Transfer case fluid

[MichaelDark]

Have 2005 w / NV273 transfer case - wondering if there's any reason to change and replace fluid with anything other then the factory recommended ATF +4. Any brand recommendations? Thank you very much, Michael

 

[cerberusiam]

Yes, the ATF is really a lousy t-case lubricant. Synchromesh is better, a mix of synchro-mesh and 50 wt oil is even better.

 

[Northfork]

Yes, the ATF is really a lousy t-case lubricant. Synchromesh is better, a mix of synchro-mesh and 50 wt oil is even better.

At the risk of sounding the fool can you elaborate on "Synchromesh"? Getting ready to swap over to Redline Oil and will do the transfer case at the same time,,.

 

[RVTRKN]

I was told the Mobil trans synthetic 50wt fluid is OK. The report comes with lots of miles in a fleet of Dodge Rams pickups for all later model years and never any issues. I'll try to remember the Member later, and a link to it.

 

[MichaelDark]

Gentlemen, thank you much for your input / response. I made several call to suppliers of rebuilt / remanufactured NV 273D transfer cases. I believe the folks that referenced sycro-mesh were referring to "Pennzoil Synchromesh". One of the guys I spoke with did mention Mobil One, but was referencing their version of ATF +4. I'm certain most of the responded I received (phone call) recommending ATF were understandably protecting themselves from any possible liability issues. Redline products did get high marks from quality and effectiveness. Wish I could talk to one of the engineers that helped design this gear box. Also, wonder what the guys running the Baja 1000 use. Thanks again gentlemen.

 

[Bob4x4]

Gentlemen, thank you much for your input / response. I made several call to suppliers of rebuilt / remanufactured NV 273D transfer cases. I believe the folks that referenced sycro-mesh were referring to "Pennzoil Synchromesh". One of the guys I spoke with did mention Mobil One, but was referencing their version of ATF +4. I'm certain most of the responded I received (phone call) recommending ATF were understandably protecting themselves from any possible liability issues. Redline products did get high marks from quality and effectiveness. Wish I could talk to one of the engineers that helped design this gear box. Also, wonder what the guys running the Baja 1000 use. Thanks again gentlemen.

we ran an 04 in baja for 3 years used +4 never had a failure,the truck is still running in a Texas race series now with the same box

 

[Killer223]

the t-case was designed to use atf from the start.

 

[seafish]

There is a pump in the TC that lubricates the chain. It is designed for ATF+4 and while many of us would like to find a suitable fluid that will provide better lubriacation and longevity for the TC, it seems as if using something with a hogher viscosity might well LESSEN longevity and lubrication of the chain due to the design of the pump needing a lower viscosity fluid. *That being said, TDR member CKelley does in fact run a fleet of trucks using some sort of blend that he has come up with.

 

[cerberusiam]

The t-case is not necessarily designed to use ATF, it is designed to use a certain weight lubricant. In reality that range can be broader than what ATF is. Like anything else that has gears situational usage will dictate the lubricant. A heavier lubricant is going to work better in constant high load conditions, inversely a lighter fluid will work in lower load conditions and not rob as much power transfer. ATF is probably in the range of a 5w-20 oil, SyncroMesh is bout 30 wt, to the Mobil which is a 50 wt. Dodge arbitrarily decided that ATF was going to be used to save money on lubricants, it does not follow that decision was the best for all usage scenarios as their concerns never went beyond the warranty period. In constant high load conditions ATF is inadequate for a t-case lubricant.

 

[Bob4x4]

Dodge did not spec the fluid nor did they change the recomendation from the mfg.The nv transfercases are used by other oems as well and I have not seen other fluids recommended by any of them

 

[NIsaacs]

There is a pump in the TC that lubricates the chain.

Actually the pump lubes the pocket bearing at the joint of the input/output shafts. The chain lubes itself, along with the whole top end, due to the fact that the bottom half is submerged in oil. The pump is what allows the t-case to survive when you install lockout hubs, because now the chain is stopped in 4x2 mode.

