Some Fluid Maintenance Questions...

[kb0nly]

Going to start changing all the fluids this month in my spare time so i can get it all ready for the winter and i came across some questions.

First of all here is the fluids recommended by my service manual:

Front and Rear Axle 75W-140
Transfer Case ATF+4
Trans (5-Speed Auto) ATF+4

See any problems so far on the fluid choices??

Next question... I have an 03' and checking with parts stores they want to know which trans i have to get the right filter kit. Without tearing it apart first to compare can you tell me which trans i have, 45RFE or 42RLE, or rather how to check which trans i have?? The last thing i want to do is be underneath in the driveway and end up having the wrong filter kit.

Thanks all!

 

[ThunderbirdJunkie]

Do you tow a lot?

If not, you won't see any real benefit going to 75140 in the diffs rather than 75w90 ITBJHO. Just sayin'

 

[rjcapp]

From what I have read here from searches is to check the build date on the sticker - drivers side door. Pre 5/03 you most likely have 45RFE. Pretty sure I read here the 42RLE has 13 blots for the transmission pan vs more for the 45RFE. Please double check.

 

[sleeve]

13 bolts and it's got the stronger transmission (45RFE) out of the dodge ram.
15 bolts and it's got the more common (42RLE) out of....

Transmission Numbers Decoded:
4 = # of forward speeds
5 = 1 -10 scale on how much torque the trans can handle,1 being the lowest
R = RWD
FE = Full Electronically controlled (LE = Limited Electronic Control)

 

[tjkj2002]

13 bolts and it's got the stronger transmission (45rfe) out of the dodge ram.
15 bolts and it's got the more common (42rle) out of....a minivan

transmission numbers decoded:
4 = # of forward speeds
5 = 1 -10 scale on how much torque the trans can handle,1 being the lowest
r = rwd
fe = full electronically controlled (le = limited electronic control)

Had to do it!

 

[kb0nly]

Ok thanks guys!

I will go count the bolts in the pan, looks to me like thats the foolproof method as they have different numbers. I have to get under there and change the oil this week anyway so i figured i would start planning ahead.

As for the question on towing, i tow my utility trailer quite often, sometimes loaded pretty heavy. I also sometimes pull around various things like car trailers, campers, whatever needs to be moved. So i figured it would be a good idea to plan for the future.

What is the biggest reason they put in a different lube for towing??

 

[sleeve]

Main Reason - heat control for the front differential.

Secondary Reason - heat control for the rear differential

 

[Atrus]

Question about the trans fluid change....

What's the best way to go about this? I am thinking flush with a filter replacement. Does a relearn need to be done? Is this something I should trust only the Dealer to do properly?

Given my past experience with the A604, I'm a little leery of Chrysler transmissions and want to ensure this thing is serviced properly.

 

[kb0nly]

I checked my trans while under there changing the oil...

15 Bolts, so i assume its the 42RLE

However the manufacture date off the drivers door is 02-03, so its early then 05-03. I guess i just got one of the early models that still had the 42RLE?? I will double check and count again, also according to the service manual there is supposed to be an id tag on the trans but i can't find it.

I was going to work on changing the transfer case fluid but it started raining, i did get under there to look it over, find the plugs, etc.. Its the 231 according to the info tag on the case.

Ok on the diff fluid, i will go with the 74W140 just in case, i don't tow daily but i do tow, and sometimes when i do its a heavy load for a fairly long distance, so its better to be safe then sorry as the fluid difference doesn't cost much either.

 

[JeepJeepster]

Thought the 42rle had 13 bolts??

 

[kb0nly]

The other post above he said 42 was 15 and 45 was 13 bolts?

I'm going to use the link on the sticky on here to get a build sheet and kindly request one. Then i can put this question to bed with that also!

 

[ridenby]

If I didn"t have good shirt on I would crawl under and count them. maybe later.

 

[kb0nly]

If I didn"t have good shirt on I would crawl under and count them. maybe later.

I requested my build sheet as well, so if nothing else i will just see what that says!

 

[ThunderbirdJunkie]

There is a sticker on the driver side of the 45RFE that says RFE with a bunch of other crap on it just above the pan, on the case of the trans itself.

 

[kb0nly]

There is a sticker on the driver side of the 45RFE that says RFE with a bunch of other crap on it just above the pan, on the case of the trans itself.

Ok, didn't see that, must be a 42 then. I will check the build sheet when i get it and report back.

But i have an early 03' model and according to everything online that should make it a 45, i guess i just have the exception to the rule.

 

[kb0nly]

Ok, well i guess i will have to play the guessing game on the trans....

I contacted Chrysler through their website to get the build sheet and they called me this morning asking for a credit card number to MAIL me a copy... Damnit