Transfer case fluid

[moparmarty]

I have 15,000 miles and have used 4 wheel drive for about 2 miles of that. Under the schedule B maintenance I should change the transfer case fluid (ATF+4) now. Is that really necessary if I used the 4x4 so little? How does the transfer case work - does the rear wheel drive go straight through, not utilizing the case fluid?

 

[mberry]

Both axles turn all the time, so whether it's the front or rear the T-case is alway turning somewhere. I would change it if it was me and that is my only advice.

 

[Spooled-up]

I went to change mine, and drained mine out overnight on a saturday night. On sunday, I went to the local Autozone, and asked for the ATF+4 (I believe) that the owners manual requires. It's the newest trans fluid.

The guy behind the counter said that they don't sell it, and they can't sell it because it's a dealer only item right now. I had to wait until monday to get it at the dealer!



While I was at the dealer, one of the mechanics heard me ask for the trans fluid to change out the transfer case. He said that he thought more people should change out that fluid on schedule. He said it gets really dirty as it's spinning all the time. My fluid was black when I drained it, and it was easy to change. I'll do it at every rear axle fluid change - every 15000 miles.

 

[JohnnyH]

I just changed mine out at 20000 miles using Redline C+ATF. It came out just as red and clean as the new stuff I put in. I was planning on going 30000 miles between changes.

 

[klenger]

I just changed mine with AmsOil ATF, which they claim "can be used in applications requiring ATF+4". I think (but have no way to confirm) that the requirement for ATF+4 in the xfer case is much less critical than in the automatic transmission since it is such a simple device (gears and chains). Mine was still pretty clean at 14K.

 

[DPKetchum]

What weight Amsoil?

 

[klenger]

What weight Amsoil?

I used Amsoil ATF. See it at http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.aspx I don't think they specify a weight rating on ATF, do they?

 

[Hokey]

Redline Oil

I just changed mine out at 20000 miles using Redline C+ATF. It came out just as red and clean as the new stuff I put in. I was planning on going 30000 miles between changes.

I have heard a lot of good things about this Redline oil where is the best place to learn more about this and where is a good place to get the products? Napa carry this?Thanks

 

[Spooled-up]

I had 35000 on mine when I changed it.

 

[DPKetchum]

Sorry,had oil on he brain this morning!

 

[ramtifosi]

I order Redline products over the net from www.myoilshop.com. Always in stock and quick service.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Mine was nasty at 30,000. The old 241HD would use +3 or Dexron 3 and I changed it at every 15K with Dexron. It was fine when I sold the truck at 133K. I'd rather use Dexron in my 271 than go 30K again. I suspect +4 is spec'ed for uniformity of lubes more than need, but you are on your own there.

 

[LightmanE300]

Mine was definitely brown and not looking good when I drained it at 30k miles. As soon as I saw that and as easy as it is to change the xfer case fluid - I decided at that point to do it every 15k.

 

[nickleinonen]

i'm going to change mine this spring, and i'm going to stick some mobil1 atf in there...

 

[rbattelle]

I think (but have no way to confirm) that the requirement for ATF+4 in the xfer case is much less critical than in the automatic transmission since it is such a simple device (gears and chains).

I agree with Klenger.



I changed mine at 39k and the fluid looked fine. I refilled with ATF+4 from the dealer.



I'd rather that the transfer case and transmission took the same fluid.



-Ryan

 

[DFrank]

I just did mine today at 34,500. It was gross. Very black and way low. I recovered less than a quart and a half. Put 2. 5 quarts back in.



Rbattle wrote a great post on performing this service, that I found doing a search this morning. I misplaced the link, but maybe he could take this opportunity to repost it.



Thanks Ryan.

 

[rbattelle]

Here's the thread DFrank was referring to.



Nice to know my efforts are appreciated!



-Ryan

 

[amsoilman]

I'd rather that the transfer case and transmission took the same fluid.

Transfer Case and Transmission DO take the same fluid!



Wayne

amsoilman

 

[rbattelle]

I'd rather that the transfer case and transmission took the same fluid.

Transfer Case and Transmission DO take the same fluid!



Wayne

amsoilman

I knew you'd say that, Wayne. Let me clarify: I wish the transmission and transfer case both called for Synchromesh transmission fluid.



-Ryan

 

[KBertetto]

Fellas,

When changing out the ATF +4 for the first time, you have to remember that the fluid color won't be the nice fancy red that most believe it should be. This is not because of the fluid condition, the red color (when new) is from a dye that is NOT permanent. If you reference TSB 21-004-04 it will tell you all about ATF +4.



Bert