Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Hey guys I have a question about the transfer case fluid

[craftybigdog]

Well I read a while ago that some people were running synthetic oil in there transfer case and not ATF well I put in amsoil 5 W30 and removed the ATF what do you guys think is this a bad idea?

 

[Whitmore]

I used Amsoil synthetic ATF in mine and it has been doing well.



cheers, Kevin

 

[mavrick01']

He's Right

The transfer case calls for well if your going to run AMSOIL it will be AMSOIL ATF.

 

[Pit Bull]

I read on another post that some guys were using Mobil 1 synthetic 75w90 gear lube and having good luck.

 

[amsoilman]

ATF Fluid should be used in the transfer case. The Viscosity of SAE 5W-30 is more viscous (heavier) than the ATF, which is roughly a SAE 20.

A 30 Grade engine oil has a viscosity of 9. 3 cSt@100 C. Min to <12. 5 cSt@100 C. Max.

ATF has viscosity of 5. 6 cSt@ 100 C. Min to <9. 3 cSt@ 100 C. Max.



Why don't you just use the ATF?





Wayne

amsoilman

 

[LSMITH]

Well, I have had 5W-30 Mobil 1 in the transfer case for over 60K miles, guess it should explode any day now. Dad has over 150K on his with 5W-30 in the transfer case, maybe I should roll under his truck and tell his transfer case that it should just explode and die as it has been fed the wrong lube for too long. OK, sarcasm off.



I saw temps in the transfer case drop by over 20* compared to regular type 3 ATF. Lower temps tell me it lubes better. Temps well below zero have been no problem either. I would NOT run the 75W90 gear lube, it is too thick for the pump. The 5W-30 motor oil is FINE to run in the transfer case.

 

[craftybigdog]

Thats what I wanted to hear thanks alot!

 

[Chipstien]

Lsmith, do you have a temp guage in the Tranfer case. Just curious how you know the temps dropped. The problem is that if you have a tranfer case go out under warrantee than Dodge will stick you with the bill for fixing it. If the fluid isn't red then your screwed. My . 02 cents worth

PS. What temps do our Tranfer cases run... . I have always wondered.

 

[LSMITH]

Chip, for the gear boxes I have been using a thermal gun to check the temps, I do not have full time temp probes installed.



With ATF running fairly hard empty I was seing about 140* with about 80* ambient. With the Mobil 1 installed I dropped to 110-115*. I have not done enough towing with any weight of consequence to have a solid number, but from what I have seen it is slightly bigger of a differential in temps, maybe as much as 40*. The transfer case does not get all that hot in any circumstances that I have found.



I put the motor oil in so I would not need a transfer case under warranty, but you do have a point. Isn't the Amsoil 5w-30 red? You could also dye the motor oil with a teaspoon of hydraulic fluid dye, but I think if your warranty is that important to you that you should just fill it with synthetic ATF.