42RLE Rebuild Strategy

[AndyG]

My 05 LJR has a failing torque converter, despite the low mileage and good condition- no idea why.

We plan-

A billet torque converter

A transgo kit

New clutches

New mopar solenoid

Additional cooler

Is there anything else I need to look for or avoid that you guys with experience can share?

Your pal with “tranny issues”

Andy G

 

[voodooridr]

2-4 hub and rear planetary are failure points and valve body piston bores tend to gall and cause pistons to catch
Transtar a geartrain set (PN: A162583) https://www.transtar1.com/special-pages/search-results?search=42rle
and Sonnax sells complete valve bodies and piston repair sleeves https://www.sonnax.com/units/447-42rle

​

 

[MountaineerTom]

If it doesn’t have it already, get a Dorman transmission pan from Amazon with the drain plug. Have it shipped to @mrblaine and have him braze in a bung for a temp sensor.

 

[hear]

My 05 LJR has a failing torque converter, despite the low mileage and good condition- no idea why.

We plan-

A billet torque converter

A transgo kit

New clutches

New mopar solenoid

Additional cooler

Is there anything else I need to look for or avoid that you guys with experience can share?

Your pal with “tranny issues”

Andy G

I've only ever had one 42RLE apart but it wasn't mine and I wasn't rebuilding it. But the rebuild kit will guide you to what needs to be done. The more expensive kits come with a bushing set, but I typically only replace the bushings if they look or feel worn. They're surprisingly durable. Every kit will come with a bunch of piston seals, which can be a pain but if you're already in there it's probably wise. Sealing rings on the shafts & pump reaction support usually only get replaced if they show wear, but those are easy to swap out. All of the above is just standard fare for an overhaul, but you didn't mention it so I figured I would.

 

[AndyG]

I've only ever had one 42RLE apart but it wasn't mine and I wasn't rebuilding it. But the rebuild kit will guide you to what needs to be done. The more expensive kits come with a bushing set, but I typically only replace the bushings if they look or feel worn. They're surprisingly durable. Every kit will come with a bunch of piston seals, which can be a pain but if you're already in there it's probably wise. Sealing rings on the shafts & pump reaction support usually only get replaced if they show wear, but those are easy to swap out. All of the above is just standard fare for an overhaul, but you didn't mention it so I figured I would.

Thanks man.

 

[mrblaine]

My 05 LJR has a failing torque converter, despite the low mileage and good condition- no idea why.

We plan-

A billet torque converter

A transgo kit

New clutches

New mopar solenoid

Additional cooler

Is there anything else I need to look for or avoid that you guys with experience can share?

Your pal with “tranny issues”

Andy G

If you don't know how to check the case to see if it is still viable, find someone that does. My guy winds up with bad cases about 1 out of 3 rebuilds.

 

[ColoJeep]

If you don't know how to check the case to see if it is still viable, find someone that does. My guy winds up with bad cases about 1 out of 3 rebuilds.

This is a big issue with rebuilt automatics , in the Chevy world I've seen folks throw every internal part at a performance rebuild and end up with a crap box because the case is worn.

 

[AndyG]

If you don't know how to check the case to see if it is still viable, find someone that does. My guy winds up with bad cases about 1 out of 3 rebuilds.

thanks Blaine

 

[mrblaine]

This is a big issue with rebuilt automatics , in the Chevy world I've seen folks throw every internal part at a performance rebuild and end up with a crap box because the case is worn.

Joe relates that is the main reason his rebuilds cost so much. Good core cases are hard to find and even when they know what to look for, they still get caught by surprise when one goes bad shortly after a rebuild because they missed some wear in the case. When you cover your work, a few of those really puts a damper on any profit.

 

[AndyG]

Joe relates that is the main reason his rebuilds cost so much. Good core cases are hard to find and even when they know what to look for, they still get caught by surprise when one goes bad shortly after a rebuild because they missed some wear in the case. When you cover your work, a few of those really puts a damper on any profit.

Makes sense.

In small business it seems that it isn’t that there aren’t ways to make money ....just so many more ways to lose it.

 

[macleanflood]

What's next, billet 42rle cases?

-Mac

 

[AndyG]

What's next, billet 42rle cases?

-Mac

Yes please ....

 

[voodooridr]

What's next, billet 42rle cases?

-Mac

I wish

 

[mrblaine]

What's next, billet 42rle cases?

-Mac

My rebuilds already cost me 5 grand and that's without a billet converter. I don't need a 10 grand trans in a TJ.

 

[ColoJeep]

What's next, billet 42rle cases?

-Mac

6.0 LS and 6L90 six speed .

 

[psrivats]

My rebuilds already cost me 5 grand and that's without a billet converter. I don't need a 10 grand trans in a TJ.

Better that than paying 2.5x+ twice and still ending up with substandard crap, one of which is purple.

 

[astjp2]

If it doesn’t have it already, get a Dorman transmission pan from Amazon with the drain plug. Have it shipped to @mrblaine and have him braze in a bung for a temp sensor.

Why? I added one and all it did was become a distraction. If you are competitive racing, maybe but I believe that 99% of the people out there will never diagnose an issue or even know what it is telling them.

 

[astjp2]

Better that than paying 2.5x+ twice and still ending up with substandard crap, one of which is purple.

A good rebuilt or custom built torque converter in a jeep is just as good as spending too much on a billet one.

 

[astjp2]

My rebuilds already cost me 5 grand and that's without a billet converter. I don't need a 10 grand trans in a TJ.

Absolutely true statement.

 

[psrivats]

Why? I added one and all it did was become a distraction. If you are competitive racing, maybe but I believe that 99% of the people out there will never diagnose an issue or even know what it is telling them.

It's a distraction only if you are constantly watching it. You can stop doing that anytime. The value of having a gauge is knowing the actual temps vs guessing. Just like oil pressure or the temp gauge in the cluster.