42RLE

• Chrysler's Jeep Liberty and Wrangler were first equipped with the four-speed 42RLE automatic in 2003 before the Dakota received it a year later. The 42RLE is a rear-wheel drive transmission modified from the 42LE models. Chrysler designed the 42RLE to handle the increased torque of the 3.7-liter V6 engine. It featured a rear axle ratio of 3.55, 2.74 or 3.92, depending on the Dakota model.
  
  

45FE/454RFE

• The 45FE/454RFE electronically controlled five-speed automatic can trace its history to the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee before arriving in the 2003 Dakota. The 45FE/454RFE matched the Dakota's 4.7-liter V8. The transmission featured driver adaptive shifting and a wide ratio setup for engine efficiency. The final gear ratio was 2.34, 2.59 or 3.92.
  
  

Getrag 238

• The Dakota's only manual transmission was available in 2005 and later Dakotas and designed to complement the 3.7-liter V6 and 4.7-liter V8. It produced final gear ratios 3.21, 2.80 or 3.55.