How to Identify Which Transfer Case ?

[Grams]

Several possibilities exist as to which transfer case is installed in Your Truck.

They are not readily identifiable on the Build Sheet (which typically only specifies 4-wheel drive).

The case itself has no identifying placard or numbers cast into/onto it.

What are the identifying features of the different BW and NV cases?

 

[Grams]

After a short search online I’ve discovered that even rebuilder websites are not very informative, have few pics, almost Zero description of features to help identify which txfr case might be installed. The Build Sheet from Ram also is unhelpful.

Most of supplier’s sites tell or illustrate a “metal I.D. tag” which should be attached to the case. After crawling beneath and looking at a number of them…I’ve been unable to find any metal I.D. tags.

(For informational purposes, I HAD a 2012 Ram 1500 with a New Venture Txfr Case. It ran 220K without a lot of use over a ten year period, gave zero trouble with no service whatsoever. I had it serviced…the shop put in the expensive BW44 fluid…and the truck was wrecked the next week, So I cnnot lend any more info on that txfr case. But if you buy a salvage Ram 1500 Tradesman in KY…you’ll find the entire driveline in excellent condition.)

I Presently have a 2015 Ram 1500 SSV w/5.7 Hemi, and a 2024 Ram 2500 Limited w/6.7 CTD.

I crawled under the ten-yr old 1500 SSV and was surprised it still has a paper-sticker attached to it’s ForWard side…. (this truck is amazingly clean beneath it.)
This is what it’s txfr case looks like, and the Paper Tag which I.D.’s it as a BW 44-45: (Notice the casting-numbers on the case are unhelpful)—-

 

[Grams]

Here are pics of the slightly-larger BW 44-46 in my ‘24 Ram 2500…the paper stickers are on the front side of the case, … notice the case has larger, longer “strengthening-ribs” cast into it:

 

[Wild one]

After a short search online I’ve discovered that even rebuilder websites are not very informative, have few pics, almost Zero description of features to help identify which txfr case might be installed. The Build Sheet from Ram also is unhelpful.

Most of supplier’s sites tell or illustrate a “metal I.D. tag” which should be attached to the case. After crawling beneath and looking at a number of them…I’ve been unable to find any metal I.D. tags.

(For informational purposes, I HAD a 2012 Ram 1500 with a New Venture Txfr Case. It ran 220K without a lot of use over a ten year period, gave zero trouble with no service whatsoever. I had it serviced…the shop put in the expensive BW44 fluid…and the truck was wrecked the next week, So I cnnot lend any more info on that txfr case. But if you buy a salvage Ram 1500 Tradesman in KY…you’ll find the entire driveline in excellent condition.)

I Presently have a 2015 Ram 1500 SSV w/5.7 Hemi, and a 2024 Ram 2500 Limited w/6.7 CTD.

I crawled under the ten-yr old 1500 SSV and was surprised it still has a paper-sticker attached to it’s ForWard side…. (this truck is amazingly clean beneath it.)
This is what it’s txfr case looks like, and the Paper Tag which I.D.’s it as a BW 44-45: (Notice the casting-numbers on the case are unhelpful)—-View attachment 575669View attachment 575670View attachment 575671View attachment 575672

If it has the 4 auto feature,it's a 44-44,if it doesn't have 4 auto its a 44-45

 

[crash68]

This is what it’s txfr case looks like, and the Paper Tag which I.D.’s it as a BW 44-45:

In the +'13 Gen4 trucks there was two transfer cases for the 1500, the BW44-44 and BW44-45. Easy way to tell the two part was if the truck has the Auto 4X4 button on the selector switch which would be the BW44-44.
If I remember correctly the HD trucks of the same time frame all used the same transfer case but there was an electronic shift and manual shift versions.

 

[Grams]

Whenever I crawl beneath these things and see all the electrical connections that exist…and am reminded of all the axle, differentials, txfr, tranny, and wheel bearings existing…..it reminds me how crazy I think people are when I see them after storms driving through water up to the headlights.

 

[crash68]

.it reminds me how crazy I think people are when I see them after storms driving through water up to the headlights.

Just about all the electrical connectors used on vehicles are waterproof by design. There is usually gasketing around the plug along with the wiring holes have rubber sleeves or plugs for the empty holes.
The 1500s can safely travel through about 15"-20" of water. About the lowest two points where water can get in to damage things would be the bottom of the doors and the transfer case breather

 

[Grams]

And the rocker panels…and the differential seals,…and every electrical connector that isn’t as waterproof as owners don’t think about…

I tell my wife to think about her tires….and not drive thru anything deeper than what might hide the lowest part of them….(about 6-8 inches….and I don’t mean what MEN call 6-8 inches).

 

[crash68]

I tell my wife to think about her tires….and not drive thru anything deeper than what might hide the lowest part of them

That's good advice, most cars and a lot SUVs have air pick up tubes just above the lowest visible parts of the body panels. It's real easy to go in too deep of water and they'll suck water into the intake.
Luckily the Ram truck intakes are behind the passenger headlight.

