Well i've got the ZJ back in possession and it looks like i'm in charge of swapping trannys, i've done some research and found that a 46RE from a 98 5.9 is a much stronger and more reliable tranny to replace the failing 96 5.2 44RE but what i've found is Chrysler has changed wiring almost every year from 96-98 on the ZJ's so who would know if the wiring from a 46RE will work with the 96 444RE wiring :confused:

Is it absolutely nessecary to replace the 44re? Is it bad? I know the 46re behind a 5.2 in my dodge crapped out (internal crack in the housing) after 69,000 miles. I never tow anything or put it under much load. Its my ride around school and just pushes itself around with 4.10s and 35s. I know my dodge is considerably heavier but the fact that the 46re went out with 69 k on it makes me question how heavy duty and reliable these trannies are. If the 46re has a lot of miles on it i would reconsider replacing your current one.

Is it absolutely nessecary to replace the 44re? Is it bad?

Yes, the 44re has a major design flaw inside where it was machined wrong so over time one of the seals begins to leak more and more causing the classic 2nd to 3rd lag before it finally looses that shift point all together. You can rebuild it at a cost of $1,500 give or take from many shops here in colorado, but down the road the same problem will arise, the 46RE from the 5.9's does NOT have this design flaw, and its a heavier duty tranny. The jeep already has 150K on it, and i plan on swapping in a newer low milage 242, and putting a low milage 8.8 out back so it should be good for another 150K. I had a 93 ZJ with a V8 that ran up to 270,000 before rust took it over, but the 46RH that came in that broke at 18,000, was rebuilt under warranty and NEVER had a problem even when it was retired.

The 44RE shares an awful lot in common with the terrible 42RE. From what I've read the 46RE is basically just a 727 with an overdrive but I don't know much about older Mopar trannies either. The 46RE/RH is supposed to be a better tranny. Here's what I can tell you about wiring and connectors, though... I did an engine swap on my 96 5.2L ZJ and swapped my 96 motor for a 98 5.2L motor after an unfortunate incident with a lake. Anyway, I found that a few of the connectors were different, like the camshaft position sensor. The CRANK position sensor however snapped right into place with the stock connectors. I wish I could give you more info about the tranny and it's electrical hookups but to be honest I don't think there are that many. I'm definitely interested in your solution though. If I were you I'd make sure to get the flywheel, flex plate, and torque converter from the 5.9L as well. It's my understanding what's on your 5.2 might not mate up correctly. Regardless, if you attempt the swap, I'd love to hear about the end result, my 44RE is failing as well.

I would also like to hear what you come up with as well. My 44re is on its last leg with that 2-3 shifting problem.