chirokj
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What exactly are the changes to the liberty after 2002? i noticed the roll over ratings are different too?
2002 vs 2003+
- Thread starter chirokj
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tjkj2002
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Any KJ with a build date prior to april 12th 2002 sit 3/4" higher stock then those made after april 12th 2002(hence the different rollover ratings),they lowered the KJ due to bad press over a magizine rolling one in a test that couldn't be duplicated(just a freak accident).Also in the begining of 2003(varies alot) they started replacing the better ******,45RFE, with the 42RLE.Also only 2002(4wd models only) came standard with the front skid,was a option on '03+ models.
2003KJ
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In addition, 2002 models got rear drum brakes, and in 2003 4 wheel disc became standard.
Prospect62
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2005 and up the rear turn signal lenses changed from amber to clear. The 2005 and up models use amber bulbs with the clear lenses.
Ry' N Jen
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Just what was the point in that?
JeepJeepster
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^^Idk, but I like them better.
chirokj
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any cons/pros between the 45 rfe and the 42 rle you guys can think of?
tjkj2002
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The 45RFE is a truck ******,has lived behind 4.7 V-8's and was the ****** used in the RAM's when the 5.7 HEMI was first brought out,the CRD's 545RFE is a version of the 45RFE,different guts to give it a second overdrive.
The 42RLE started out as the A604,the ****** made for the Doge minivans when they started coming out in the '80's,was retro fitted to use in a front engine/rear wheel drive vehicles and changed names to the 42RE then went to the 42RLE.
Chrysler uses the first numbers to show the trannies strength,the bigger the number the stronger the ******,so the 45RFE is stronger then the 42RLE.Just like the 46RE(behind the Cummins in 3/4 and 1ton trucks) is stronger then the 45RFE.Oh and the 45RFE has two second gears,one is only used for highway passing kickdown gear,so it's a 5 speed ******,the 545RFE is realy a 6 speed ******,the 42RLE is only a 4speed.The 45RFE has a 3.00:1 1st gear and reverse,the 42RLE has 2.2:1(if I rember right) or 2.84:1 1st gear and a 2.2:1 reverse gear.
Prospect62
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chirokj
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why would DC then change the stronger one for a weaker one? makes no sense to me..
2003KJ
Member
The "weaker" one is probably cheaper to make, and more cost effective as they probably share it amongst a number of different vehicles, where as the "stronger" one is really only found behind the RAM's.
tjkj2002
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It's all about part availeablity and $$$$$$,the 42RLE is cheaper then the 45RFE,money is the bottome line.
tan's2002kjlimited
Full Access Member
Cool beans! That means I have the better trans before DC went cheap(er).
I've got another possible reason towards the "why they changed to a weaker ******". The weaker 42RLE is likely smaller than the 45RFE. Take a good hard look at the size of the passenger footwell of the 02 and compare it to the 03's made after July 01, 2003 (when they changed to the 42RLE). Notice there's ALOT more passenger footroom in the Liberty with the 42RLE. The slightly more spacious later model goes a long way in the comfort factor when making long trips. Still the 45RFE is a stronger ******.
I don't need a ****** that's bulletproof... I don't believe I'll ever be shooting at it!
JeepJeepster
Full Access Member
Pretty much. And I would say its supply and demand. Since they use the 545rfe behind hemis and pretty much every dodge car gets the hemi they are using alot more of them now. (And I know the 45rfe is alittle different than the 545rfe, but its the same case).
Grands also use the 545rfe.
The 42rle has not been proven to be unable to handle the 3.7 in the liberty. It seems to be an ok ****** but the 45rfe was much better for offroad with its lower grearing. Engine breaking was alot better with it too.
sideshowant
Full Access Member
i have an 05 with the 2.4l and the 6 speed manual transmission. i think its the nsg370. if i were to swap in the 3.7l would that trany hold up or would i have to swap it out also?
AlexKJ
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Griemster1
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So on mine the build date was april 2001 which i dont completly understand cause cause its a 2002 but anyways that means mine sits 3/4' higher already and probally has the 45rfe trans? also since it sit 3/4" higher can i do a 2" lift or would that put me in the danger zone for problems with cv shafts and such.
Alex.......yea but that's "destructive testing".....where they keep testing until it breaks so they can tell how it performs and it's max breaking point.
And anything can break. But if the ****** was not capable of performing behind the motor, (taking continuous outright abuse out of the equasion) then they would all be breaking. That is not the case.
Dave
