In the event someone else is interested, I recently installed an updated transmission temperature gauge in my LJ. Since I couldn't find a comprehensive set of instructions, I thought I'd share what I did. The install involved replacing the stock 42RLE transmission pan with one that has a drain plug in it. The process was basically the following:
Remove the engine skid, if you have one, and support the transmission with a jack stand
Remove the transfer case skid plate (Make sure step one is done first!!!!)
Remove the stock transmission pan
Remove the old filter and install a Mopar replacement filter (don't forget the o-ring)
Clean up the transmission gasket surface - The factory uses RTV and not a gasket. Instead of using RTV, I use a reusable LubLocker gasket.
Install the the replacement pan and LubeLocker gasket and torque the bolts to spec (14.5ft lbs). Note: I use Blue Loctite on the pan bolts to keep them from loosening.
Install the M14 1.5 to 1/8 brass sensor adapter in the pan
Install the temperature sensor into the adapter
Install the Gauge and wiring
Fill the transmission with ATF 4+
Start and check for leaks (Address any leaks as needed), and check that the temperature gauge is functioning
Re-install the transfer case skid plate and remove the jack
Re-install the engine skid (If you have one)
When doing the wiring I removed the manual transmission block off plate, located on the drivers side next to the brake booster, and used a Daystar Firewall boot to run the wiring through. To make this happen I drilled a 1.25" hole in the block off plate and pulled the Daystar boot through from the inside out. I ran the wiring from the sending unit, installed 1/4" wire loom, then taped that and pulled it through the firewall boot. Once that was done I connected the wires to the gauge.
The parts list is the following:
Dorman 265-818 Transmission Pan (with drain plug)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Z7O4OVA/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Mopar 6805 9549AA, Auto Trans Filter
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F6E49UW/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Lube Locker LLT-A042 transmission pan gasket
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BOU6UJA/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Auto Meter 2267 Oil/Temperature Metric Adapter (M14 1.5 to 1/8)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00062YVOI/?tag=wranglerorg-20
MaxTow Double Vision 260 F Transmission Temperature Gauge Kit - Includes Electronic Sensor - Black
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MS4HDXC/?tag=wranglerorg-20
1.3 Gallons of Mopar ATF 4+
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HN4GTQK/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Daystar Firewall Boot KU20040BK
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004K2285E/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Auto Meter 2204 Mounting Cup
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009RUXPG/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Remove the engine skid, if you have one, and support the transmission with a jack stand
Remove the transfer case skid plate (Make sure step one is done first!!!!)
Remove the stock transmission pan
Remove the old filter and install a Mopar replacement filter (don't forget the o-ring)
Clean up the transmission gasket surface - The factory uses RTV and not a gasket. Instead of using RTV, I use a reusable LubLocker gasket.
Install the the replacement pan and LubeLocker gasket and torque the bolts to spec (14.5ft lbs). Note: I use Blue Loctite on the pan bolts to keep them from loosening.
Install the M14 1.5 to 1/8 brass sensor adapter in the pan
Install the temperature sensor into the adapter
Install the Gauge and wiring
Fill the transmission with ATF 4+
Start and check for leaks (Address any leaks as needed), and check that the temperature gauge is functioning
Re-install the transfer case skid plate and remove the jack
Re-install the engine skid (If you have one)
When doing the wiring I removed the manual transmission block off plate, located on the drivers side next to the brake booster, and used a Daystar Firewall boot to run the wiring through. To make this happen I drilled a 1.25" hole in the block off plate and pulled the Daystar boot through from the inside out. I ran the wiring from the sending unit, installed 1/4" wire loom, then taped that and pulled it through the firewall boot. Once that was done I connected the wires to the gauge.
The parts list is the following:
Dorman 265-818 Transmission Pan (with drain plug)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Z7O4OVA/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Mopar 6805 9549AA, Auto Trans Filter
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F6E49UW/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Lube Locker LLT-A042 transmission pan gasket
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BOU6UJA/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Auto Meter 2267 Oil/Temperature Metric Adapter (M14 1.5 to 1/8)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00062YVOI/?tag=wranglerorg-20
MaxTow Double Vision 260 F Transmission Temperature Gauge Kit - Includes Electronic Sensor - Black
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MS4HDXC/?tag=wranglerorg-20
1.3 Gallons of Mopar ATF 4+
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HN4GTQK/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Daystar Firewall Boot KU20040BK
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004K2285E/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Auto Meter 2204 Mounting Cup
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009RUXPG/?tag=wranglerorg-20
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