Transfer Case Fluid color?

[James1]

The fluid you want for a 2500/3500 is BW44-44 fluid. It’s red and has the part number 68089195AA.

BW numbering isn’t the most straight forward.

I know I'm frustrating you, but the label on my bottle (part number 68049954, post #37 above) says it contains fluid to be used for a BW 44-44 newer than 2016, which includes my 2017.

I'm just trying to square this label with the TechConnect recommendation; again I apologize...

 

[AH64ID]

I know I'm frustrating you, but the label on my bottle (part number 68049954, post #37 above) says it contains fluid to be used for a BW 44-44 newer than 2016, which includes my 2017.

I'm just trying to square this label with the TechConnect recommendation; again I apologize...

The difference is that the fluid you used is 44-40 and 44-44 fluid, where the red stuff is just 44-44. Both are fine, but the dedicated 44-44 is what tech connect calls out.

The fluid I use has both part numbers listed on it, so I don’t think they are all that different anyhow.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Just run the AMZ/OIL Signature series AFT.

 

[nukegm]

comrade - if you see post number 2 in this thread AH64 said your part numbers are covered by the amsoil atf. you can internet search that fluid forever, and always come up with a different answer.... for what reason i dunno. a few of my mechanic friends say if you keep it wet it will be fine....lol....good luck - cheers!

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

TransEngineer told us a while ago that he discovered BW put Dexron III into the 'case when manufactured.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I first filled my 98 12V transfer case with AMZ/OIL at 50k and now my Son has the truck with at least 450k and the transfer case has not been touched.

 

[James1]

Okay all; I just now finally heard back from my inquiry to ramcustomercare@fcagroup.com. Their advice to me is copied and pasted in italics below:

James,

VIN: 3C6UR5CL0HG733819 - 2017 RAM 2500 TRADESMAN CREW CAB 4X4

Our records indicate this vehicle was equipped from the factory with the following:
DK3 Elec Shift-On-The-Fly Transfer Case (BW 44-46 Transfer Case)

Recommended Lubricant for the BW 44-46 Transfer Case - Mopar Transfer Case Lubricant 68089195AA (Transfer case lubricant for BorgWarner 44-45, 44-46, 44-47, 44-48 and Pre-2016 44-44)

Mopar Transfer Case Lubricant 68049954AA is recommended for BorgWarner 44-40 AND
2016+ 44-44).

DO NOT use Transfer Case Lubricant 68049954AA in a BorgWarner 44-46 Transfer Case.

Sincerely,
Joe

ref:_00Dj01qsDF._5003Z1CxiXc:ref ​

And I note the emphasis on DO NOT is not mine but rather from ramcustomercare! So, I must now drain the two quarts of clear fluid I purchased at the dealership (at a total cost of more than $70) and replace them with the appropriate red juice. Fortunately I have not run the truck in 4WD since I changed the fluid. Live and learn...

Again I thank all of you who weighed in with advice.

Cheers,

 

[bcbender]

Thank you James, I noted this in my service records as I have the same Tcase .

 

[JR]

Begs the question what is the red stuff, and what differentiates the auto from the standard shift that requires a different fluid.

 

[JR]

At any rate I think I would print that out and take it to your dealership and ask if they will work with you since they sold you the wrong fluid, assuming you gave them your VIN to go off of.

 

[bcbender]

JR, It says above that the red stuff is used in both the 44-46 and 44-47 (elec / non elec shift) so I assume its like Ozy was saying that there is a special fluid for the 1500 models built after 2016.

Recommended Lubricant for the BW 44-46 Transfer Case - Mopar Transfer Case Lubricant 68089195AA (Transfer case lubricant for BorgWarner 44-45, 44-46, 44-47, 44-48 and Pre-2016 44-44)

 

[AH64ID]

They sure did make it more convoluted than they needed to.

 

[RammerJam]

I think the problem starts with the fact that some of the newer fluids don't play well with 'yellow' metals.... Brass, Bronze, Copper, whatever, etc.

Some transmissions have synchros in them and they're often made of -- What? Bronze? Brass? A yellow metal allow?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gear_oil

EP additives which contain phosphorus/sulfur compounds are corrosive to yellow metals such as the copper and/or brass used in bushings and synchronizers......

 

[JR]

Probably a set of clutch packs if it is a true AWD type TC. I could see them telling you not to use the manual case approved fluid in a AWD case but I don't get the other way around. As someone earlier alluded to either fluid will probably work just fine being it is a chain drive case. Problem being James is talking corporate speak now with the upper echelon.

 

[JR]

I think the problem starts with the fact that some of the newer fluids don't play well with 'yellow' metals.... Brass, Bronze, Copper, whatever, etc.

Some transmissions have synchros in them and they're often made of -- What? Bronze? Brass? A yellow metal allow?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gear_oil

EP additives which contain phosphorus/sulfur compounds are corrosive to yellow metals such as the copper and/or brass used in bushings and synchronizers......

Gear oil and ATF are two different fluids in composition. Gear oil hasnt been in transfer cases in automotive apications in a few decades.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The all gear, iron-cased New Process 205 transfer case could use engine oil or gear oil. The New Process 208 chain drive, aluminum-cased transfer case was first used around 41 years ago in lighter duty Dodge pickups, and introduced the use of ATF lube for Dodge pickups along with the low ratio increase from 1.96 to 2.72. With some beefing up, I remember that the New Venture (company renamed after bringing GM into the picture) 241 and 241HD were what we could get in our Turbo Diesels beginning with the Second Generation. These NP and NV transfer cases, and traditional Borg Warner cases, run Dexron III lube.

 

[bcbender]

ah yeah...... I have a NP 205 sitting out behind the shop as we speak.. still attached to a GM granny 4spd

 

[James1]

The NP205 in my old chariot lubes with ordinary 90W gear dope...

 

[bcbender]

Nice truck!

 

[crazy jerry]

They sure did make it more convoluted than they needed to.

actually its quit simple. folks on the internet complicated it. theres one fluid for all 2500/3500 trucks with BW 44/46, 44/47, 44/48 (new HD version on HO cummins). its red and the mds specs are very near the same as atf+4.