42RLE Transmission Woes

Thank you sir. I checked fluid, but the level reads fine on the stick. It's a light red color, doesn't smell burned.
Describe fine because these transmissions like to be full. They will slip if they are on the low side. Jerry will recommend slight overfill.
 
Did anyone ask the mileage on the Jeep?
 
Thank you sir. I checked fluid, but the level reads fine on the stick. It's a light red color, doesn't smell burned.
1) Was the engine running during the level check?
2) Was the ATF all the way up to the full mark? Not part way, not half way, not 2/3 full.

I routinely overfill my 42RLE by a quart to prevent problems on hills caused by the ATF pooling away from the ATF pickup tube in the pan.
 
1st and reverse share an accumulator and holding clutch so if it's only an issue when parking on a hill that requires you to back up, you're probably low on fluid. If the transmission were failing, you'd be slipping in reverse on level ground as well and also noticing an issue with 1st.

Add 1/2 qt. If you have to park on a hill, park with the front end facing uphill.
 
1) Was the engine running during the level check?
2) Was the ATF all the way up to the full mark? Not part way, not half way, not 2/3 full.

I routinely overfill my 42RLE by a quart to prevent problems on hills caused by the ATF pooling away from the ATF pickup tube in the pan.

Yes the engine was running when I checked it. It was hot (just drove home). The fluid level is just above the highest dot on the dipstick. I'll pickup some ATF+4 tomorrow and add to it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jerry Bransford
Yes sir! 5.13s will work well on your axle and tire size. You’ll probably find it solves the issue the same as mine!
[/QUOTE
Yes sir! 5.13s will work well on your axle and tire size. You’ll probably find it solves the issue the same as mine!

So I'm shopping gears now. This Jeep is my daily. I drive mostly around town, but I get on the highway maybe a couple times a month. You think I should go 5.13?
 
So I'm shopping gears now. This Jeep is my daily. I drive mostly around town, but I get on the highway maybe a couple times a month. You think I should go 5.13?
Absolutely. I’ve run 5.38s on 33s with the same transmission as you, and my MPG went up from 13 to 16. Plenty of highway time and great results. You can use the search feature on here to find the same advice given by anyone who has ran the 42rle and larger tires. The .69 overdrive on our transmissions is extremely high. Which means you have to gear low to compensate and bring the RPMs back into the correct efficiency powerband.
 
  • Like
Reactions: flyinfish and Irun
Absolutely. I’ve run 5.38s on 33s with the same transmission as you, and my MPG went up from 13 to 16. Plenty of highway time and great results. You can use the search feature on here to find the same advice given by anyone who has ran the 42rle and larger tires. The .69 overdrive on our transmissions is extremely high. Which means you have to gear low to compensate and bring the RPMs back into the correct efficiency powerband.

Awesome, thanks for all the info!