Ram 1500 BW44-44 transfer case - which is the correct Mopar fluid? What about aftermarket fluid?

[chrisbh17]

Wow - that's pretty wacky. The archaic Borg Warner part time 4WD transfer case i got BW44-46 still gets ATF, but holds 2 quarts. Seems like a reasonable quantity for a chain drive. I've never had one fail - been driving them for 30+ years.

Yes, any xfer case that doesnt use clutches will work fine maybe even with water

Just like how the factory LSD needs additive in the gear oil (for the clutches), the 44-44 xfer case is similar.

I think the confusion now comes from the fact that they are spec-ing the same fluid for non 44-44 cases as well. But honestly its not any different than using synthetic gear oil in LSD and non-LSD differentials. It will work fine in both applications.

 

[Brandon-w]

Personally I think it comes down to how you use your truck and how often you service it. Ive been using synthetic ATF since 2015 and flog the thing and Havnt had a single ussue. I break CV's but not t cases but I also change the fluid every 15k ish miles. Depending how hard I've been towing, launching and off-roading. If you use 4x4 two three times a year u can likely stretch your Service intervals out. If you use 4x4 daily you should use decent oil and have a regular oil change regime, cheaper the oil the more frequent the servicing should be.
Considering its just Dex III amsoil and redline should far exceed factory oil Specs.
Biggest thing though, if you drive it hard and get stuck your 4x4 is going to tur on and off with every rear tire spin. Rear tires stop Spinning the clutches disengage and the clutches in your t case are no longer grabbing. As soon as the rear tire spins the clutches lock and send power forward again. This motion happens many times a minute and it's a major contributor to clutch wear, good oil helps but poor design kills it either way. Goda love dodges great ideas....

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[Rod Knock]

Personally I think it comes down to how you use your truck and how often you service it. Ive been using synthetic ATF since 2015 and flog the thing and Havnt had a single ussue. I break CV's but not t cases but I also change the fluid every 15k ish miles. Depending how hard I've been towing, launching and off-roading. If you use 4x4 two three times a year u can likely stretch your Service intervals out. If you use 4x4 daily you should use decent oil and have a regular oil change regime, cheaper the oil the more frequent the servicing should be.
Considering its just Dex III amsoil and redline should far exceed factory oil Specs.
Biggest thing though, if you drive it hard and get stuck your 4x4 is going to tur on and off with every rear tire spin. Rear tires stop Spinning the clutches disengage and the clutches in your t case are no longer grabbing. As soon as the rear tire spins the clutches lock and send power forward again. This motion happens many times a minute and it's a major contributor to clutch wear, good oil helps but poor design kills it either way. Goda love dodges great ideas....

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Someone here designed a mod IIRC that permanently locks the 4WD. God, I love spending almost $40K on a truck (that was 5 years ago), and then having to spend time moding it just so it works "as intended."

 

[G-Ride990]

Someone here designed a mod IIRC that permanently locks the 4WD. God, I love spending almost $40K on a truck (that was 5 years ago), and then having to spend time moding it just so it works "as intended."

That would be the guy you quoted actually haha

 

[chrisbh17]

Someone here designed a mod IIRC that permanently locks the 4WD. God, I love spending almost $40K on a truck (that was 5 years ago), and then having to spend time moding it just so it works "as intended."

You just responded to the guy that designed and sells the mod

FWIW its not the transfer case thats the problem, its FCAs programming. If you disable traction control when in 4WD, the system should work much better (traction control wont be giving the rear wheels just enough traction to disengage the xfer case, over and over again)

 

[Rod Knock]

That would be the guy you quoted actually haha

I feel silly, of course I did. Bussy day. I keep half an eye on the forum, the rest I'm all work

@Brandon-w are you still making these?

You just responded to the guy that designed and sells the mod

FWIW its not the transfer case thats the problem, its FCAs programming. If you disable traction control when in 4WD, the system should work much better (traction control wont be giving the rear wheels just enough traction to disengage the xfer case, over and over again)

Thanks for the tip and yes, I do feel silly, lol!

