What power upgrades do you recomend?

[tjkj2002]

The problem with the 4.7, is you need EVERYTHING electronic with it...

Also, I know people who used the shift-kits in new Chrysler vehicles with UltraDrive and up, when they started the TCMs, and, it was ok for about 4-6 months, but the TCMs adjusted pressures based in the higher indexes, and they went BACK to the way they were; and in some cases, blew or cracked valves in the valve body because they WERE plastic. Not sure what they are now, die-cast or alum, but, if they are plastic, DON'T...

I know these are better Transmissions, but, the operation is the same. However, by all means, you go right ahead, anyone, and use the shift kit. Then get back to me in 4-6 months and let me know how it's "working" for you...

The shift kits effect the mechanical parts of the trans which the TCM can not change.

 

[brucebotti]

I am no Jeep expert, but I feel that the 3.7 is fine for its intended purpose of city / highway driving and some off road excursions. It doesn't seem that you would need that much more power off road.

I also don't think you would want too much more power on the road. I have a Mustang Bullitt that I put a Kenne Bell supercharger on, and it is more than a handful on the street. When you hit the loud pedal, you had better have your wheels pointed straight. I couldn't imagine that type of power in my KJ which is a much more unstable vehicle in comparison.

Just my $.02 and worth every penny....

Bruce

 

[wheeee32]

I'd like to at least have the chip from B&G. Other than that I'm happy with the performance on my Libby.

 

[Powerslave]

The shift kits effect the mechanical parts of the trans which the TCM can not change.

Whatever you say, these new transmissions aren't like the Hydraulic ONLY controlled, so until you actually put one in, I won't take your word on it. Without a B&G reflash of the TCM to change parameters to be acceptable, the kit won't perform like it was meant to, no where near like the old ALL mechanical transmissions. Also, the KITS for these are NOTHING LIKE the way kits used to be, with drilling holes and installing check bearings for REAL upgraded shifts and performance.

The TCM controls:
Shift lock, Shift solenoids, Pressure control solenoids, and the Torque converter clutch solenoid. So, without those electronic parts now, your MECHANICS are useless, and the transmission will not function, AT ALL. Shift kits change pressures in fluid, for the most part now. They can't change shift or clutch pressures & times anymore, because the TCM does that.

Now, as I said before, the Trans-Go shift kit only gives you: Case parts: accumulator and valve body parts. Prevents Common Limp Causes. Upgrades early designs to later specs (to what WE have). Fixes Limp, Special ring/seal upgrades. Beautiful Shifts. Well, we are or should be already UP to the current specs, so those parts are not needed in the so-called Mercedes redesigned 42rle. So you see, no mention of drilling holes and putting in check bearings like you used to, for REAL performance gains, what a shift kit was MEANT to do. Not these cheesy upgraded parts shift kits. These new kits are more like an upgrade than a performance upgrade. You need to reprogram the TCM now days, for REAL changes in performance.

So, you go buy one of these, and let us know how awesome your transmission works, compared to the 2006 and up models.

 

[kb0nly]

The 3.7 seems to have plenty of torque and power for me, so i don't see the need.

I too have blown away the little kiddies in their ricers at the stop light. Most of the time because they just don't know how to drive, but other times because a little 4 ****** and a loud muffler can't beat me.

I don't recommend street racing, but when some punk acts cocky at the light you just want to teach them a lesson sometimes. I beat one off the line with our stock PT Cruiser, 2.4 and 5 speed manual. Man did he look upset in my rear view mirror.

 

[tazzsrenegade]

I got that shift kit installed into my 03 liberty with the 45rle, never really noticed much of a diference from before to now.

