Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Transfer Case Fluid Change, 2nd Gen

[Tony T.]

Just changed mine out on my 2003 a couple weeks ago at 28K miles, and was telling a friend of mine I did it. He has a 2002 Dodge CTD with the auto and said he never has changed his out, has 40K on the clock now. Question is what mileage interval are most of the 2G guys doing the change, and what fluid is ok to use for the 2G other than what the manual recommends.



Tony

 

[bmoeller]

I bet most people have never changed their t-case fluid. Think the book says around 2yrs/24k miles.



As long as the fluid meets their 7176 spec number, you should be fine. The book may call for ATF+3, but I don't it really matters to much, as long as it is ATF fluid. Whether it be Dexron/Mercon or whatever.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

In my second gen, I used Dexron 3, changed every 15,000 miles. 'Case was still fine at 133K when I sold it.

 

[RGuzzo]

redline mtl is great for this application unless 8 bucks a qt seems to steep,if you use 4 wh. drive as often as I do you can tell the difference. Ill only change it if it becomes discolored. I changed when I bought the 97 dually with 113k on it it now has 160. I have been told you should change it at least once a year no matter what. I might just change it at 163k . Thats 50k even it if it is a full syn. I think thats long enough eh!

 

[keimmmo]

I have read that 5W-30 motor oil is the same weight as ATF and some guys even use it in their automatic transmissions. I see no reason to worry about friction modifiers in the different types of ATF in a transfer case and the better the oil lubricates the longer the case will last. I have been using 5W-30 synthetic motor oil in mine for about 80k and the case is still tight. I change it about every 30k. I pull heavy some and use 4wd often.



Steve