35's and the 42rle ... anyone else unhappy?

**LOCKED UP** · 02-02-2010, 07:55 PM

I can't be the only one running 35s with the 42rle so I ask yall ... am I the only one that is unhappy?

I am geared to 5.13 and I'm just not thrilled. I did the math and felt like I had to do 5.13 because anything less and it would have no power in OD.

But still, on hills, it will slow down or at least not accelerate. I give it more gas (almost have to floor it) and when it finally kicks down it will sometimes drop 2 gears. So I have to floor it then as it changes gears I have to let off a little so it will only drop one gear.

And of course around town it has plenty of gear in first but it's almost more than I need so I'm just running higher RPMs for no reason.

I do have very heavy rims and tires (110lb a piece each) but I can't put all the blame on that. So I'm thinking it's partly the weak *** .69 OD, partly the heavy wheels and partly the programming of the transmission.

I haven't found any reprogramming options for it but I'm not sure I want to spend any money on it since it isn't the worlds gift to trannies anyway.

So I'm seriously considering swapping in an AW4 because at least I have had success with them on 35s behind a 4.0l. And I know they can be built to withstand a reasonable amount of power. Hell, I had 33s on my XJ with 4.56 and it had more get up and go than my TJ. Even my YJ with 4.56s and 35s moved better (yes, it had an aw4 as well).

So, how is everyone else handling this or is it just me?

**Unlimited04** · 02-02-2010, 08:06 PM

i hate the 42RLE - that shouldnt be a surprise to anyone around here, lol. i've only got experience with 30s, 31s & 3.73s tho.

2006_Sport · 02-02-2010, 08:08 PM

Yep, 42rle is craptastic. Like unlimited, i only have experience with 30s, 31s on 3.73s. Even then I hate it though.

roadkill · 02-02-2010, 08:19 PM

I have it in my LJ Rubi with 33s and 5.13s. I pull an M416 trailer and it is definitely lacking when that is hooked up and loaded down. it does fine for me with no trailer but I have friend who had a 5spd on 35s with 4.88s tell me his jeep had more power than mine. I don't doubt it. lately I'm on a Savvy diet in hopes of getting more pep. every time I think of going to 35s I always ponder how much it will suck on the hwy (especially towing) and that I am going everywhere I want/need to on 33s. I have even thought of going with a narrower (33 10.5 or a 285/75 or some other metric tire that will be narrower than a 12.50) tire to help reduce rolling resistance, but this is mostly for better mpg and ease of towing.

pielet97 · 02-02-2010, 08:25 PM

I have 35s w/ 4.88 and I'm not unhappy with it. The OD is fine for flat and it downshift in hills. Maybe my expectations are low, its a brick, not a vette.

**Peterpsc** · 02-02-2010, 08:41 PM

I have the 42rle with 37s geared at 5.13. In town w/ OD off I'm just fine. Flat highway speeds w/ OD on running around 70 I have no problems. Off roading in the high central Sierras I have no problems and that includes some tough trails, although I do have an Atlas 4spd TC, which is terrific.

Only with grades (mtn driving) I'm moving in and out of OD, and that can be a pain, but I'm used to it and can hold 3rd gear when required pushing RPMs at 2700-2800 but I don't think that's a big deal. But I agree w/ earlier post its a box on wheels and not a Vette. On the other hand, my Vette can't do the Dusy-Ershim trail!!

I'd say I'm not unhappy w/ the 42rle.

Kenny · 02-02-2010, 08:48 PM

Geesh ......i have the same set up with the stock 410 gears 33s i mean and darn I hate it... i was thinking 513s but now Im thinkin tranny swap... thanks guys just kidding

**newbs** · 02-02-2010, 09:26 PM

Simple answer is to ditch the lousy stock lockers get some arb's and you can gear even lower.

mikesbeachhut · 02-02-2010, 09:37 PM

Theres this switch that says over-drive?Just shut the dam thing off like I do.No problem.

Patton · 02-02-2010, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikesbeachhut

Theres this switch that says over-drive?Just shut the dam thing off like I do.No problem.

It's like having my old 3spd back!

kuebelwagen · 02-02-2010, 10:07 PM

35's with stock 410s, overdrive off around town, I'm happy.

See, I'm happy.

**LOCKED UP** · 02-02-2010, 10:59 PM

I'll have to look for a way to modify the OD switch to be off unless I turn it on ... as opposed to now as it comes on unless I switch it off.

Still, seems like a band-aid for a crap OD gear.

And swapping in ARBs so I can again regear to 5.38 ... Cheaper to put in a new trans most likely.

**newbs** · 02-03-2010, 12:23 AM

Well your tranny is computer controlled and you would need to convert to a manual computer and do whatever it takes to keep it happy. I love the od in the42rle , in the process of putting one in my wifes jeep so she can run 33's with 5.40's. If you really hate the 42rle you could swap in a 700r4 which is a pretty easy swap.

**RogueSpear2023** · 02-03-2010, 12:34 AM

42RLE 33s, and 4.10s and I am just fine, i actually like it better now than with 31s it almost felt jumpy then, if you don't like the OD lock it out. And then you have a 3spd like everyone else, the OD is fine for me, but it's also flat here for the most part. If you do swap in an AW4, make sure you get an ECU from a manual of the same year of your jeep, or else it won't run properly.

jondotcom · 02-03-2010, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikesbeachhut

Theres this switch that says over-drive?Just shut the dam thing off like I do.No problem.

That's what make my tranny perfect with 3:73 and 32s. You have to admit the tranny works awesome on a stock 30" tire jeep though.