 

[J-Thompson]

So, you go buy one of these, and let us know how awesome your transmission works, compared to the 2006 and up models.

ok I have to laugh at this
I was going to stay out of this conversation but this is just funny
I know I have read more than one "trans temp light" thread on every year KJ from late '03 on up
I also know that I have read more than one about poor reverse gearing

you compared your trans to his
he has an '02 and like my early '03 he has the 45rfe which is geared better
and stronger so he has no need for a shift kit

now to your "electronic controlled trans"
I dont know about the trans in the KJ ,dont really have the need as I am happy with what I have
I do know about the trans in my '02 TJ
it is a TF999 which has the same basic set up as the weaker TF909 found in CJ's which had NO computers of any sort
I also know that for about $200 it can be mad to work like the 909 but be as strong as the 999 ,it is a 999 the difference is clutch packs and some other junk that is in there
now this is not good if you plan to use it for highway service as you will give up T/C lock up ,so it will get to hot but it is great for a trail rig
less stuff to get dirty and wet and the fail
this is why I considered it as an option but I still street my TJ to much

I see no reason why you could not "by pass" some of the electronic controls
but keep some if desired
like say you had an issue with weak reverse
more pressure would help some what ,just saying

 

[tjkj2002]

Whatever you say, these new transmissions aren't like the Hydraulic ONLY controlled, so until you actually put one in, I won't take your word on it. Without a B&G reflash of the TCM to change parameters to be acceptable, the kit won't perform like it was meant to, no where near like the old ALL mechanical transmissions. Also, the KITS for these are NOTHING LIKE the way kits used to be, with drilling holes and installing check bearings for REAL upgraded shifts and performance.

The TCM controls:
Shift lock, Shift solenoids, Pressure control solenoids, and the Torque converter clutch solenoid. So, without those electronic parts now, your MECHANICS are useless, and the transmission will not function, AT ALL. Shift kits change pressures in fluid, for the most part now. They can't change shift or clutch pressures & times anymore, because the TCM does that.

Now, as I said before, the Trans-Go shift kit only gives you: Case parts: accumulator and valve body parts. Prevents Common Limp Causes. Upgrades early designs to later specs (to what WE have). Fixes Limp, Special ring/seal upgrades. Beautiful Shifts. Well, we are or should be already UP to the current specs, so those parts are not needed in the so-called Mercedes redesigned 42rle. So you see, no mention of drilling holes and putting in check bearings like you used to, for REAL performance gains, what a shift kit was MEANT to do. Not these cheesy upgraded parts shift kits. These new kits are more like an upgrade than a performance upgrade. You need to reprogram the TCM now days, for REAL changes in performance.

So, you go buy one of these, and let us know how awesome your transmission works, compared to the 2006 and up models.

I already have,oh and like stated I do not have the weak 42RLE auto trans(minivan trans).The shift kit for the 45RFE includes stiffer springs that go into the valve body and a resistor that is soldered in after the TCM to increase line pressure(to push the springs) for firmer and harder shifts which the TCM can not change,even without the resistor it would shift firmer since the pressure required to actually shift has to be increased since there are stiffer springs installed.I know a few things about auto trans,built more then you could imagine.


The B&G flash just deletes the torque managment only.

 

[Ry' N Jen]

I figure I'd keep and use the bone stock 3.7 liter for the Bi-annual British Columbia Cash grab "Air Care" pollution control "Smog test" here, and once I passed I would pull the stock power plant and swap/install an "Old School" Chrysler V8 and Automatic Transmission; bypass all the electrical/computer BS and have a Real power unit!
(When the factory 3.7 liter V6 has reached the end of it's service life!)
Many many Hot Rodders/Tuners do this here every two years around here as we only need to have money robbed from us every 24 months!

This way I can have my cake and eat it too!

Then there are the "Nay Sayers" who say this engine or that engine will not fit!

Make it fit!

I have driven Classic Austin Mini's with Ford Escort Cossworth 2 liter 16 valve 400 HP all wheel drive creations that were not "able to be fitted"

Look it up!
Many of us loonies out there!

327 Chev V8, or 302 Zapper V8 rear wheel drive Mini's as well!
You don't beleive me?
Agian...
Look it up!

If it don't fit!
Make it fit!

My next Mini will have a 327 V8, Jaguar independant rear end with in-board brake rotors, etc, etc, etc...

