As of 2020, Dodge Journeys equipped with four-cylinder engines are the only applications of the four-speed Ultradrive (40TES) remaining in production.
The Ultradrive was a significant technological advancement in transmission operation, one of the first electronically controlled automatics.
The torque converter measured 9.5 in (24 cm) in diameter and was mounted to the flywheel by a flexible drive plate.
[5] The 41TE transmission which directly replaced the TorqueFlite had a similar design and could be considered an evolutionary change, but it included different valve bodies, solenoid packs, sensors, and other components to increase reliability.
Applications: Since 2003 (2004 model year), the 41TE was replaced by a similar but cheaper and lighter 40TE transmissions in cars equipped with inline-four-cylinder, or naturally-aspirated engines.
It is strengthened with a reworked final drive unit, barreled axle shafts, and upgraded clutch packs.
The major modification to a longitudinal drivetrain while maintaining front wheel drive was accomplished by adding a differential to the transmission case, which was driven by means of a transfer chain from the output shaft of the low/reverse clutch assembly at the rear of the transmission case.
It is a 42LE transaxle, modified for use in rear-wheel drive vehicles by removing the integral differential and transfer chain.
Applications also include the Pacifica crossover (4.0L), the RT Platform minivans (3.8L & 4.0L V6; also 2.8L diesel for Europe) and the Dodge Journey (3.5L & 3.6L).
Nine design changes were made in an attempt to fix clutch failure, and four were directed to excessive shifting on hills.
[10] After pressure from the US Center for Auto Safety,[11] Consumer Reports, and others, Chrysler LLC promised[citation needed] to waive the $100 deductible in the warranty, provide loaners, and buy back any cars with Ultradrives that could not be fixed (US located cars only).
Chrysler ran a campaign to contact all American owners of cars with Ultradrives to find and fix problems.