep Liberty (KJ) with the same engine and 42RLE transmission is high winder. To get any noticable power out of it you really have to get the RPMs up around 3000-4000RPMS.
Both KJ's have the same axle ratio's; 3:73's.
I'd like to see how well the 3.8L would perform with a 5 speed behind it.
Thoughts?....
Here's my observation. My previous Jeep was a 2003 Jeep Liberty (KJ) with the 3.7L V6 and 45RFE transmission(5 speed). It had decent bottom end torque and decent power; even for being the heavy pig it was. The gearing in the transmission was perfectly matched for the vehicle.
On the other hand, my girlfriend's 2006 Jeep Liberty (KJ) with the same engine and 42RLE transmission is high winder. To get any noticable power out of it you really have to get the RPMs up around 3000-4000RPMS.
Both KJ's have the same axle ratio's; 3:73's.
I'd like to see how well the 3.8L would perform with a 5 speed behind it.
Thoughts?....
JK Freak
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 964
Likes: 1
From: Riverton, Utah
I haven't been impressed with the transmission but it beats the old 3 speed. I was just happy to have this as a 4 speed. If the wife would have been more comfortable with a manual I would have gone 6-speed, although there have been a issues with the 6 speed too.