I did drop over $50K into my 1976!
So my '79 will fun to build as well!

Considering that I have the 327, and Jag rear end!

Before I transplant a killer V8 in our KJ, I'll go SFA first, then real power.
Sure, it would happen tomorrow, but in the next 36 months?

I have all the time in the World to engineer it!

It's only money.

And you only live once.


Cheers
Ry'

 

[Powerslave]

I got that shift kit installed into my 03 liberty with the 45rle, never really noticed much of a diference from before to now.

Like many other people have said.

Also, J-Thompson? If you have a MANUAL transmission, then you don't have any electronics like the autos, and nothing applies. I haven't seen my Trans Temp light come on... He may have no NEED for a shift-kit, but did anyway. It only upgrades the transmission to perform like they SHOULD. Nothing above and beyond, not like they used to. Without programming, it doesn't do anything fantastic.

I know a guy, who DOES his own programming, and he tears up trans mounts because of the values he uses for shifting, and I mean HARD, Hard enough, that even as a passenger, you know and feel it. He had a firebird, and it was ALL electronic too, but he's a genius, and programed his OWN chips for his car, and it was WAY, WAAAAAY better than any shift-kit could ever do. It can still be done, IF you knew how... THAT is where real performance is, not shift-kits.

stiffer springs that go into the valve body and a resistor that is soldered in after the TCM to increase line pressure(to push the springs) for firmer and harder shifts

...And that's IT? Wow... Awesome shift kit... Nothing like the old ones, that do REAL things. Your transmission is better than the 42rle anyway, doesn't REALLY need it, but if it makes you FEEL (the shifts, heh heh) better, then cool.

I won't put anything in these temperamental Chrysler transmissions that isn't supposed to be in it... They're bad enough as it is...

 

[tjkj2002]

Like many other people have said.



...And that's IT? Wow... Awesome shift kit... Nothing like the old ones, that do REAL things. Your transmission is better than the 42rle anyway, doesn't REALLY need it, but if it makes you FEEL (the shifts, heh heh) better, then cool.

I won't put anything in these temperamental Chrysler transmissions that isn't supposed to be in it... They're bad enough as it is...

The resistor is only used to increase line pressure to push open the stiffer springs in the valve body,same concept as deleting the accumulator spring in full mechanical auto trans(just different way of doing it).

Why not do a shift kit? The trans from the factory has smooth shifts which equals more heat which is a known killer of auto ******'s.Firming up the shifts equals less clutch slippage which equals less heat and longer living trans.Most poeple do not like the firmer shifts but I want mine to almost snap your neck when it shifts,means faster clutch engagement so less damage is being done internally.


You can not effect the firmness of the shift by a TCM program,only when and how the trans shifts,not in Chryslers trans anyways.

 

[jnaut]

This is damn exciting stuff!

You must be registered for see images

 

[Atrus]

I've always heard that a shift kit is a good idea if done early in the transmission's life. I've heard that if not done under low mileage, it's best to not do it.

Any truth to that?

 

[Powerslave]

About the FIRMER shifts, yeah, but the way these transmissions are or WERE designed, that is; they did the simultaneous releasing of one gear WHILE engaging the next one, they were prone to bind up, especially when down shifting while in Drive, you get the BUMP shift. Mind you, this is a 2000 model year a604 FWD transmission, but the mechanics are the same. When in 2nd gear, I did not get a BUMP shift, but from drive, when slowing down to first, you get that bind up, and you feel the BUMP when it shifts down, it is actually called "Bump Shift".

Now, these newer ones that are redesigned by Mercedes, address ALL those old problem areas, but the shifting is still the same, it releases the gear, while grabbing the next at the same time. A little bit of timing difference, you will feel the bump because it binds up for just that split second. With a SHIFT KIT, making the shifts FIRMER, if you get just one instance if bind-up, you are going to feel that, and will hurt the clutches. In fact, the shift-kits for the A604 had this problem, but EVERYONE who said they put a kit in their A604, said it went back to feeling normal in about 6 months.

