Do you just reuse the stock one? Replace with a aftermarket? RTV?

I’m about to do a drain and filter change. Seems like everyone does something different...

 

It would be nice to know what year JK you are asking about.

 

Like Ron indicated, the older JKs used RTV from the factory, newer ones (I don't know which year) used a gasket.

I have a 2009 which used RTV from the factory. I replaced that with a lube locker gasket. I like the lube locker gaskets, it makes the job easier and can be re-used. I also used lube locker gaskets on my differential covers.

If I had to do over again, I would have replaced my trans pan with an aftermarket one with a drain plug.

So that would be my recommendation, no matter which year you have. Lube locker gasket and replacement pan with drain plug. The advantages are you can change the trans fluid without pulling the pan by getting a pan with a plug, and then using the lube locker gasket because they're easier to install than messing around with any RTV, and can be re-used if you need to pull the pan for any reason.

Here's the lube locker gasket for the 42RLE auto trans (2007-2011). Different engine and trans on 2012+
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

It’s a 2013

 

on 2012 and up you can reuse the gasket but I would have one on hand just in case you bugger it up.

 

Absolutely get a pan with a drain plug. Do this job just once. I don't know what Chrysler was thinking when they decided to not put a drain plug. You can get one here for cheap:

More Information for DORMAN 265866

 

That decision was made decades ago to save $1 per vehicle. The 42RLE pan still has a depression in it where the plug used to be.

They used to have a drain plug in the torque converter, too.

 

I think they used that extra dollar they saved to improve the headlights.......

 

Recently did this on my 2013 and reused factory gasket. In case the words of wisdom have yet to set in........I would strongly suggest that you use a mittyvac to suck as much fluid out through the dipstick, then replace the pan with a new one with a plug. You'll spend more effort trying to do a controled spill and still make a mess. With a mittyvac getting most that out first, it should make dropping the pan 5000x easier not having to worry about fluid seeping out as you unbolt it.