Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Transfer case lube

[SRehberg]

With the heavy loads some of our trucks see, has anyone had good luck running a oil other than ATF or am I asking for trouble? The ATF seems kind of light duty suited more for hydraulic applications. What's everyone using?

 

[BWagnaar]

I have been using gear oil... i think 80/90 weight or something like that. I thought the same thing. have about 15k on it and it seems to work just fine. Used 4x4 about 20 times since and everything worked just the same.

 

[trucknut]

80/90 ?

(a synthetic 75/90 would be thinner than 80/90). --- I run the dodge atf with 1 litre of 5/30 Red Line polyol synthetic oil. I know, I know I'am mixing oils. This is my 4th dodge truck used in work off rd conditions with no transfer case problems. My 4x4's work hard in the colder winter months so the 75/90 may be a little thick for the winter temperatures.

 

[CumminsPower98]

I have run both Amsoil Series 3000 5w30 HDD and now Amsoil MTF 5w30 for maybe 220k? I don't have the exact figure in front of me. I would personally be afraid of the heavy gear oil in cold weather due to the oil pump but some seem to get away with it it looks like.

 

[SRehberg]

I appreciate the replies as the thickness of the oil has been a concern as well. I guess I'm trying to find something with a little better lubricating qualities than ATF for the weight I'm carrying and the stress on the transfer case. It seems ATF has to do dual duty, i. e. hydraulic oil function and still provide lubricity which is a compromise.