2002 Auto Transmission Swap

dkrogers98 · 09-21-2012, 04:39 PM

Have a 2002 wrangler with a 4.0 and 3 speed auto. Want to change to an overdrive transmission. Prefer the easiest swap possible. Can anyone help?

JBTJ · 09-21-2012, 04:52 PM

Are you talking about the 42rle?

JBTJ · 09-21-2012, 04:59 PM

Also, may I ask why you want to get rid of that great, near bullet proof tranny for something less? The 32RH is the best auto transmission JEEP used.

dkrogers98 · 09-21-2012, 05:10 PM

The story is this. I have 35's on it. I also drive it on the highway. That is why I am looking for overdrive. Otherwise I would not be changing it. I did not do any research before I bought the jeep and did not realize there was a difference in transmissions from 02 to 03. I also have a lot of money invested in it and don't want to sell the jeep and start over. Thought it might be easier to sqwap. And yes, if I do the swap, I will sell the other transmission.

JBTJ · 09-21-2012, 05:13 PM

Nothing will be an easy swap or cheap to do. Best bet is to regear. What gears are you running now?

dkrogers98 · 09-21-2012, 05:17 PM

I have stock axles as of now. Planning on putting at least dana 44's. Not sure what to change gears to. I believe they are 3.07. It's terrible. No power. As with many builds, it's a work in progress. Building as money allows. I am new to all this.

JBTJ · 09-21-2012, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkrogers98

I have stock axles as of now. Planning on putting at least dana 44's. Not sure what to change gears to. I believe they are 3.07. It's terrible. No power. As with many builds, it's a work in progress. Building as money allows. I am new to all this.

The 3.07 gears are your problem for sure. I only have 32's with 3.73 gears and it's a dog. For 35's you will need 4.56 gears to get your engine back to its power band. Change those gears and you will be surprised on how much power and MPG you will have. It's also the cheapest fix.

dkrogers98 · 09-21-2012, 05:26 PM

I knew the gears sucked. I wasn't sure what I was going to use. I was thinking 4.56 or something close. I was just concerned that I would get out on the highway and the engine would be screaming. I guess I'll give it a shot and see what happens. Thanks for the advice.

JBTJ · 09-21-2012, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkrogers98

I knew the gears sucked. I wasn't sure what I was going to use. I was thinking 4.56 or something close. I was just concerned that I would get out on the highway and the engine would be screaming. I guess I'll give it a shot and see what happens. Thanks for the advice.

ALL the guys I know that have that setup love it. I'm sure you will too. Good Luck.

**Jerry Bransford** · 09-21-2012, 06:11 PM

Go with 4.56 which will be cheaper and a WHOLE lot easier than converting to any 4-speed automatic. The 42RLE used after 2002 is not a good choice in many ways, not to mention it'd be an electronic nightmare to get it working. The AW4 is the best 4-speed automatic choice but it's not easy either and has some issues with causing Check Engine lights and controlling its Overdrive.

4.56 will be optimal for the 32RH and 35" tires and you'll have a nearly bulletproof combination. Your 32RH is a superb transmission, I installed one into my previous TJ that was stolen and I miss it a LOT. I hate my present 42RLE 4-speed automatic which is probably about the worst automatic to ever make it into a Jeep.

4banged · 09-22-2012, 05:21 AM

Amen Jerry, 42rle is the dumbest tranny I've ever driven. I think it would be a lot better if it was programmed to release the tcc under load in od. Those 300-500 rpms would make it so much more manageable on hwy instead of bogging and kicking to 3rd.