 

[18GSMRam]

Is there a thread for this mod to actually lock the transfer case? I'm curious how this works

 

[Brandon-w]

Is there a thread for this mod to actually lock the transfer case? I'm curious how this works

https://www.ramforum.com/threads/anyone-happy-with-borg-warner-44-44-auto-4wd.94636/page-60




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[18GSMRam]

https://www.ramforum.com/threads/anyone-happy-with-borg-warner-44-44-auto-4wd.94636/page-60




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Very nice work! I did a google search and came across a FB page "black fox industries"... is that you?

Yep I scrolled down the page and saw your videos.... I am def in for one... I need this when I get on the beach or pull a boat up a ramp with sea grass/weed. How do I get on the list?

 

[chrisbh17]

BTW....checked the 2021 Mopar Fluids catalog and found this:

TRANSFER CASE LUBRICANT FOR BORGWARNER 44-40 AND 2016+ 44-44 Transfer case lubricant for all BorgWarner 44-40, and 2016 and newer BorgWarner 44-44. Formulated for use in LX (Charger 300) BorgWarner 44-40, and 2016 model year BorgWarner 44-44 DS (Ram 1500) Transfer Case. Not recommended for use in other applications. Consult vehicle service manual for further information. 1 Liter (33.8 Fl. Oz.) Bottle MSQ: 12 Bottles Part No. 68049954AC

TRANSFER CASE LUBE FOR BORGWARNER 44-45, 44-46, 44-47, 44-48 AND PRE-2016 44-44 Specified for use in BorgWarner 44-45, 44-46, 44-47, 44-48 and pre-2016 44-44 transfer case. Not recommended for use in other applications. Consult vehicle service manual for further information. Do not use in any transmission or transaxle. ISO 32 viscosity grade, classified as Automatic Transmission Fluid under California law. 1 Quart (32 Oz.) Bottle MSQ: 6 Bottles Part No. 68089195AA

It looks like the pre-2016 stuff *IS* ATF, at least according to California.

Still does not explain why the change, though.

 

[18GSMRam]

I received the 954AC stuff today and confirm the label says its for 2016+ 44-44 as stated above.

As a side note, the T case fluid was filthy when I changed it at only 40k.

 

[Travis8352]

I just found and read thru this thread. I have a 2018 with the bw44-45 case. Checked fluid and its mobilfluid lt by the color of it. Can i just use mobil delvac 1 atf or mobil 1 atf? Or any other brand of atf for that matter?

 

[bchap05]

BTW....checked the 2021 Mopar Fluids catalog and found this:

TRANSFER CASE LUBRICANT FOR BORGWARNER 44-40 AND 2016+ 44-44 Transfer case lubricant for all BorgWarner 44-40, and 2016 and newer BorgWarner 44-44. Formulated for use in LX (Charger 300) BorgWarner 44-40, and 2016 model year BorgWarner 44-44 DS (Ram 1500) Transfer Case. Not recommended for use in other applications. Consult vehicle service manual for further information. 1 Liter (33.8 Fl. Oz.) Bottle MSQ: 12 Bottles Part No. 68049954AC

TRANSFER CASE LUBE FOR BORGWARNER 44-45, 44-46, 44-47, 44-48 AND PRE-2016 44-44 Specified for use in BorgWarner 44-45, 44-46, 44-47, 44-48 and pre-2016 44-44 transfer case. Not recommended for use in other applications. Consult vehicle service manual for further information. Do not use in any transmission or transaxle. ISO 32 viscosity grade, classified as Automatic Transmission Fluid under California law. 1 Quart (32 Oz.) Bottle MSQ: 6 Bottles Part No. 68089195AA

It looks like the pre-2016 stuff *IS* ATF, at least according to California.

Still does not explain why the change, though.

Thanks I have a 17 with the 44-45. Going with the Redline MT-LV which matches part number 68089195AA

 

[DILLIGAF]

Amsoil SS Red cap ATF meets and exceeds Mopar’s unicorn potion.

Dog **** beats OEM. lol...