 

[2016 2500]

This is an interesting topic. my 2016 with 6.7 cummins engine does not have that 4x4 auto button. I have a rotary dial on the dash, Not likely the 44-44?

 

[G-Ride990]

This is an interesting topic. my 2016 with 6.7 cummins engine does not have that 4x4 auto button. I have a rotary dial on the dash, Not likely the 44-44?

HD trucks don't have an option for a 44-44. Not stout enough for that Cummins oomph.

You probably have a 44-46

 

[04fxdwgi]

After a short search online I’ve discovered that even rebuilder websites are not very informative, have few pics, almost Zero description of features to help identify which txfr case might be installed. The Build Sheet from Ram also is unhelpful.

Most of supplier’s sites tell or illustrate a “metal I.D. tag” which should be attached to the case. After crawling beneath and looking at a number of them…I’ve been unable to find any metal I.D. tags.

(For informational purposes, I HAD a 2012 Ram 1500 with a New Venture Txfr Case. It ran 220K without a lot of use over a ten year period, gave zero trouble with no service whatsoever. I had it serviced…the shop put in the expensive BW44 fluid…and the truck was wrecked the next week, So I cnnot lend any more info on that txfr case. But if you buy a salvage Ram 1500 Tradesman in KY…you’ll find the entire driveline in excellent condition.)

I Presently have a 2015 Ram 1500 SSV w/5.7 Hemi, and a 2024 Ram 2500 Limited w/6.7 CTD.

I crawled under the ten-yr old 1500 SSV and was surprised it still has a paper-sticker attached to it’s ForWard side…. (this truck is amazingly clean beneath it.)
This is what it’s txfr case looks like, and the Paper Tag which I.D.’s it as a BW 44-45: (Notice the casting-numbers on the case are unhelpful)—-

If you can get the copy of your window sticker, it does indeed show trans type:

 

[04fxdwgi]

Just about all the electrical connectors used on vehicles are waterproof by design. There is usually gasketing around the plug along with the wiring holes have rubber sleeves or plugs for the empty holes.
The 1500s can safely travel through about 15"-20" of water. About the lowest two points where water can get in to damage things would be the bottom of the doors and the transfer case breather

Water logged electric steering racks, not so much.

 

[gtomike60]

If you can get the copy of your window sticker, it does indeed show trans type:
View attachment 575711

Transmission=yes
4x4 transfer case=no

 

[04fxdwgi]

Transmission=yes
4x4 transfer case=no

i see, you are correct. Window sticker just says electronic shift on demand transfer case, but doesn't specify "auto", ie: all wheel drive style. I do believe if I do a deep dive on the "options" it will state the Automode in the options lists breakdown..

The best tell is the shifter sections have the "auto" for the 44. The 45 doesn't have that button.

 

[Brandon-w]

Was the first pic you posted of Ur t case? If so you have the 44-44 t case.

 

[Brandon-w]

After a short search online I’ve discovered that even rebuilder websites are not very informative, have few pics, almost Zero description of features to help identify which txfr case might be installed. The Build Sheet from Ram also is unhelpful.

Most of supplier’s sites tell or illustrate a “metal I.D. tag” which should be attached to the case. After crawling beneath and looking at a number of them…I’ve been unable to find any metal I.D. tags.

(For informational purposes, I HAD a 2012 Ram 1500 with a New Venture Txfr Case. It ran 220K without a lot of use over a ten year period, gave zero trouble with no service whatsoever. I had it serviced…the shop put in the expensive BW44 fluid…and the truck was wrecked the next week, So I cnnot lend any more info on that txfr case. But if you buy a salvage Ram 1500 Tradesman in KY…you’ll find the entire driveline in excellent condition.)

I Presently have a 2015 Ram 1500 SSV w/5.7 Hemi, and a 2024 Ram 2500 Limited w/6.7 CTD.

I crawled under the ten-yr old 1500 SSV and was surprised it still has a paper-sticker attached to it’s ForWard side…. (this truck is amazingly clean beneath it.)
This is what it’s txfr case looks like, and the Paper Tag which I.D.’s it as a BW 44-45: (Notice the casting-numbers on the case are unhelpful)—-View attachment 575669View attachment 575670View attachment 575671View attachment 575672

This says its a 44-45 but I've never seen 44-45 t case with the wire going to the right into the case by the driveshaft output. That case is indeed a 44-44 without a doubt in my mind.

 

[Grams]

If you can get the copy of your window sticker, it does indeed show trans type:
View attachment 575711

Not discussing Transmission type… We’re discussing Transfer-Case models.

 

[Grams]

This says its a 44-45 but I've never seen 44-45 t case with the wire going to the right into the case by the driveshaft output. That case is indeed a 44-44 without a doubt in my mind.

You’d be wrong….if a -44 has an “auto” position for the switch…because this one does not.
Therefore, I believe the label is correct.

 

[DILLIGAF]

Easy, if your truck has the auto 4wd its pure junk.