The main reason the shifts are so so smooth is because the Solenoids are being pulsed. Ever have your trans go into LIMP mode, then put it into a gear, and WHAM, it goes right in? Yeah, the solenoid wasn't pulsed anymore are they? Nope, you didn't even hear that "bzzzzzzzzz-ick", just WHAM into gear... No, it was directly engaged, so the TCM directly controls the pulse of the soleniods. IF, we could stop the pulsing effect of the solenoids, you would get a firmer shift right away. They design these for "comfort", but it's a friggin truck, who needs it? You should have an option to PULSE or NOT to pulse (to be or not to be) the solenoids for shifting, so you feel it NOT pulsed, but it a better, safer, and more reliable shift -vs- the soft comfortable friction & heat generating shifts...

They could simply call it "Comfort Shift Select: ON/OFF" Huh? Yeah.... There ya go... ON: You get nice smooth comfortable shifts for your soft flabby ass, or OFF for the nice FIRM, I can feel that shift, and increase the life of the transmission while your at it.

OR, too bad we can't simply get a CVT to work...


Maybe I will look into it, changing the pulse to direct, with a switch of some sort.

Also, dude, what would happen if someone put the resistor in WITHOUT the firmer springs?

 

[Jeepin05]

Powerslave, I'm curious, can you provide a link or anything for our transmissions being redesigned by Mercedes? You've mentioned it more than once, and I have heard something of that nature before, but have never seen actual info.

 

[J-Thompson]

Also, J-Thompson? If you have a MANUAL transmission, then you don't have any electronics like the autos, and nothing applies. I haven't seen my Trans Temp light come on... He may have no NEED for a shift-kit, but did anyway. It only upgrades the transmission to perform like they SHOULD. Nothing above and beyond, not like they used to. Without programming, it doesn't do anything fantastic.

who said I had a manual?
both of my Jeeps are auto
1 = 3 speed ,TF999 TJ
1 = 4 speed ,45RFE KJ

 

[Powerslave]

Umm, duh, why I said IF, ahh, but I see TF = Torque Flight, dunno how I missed it!!!

Other guy: As far as me saying about the transmissions being redesigned by Mercedes, that's what I WAS TOLD, by people here. I was unable to verify it, I haven't found anything that directly supports that, but, I am only going on the word of a user here. I replied though, redesigned or not, it's still a flawed transmission overall.

http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/showthread.php?p=366872 - This is the thread where the dude was telling me I have a Mercedes transmission.

I did recently find something on the Wrangler, about their manual transmission, which changed in 2005 to a Mercedes-sourced six-speed. Also, the Jeep Liberty 5-speed Mercedes W5A400 Transmission (CRD only), and the 6-speed Mercedes/Chrysler NSG370 manual! So, I am only finding manual transmission references, not anything on the automatic!! Wonder if then, that is even true?

Ha; on the 2009 Dodge Durango SE 4dr 4x2 SE, they are calling the automatic a "4-Speed Automatic VLP (42RLE)"

 

[Jeepin05]

Yeah I was curious. Like I said, I also heard that elsewhere but couldn't find any factual information about Mercedes being involved with the redesign. It would be sweet if true, but that's hard to believe given the negative feedback of the 42RLE...

Personally I've had no major problems with the ****** but given the feedback, I tend to go easy on it when I can.

 

[jnaut]

Yeah I was curious. Like I said, I also heard that elsewhere but couldn't find any factual information about Mercedes being involved with the redesign. It would be sweet if true, but that's hard to believe given the negative feedback of the 42RLE...

Personally I've had no major problems with the ****** but given the feedback, I tend to go easy on it when I can.

Here's the wiki page on the 42rle family. No mention of mercedes, just mention of Chrysler/Daimler. Is it possible that because Daimler built it that was construed as "mercedes"?

 

[tjkj2002]

Here's the wiki page on the 42rle family. No mention of mercedes, just mention of Chrysler/Daimler. Is it possible that because Daimler built it that was construed as "mercedes"?

Daimler is Mercedes,the one and the same.