Nick

 

[DonFitzwater]

Dodge did not spec the fluid nor did they change the recomendation from the mfg.The nv transfercases are used by other oems as well and I have not seen other fluids recommended by any of them

Thanks for putting logic into this conversation Bob.

 

[amsoilman]

ATF+4 is what is recommended for the Transfer case, and I would stick to what the recommendation from the manufacturer recommends! People who mix differing fluids together can sometimes run into problems. Example: Mixing a 30 grade oil with a 20 grade oil is not going to have a 25 grade oil! ATF is the most "COMPlEX" LUBRICANT of any, and has been used in gear boxes for over 50 Years in!

 

[RVTRKN]

There is a pump in the TC that lubricates the chain. It is designed for ATF+4 and while many of us would like to find a suitable fluid that will provide better lubriacation and longevity for the TC, it seems as if using something with a hogher viscosity might well LESSEN longevity and lubrication of the chain due to the design of the pump needing a lower viscosity fluid. *That being said, TDR member CKelley does in fact run a fleet of trucks using some sort of blend that he has come up with.

You are correct about CKelley1, and here is the link to the Thread, read post #5.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/253855-different-fluid-for-transfer




I will be using what CKelley1 is using soon. I will be changing all lubricants in the very near future. I talked with him several years ago about the oil in the TC before he posted on that link. If The Mobil Delvac 50 transmission fluid was harmful to the TC, he should be one of the first to know that its to heavy of an oil. However, I'm curious to see what the TC temperature will run at.

 

[DonFitzwater]

FWIW- I run my trucks in 4x4 from September until early may......no 2wd during the winter. I have zero transfer case problems and run only ATF+4. I haul a 500 gallon water tank full every other day so loading is what I'd call over loaded. Zero problems with the transfer case.*

 

[Motorhead]

At the risk of sounding the fool can you elaborate on "Synchromesh"? Getting ready to swap over to Redline Oil and will do the transfer case at the same time,,.

Northfork, Synchromesh oil is what New Venture used in the NV5600-6speed gearbox that pre dated our G-56 transmissions. It is about a 30wt viscosity but from what I know, it is designed to be run in a standard transmission. I had it for a while in my G-56 and it performed well. I have the Delvac 50wt in there now and mine is a little stiff on cold mornings. I have it in there because that is the weight of oil Mercedes originally specified for the G-56.

 

[RVTRKN]

Northfork, Synchromesh oil is what New Venture used in the NV5600-6speed gearbox that pre dated our G-56 transmissions. It is about a 30wt viscosity but from what I know, it is designed to be run in a standard transmission. I had it for a while in my G-56 and it performed well. I have the Delvac 50wt in there now and mine is a little stiff on cold mornings. I have it in there because that is the weight of oil Mercedes originally specified for the G-56.

Also, Mobil Delvac synthetic 50wt transmission fluid is used to quieten the G56 when a single mass flywheel has replaced the DMF. It works great in my G56, but due to this fact is why I plan to go to the 50wt in my transfer case so I don't have three different oils to buy to service my drive train. Now only if I could get away with using it in the front/rear diff's I'd only have to buy one kind of oil. *

 

[MichaelDark]

Thanks

Thank you gentlemen again for your input. Talked with my michanic friend who races these trucks - said he uses ATF +4.

 

[cerberusiam]

Talked with my michanic friend who races these trucks - said he uses ATF +4.

Racing is racing, towing is towing. Like a lot of things, what works fine in one instance is not always the best in another.

 

[Bob4x4]

Racing is racing, towing is towing. Like a lot of things, what works fine in one instance is not always the best in another.

I have no idea what your racing experience is or what form of racing the op's friend is involved but from my experience in Baja My truck worked harder there than towing my trailer on the hiway.This in my case proven with gauges and fluid discoloration