BW44-44 Transfer Case Fluid

[Daniel12]

Hey guys,

Looking to do a fluid swap in my t-case this week. I’ve read that guys are running Amsoil MVATF without issue. That fluid seems a bit tough to find where I am so I’m wondering if anyone has tried Valvoline MaxLife ATF in their 44-44. Got a few bottles of it on the shelf in my garage so would be great if that was a working fluid for these cases.

Thanks

 

[Brandon-w]

Hey Daniel what year is your truck? 2015 and older you can use a good quality ATF without worry. 2016 or newer I highly reccomend using dodges unicorn fluid or a fluid that has the friction modifier. In 2016 they changed the clutches in the 44-44 t cases, probly so people would be forced into their fluid.

 

[Daniel12]

Hey Daniel what year is your truck? 2015 and older you can use a good quality ATF without worry. 2016 or newer I highly reccomend using dodges unicorn fluid or a fluid that has the friction modifier. In 2016 they changed the clutches in the 44-44 t cases, probly so people would be forced into their fluid.

It’s a 2017 Sport with 4WD Auto button

 

[Brandon-w]

Ah ok yeah definately need the Dodge fluid.
Or if Dodge is not possible do some digging and get something that has low friction coefficient and high film strength. Something like you said, amsoil or royal purple max atf. Redline products would work too. I live in the booneys so I just order everything I need online and get it in the mail.

 

[MRFREEZE57]

I used Redline C+ as they recommended, have had no issues with it.

 

[Daniel12]

I used Redline C+ as they recommended, have had no issues with it.

Just had a look. RedLine is even harder to come by than Amsoil in Canada it seems. Thinking I’ll just use the Valvoline MaxLife and hope for the best. I saw elsewhere that someone has used it and is at 200k trouble free miles with his T-case.

 

[Wild one]

Just had a look. RedLine is even harder to come by than Amsoil in Canada it seems. Thinking I’ll just use the Valvoline MaxLife and hope for the best. I saw elsewhere that someone has used it and is at 200k trouble free miles with his T-case.

Used transfer cases are cheap when "hope for the best" turns into "O $h!t i should have listened",lol

 

[Dean2]

Do what you have to to order or get the right fluid. The T-Case fluid for one of my vehicles is $275 a quart and only available from the dealer, no-one else makes it. Luckily it only take 3/4 of that on a change. However, if you try to use the "closest" alternate you will end up with a VERY expensive repair, which makes $275 bucks look like chump change.

 

[Badger 13]

I also used Redline C+ in my 2013 with the BW 44-44 with no issues whatsoever.

 

[Wild one]

I also used Redline C+ in my 2013 with the BW 44-44 with no issues whatsoever.

Your early 44-44 is differant from the later 44-44's like the OP has.The early 44-44's can get away with normal ATF,the later ones with the re-designed clutches,it's generally not reconmended though

 

[wreck99]

I had the same question and didn't see this post so I made a new one. I have the 2019 1500 classic bighorn hemi. When I called the dealership today they said I have the BW 44-40 TC and that it only takes this Mopar fluid I can buy at the dealer for $55.20 a bottle, and of course need 2 of them. I too am wondering if there is an aftermarket equivalent but the dealer said they aren't aware of one.

 

[MRFREEZE57]

Your early 44-44 is differant from the later 44-44's like the OP has.The early 44-44's can get away with normal ATF,the later ones with the re-designed clutches,it's generally not reconmended though

I used the C+ in my 2016 and have had no issues with it. Now though Redline recommends their MT-LV 70W/75W GL4 for the 44-44.

 

[Wild one]

I used the C+ in my 2016 and have had no issues with it. Now though Redline recommends their MT-LV 70W/75W GL4 for the 44-44.

It's generally not reconmended for the later t-cases though.If it works for you,good on you,but that doesn't mean the next guy won't have issues with it.Most people change transfer case fluid once in the time they own a vehicle,why risk hurting the t-case to save a few bucks on a fluid change. If it's gonna bankrupt you,you probably shouldn't be driving a full size 4X4 truck.Hell most people spend more then that on coffee during the month,or going out for an evening of dining etc.

 

[wreck99]

I just found this on Redline's website. They are recommending this for the BW 44-40 (which I have) and reference the Mopar (68049954AC) part number too. Seems pretty convincing to me!

Listed under OEM compatibility:

BorgWarner 44-40/44/45/46/47/48/49 Transfer Cases
Ram/Mopar 68049954AA/AC
Ram/Mopar 68089195AA (edited)

MT-LV 70W/75W GL-4 Gear Oil

Meet our newest addition to the GL-4 family!

www.redlineoil.com

 

[wreck99]

Changed the fluids this week, no issues. Diffs and TC. First time doing it. All fluids were pretty clear so that's good. Probably could've gone another 50k before changing haha. The truck has 54k on it and I don't think they've ever been changed, unless the dealer did it before sold to us with 27k on it 3 years ago. I doubt they would do that but who knows. One thing I noticed with the TC the fluid was a brownish/tanish color. I was expecting reddish color but hey the Redline stuff going back in was the same color so that was a good confirmation.

 

[Brandon-w]

Your early 44-44 is differant from the later 44-44's like the OP has.The early 44-44's can get away with normal ATF,the later ones with the re-designed clutches,it's generally not reconmended though

Some people just don't listen haha