Transfer case BW 44-46 oil What is the correct oil???

[carl mcclaflin]

Hi everybody. I know this has been talked to death but........ The correct or equivalent oil for the 44-46 transfer case. I looked it up in my owners man and it stated to use Chrysler special fluid. Ok, but went I went to Amsoil site and put in the correct info---it came back their synthetic ATF @ $24/qt. I have the On-the-Fly option on my Ram 2500 4WD 6.4L. MY 4WD is NOT a on the floor manual. I noticed now that Ram has made all models from like 2010 to 2026 all use Chrysler special transfer case oil. $$$$$ But some units use ATF, some it is mandatory to use Chrysler's oil. Many Ram owners report the synthetic ATF works excellent if not clutch equipped for Auto transfer case. I do not have a Auto transfer case but in-dash for "On the Fly" that was an option in 2018 instead of "on the floor" units. So what do you all think?? Conflicting info all over. Thank you all for the help I really do appreciate it!!! PS---I did contact AMSOIL on their recommendation to use their synthetic ATF and waiting for an answer. I will post that reply for all Thank you!!

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

What does the owners manual say

Something like this

 

[HEMIMANN]

BW44-46 is the part time transfer case with an electronic shift solenoid. "Part time" means it can only be used on slippery surfaces because it has no inter-differential or clutches between the axles. It is the old-timey transfer case with push button (or dial) engagement. It takes ATF, NOT Ram's magic mouse milk - despite the manual 'recommending' that.

The magic mouse milk is needed for the "full time" transfer case. This one has clutch packs in it that need a certain type and amount of friction modifier additive to allow the clutches to slip on dry surfaces, cornering for instance.

If you doubt us, drain the oil - it is ATF red and smells like ATF. I run ATF in my 44-46. Look up a Borg Warner Manual for it - ATF. MOPAR was trying to sell more unnecessary, overpriced oil.

 

[06 Dodge]

Hi everybody. I know this has been talked to death but........ The correct or equivalent oil for the 44-46 transfer case. I looked it up in my owners man and it stated to use Chrysler special fluid. Ok, but went I went to Amsoil site and put in the correct info---it came back their synthetic ATF @ $24/qt. I have the On-the-Fly option on my Ram 2500 4WD 6.4L. MY 4WD is NOT a on the floor manual. I noticed now that Ram has made all models from like 2010 to 2026 all use Chrysler special transfer case oil. $$$$$ But some units use ATF, some it is mandatory to use Chrysler's oil. Many Ram owners report the synthetic ATF works excellent if not clutch equipped for Auto transfer case. I do not have a Auto transfer case but in-dash for "On the Fly" that was an option in 2018 instead of "on the floor" units. So what do you all think?? Conflicting info all over. Thank you all for the help I really do appreciate it!!! PS---I did contact AMSOIL on their recommendation to use their synthetic ATF and waiting for an answer. I will post that reply for all Thank you!!

The only BW t-case that Amsoil does not have recommend fluid for is the BW 44-44 & 44-45 like I have, from what i have read all the other BW t-cases can use ATF 4+

 

[Gr8bawana]

No need to spend $$$ on overpriced scamzoil ATF. Just get some plain ATF+4.

 

[carl mcclaflin]

Hi everybody, I stated I would inform all when I got a reply from AMSoil. This is their reply---
Carl.

Thank you for reaching out to us. Yes the AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid Product Code: ATFPK-EA is the correct fluid for this.
Thank you,
AMSOIL Technical Services
Tech Line: 715-399-8324
Email: [email protected] I learned on another Ram website that Ram changed all recommendations to their special oil on all 2010 thru 2026 trucks. And some even earlier models. I think this is just selling "their oil" for the transfer cases. As several of you have stated for my 44-46 ATF4+ full synthetic is correct. It was also in the transfer in production. Thank you all. The BW44-46 is part time and thus used the ATF4+ synthetic Again Thank you all Carl

 

[DILLIGAF]

No need to spend $$$ on overpriced scamzoil ATF.

Please post your oil analyst to back that up.

 

[Grams]

<EDIT: Heads-Up: It was pointed out to me that I posted the info “backwards”. The -44 uses an internal clutch and requires special fluid. The -46 is heavier-duty and uses ordinary ATF4.>

The original/wrong post has been deleted.

 

[Ken226]

The -44 txfr case can use ordinary ATf4

The -46 txfr case requires special fluid for the clutches.

You got'em backwards.

 

[Gr8bawana]

Please post your oil analyst to back that up.

I don't waste my $$ on oil analysis. I just perform all regular maintenance including fluids as recommended by the book and I've never had a problem in 50+ years of working on my own vehicles.

 

[joesstripclub]

The fluid that came out of the transfer case on my PW was red, and red went back into it (Redline C+). My old 1500 with 44-44 got a change to C+ as well and had over 25,000 miles on it without issue. The Mopar special fluid is low quality tractor hydraulic fluid, ATF is a step up.

 

[Grams]

You got'em backwards.

According to AI…(Almost Intelligent)…. I had a bran-pharrt …and Yes…got ‘em baack-erds…. Sorry ‘bout that.

The BorgWarner (BW) 44-46 is a two-speed, chain-driven, electronically shifted transfer case. It is most commonly found in heavy-duty 2013-2024 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks (typically paired with Cummins or HEMI engines) and features operating ranges of 2WD HI, 4WD Lock, Neutral, and 4WD Low. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Key Specifications & Features

• Low Range Reduction: 2.64 : 1 [1]
• Shift Mechanism: Dash-mounted selector switch that sends input to the Drive Train Control Module (DTCM) to control an exterior-mounted electric shift motor. [1, 2]
• Design: Heavy-duty two-piece aluminum case. Unlike some lighter-duty models, the internal chain system uses a direct mechanical setup rather than electromagnetic clutch-driven "4 Auto" systems. [1, 2]
• Fluid Type: Because it relies on a heavy-duty mechanical chain and gear drive (rather than friction clutches), it is less sensitive to fluid types than light-duty transfer cases, with many owners utilizing standard automatic transmission fluids (like ATF+4 or Dexron III). [1, 2]

 

[carl mcclaflin]

Thank you everybody for the info. I just did the transfer case yesterday morning. And guess what was in it??? ATF!! Chrysler informed me only their "special oil" was to be used. BS I drained it and refilled it with Valvoline full-synthetic ATF4+ I strongly suspect that Valvoline manufactures this ATF for Ram. Everything worked out great. Transfer case is quiet and very smooth in driving. Up next? Time to do the differentials. Again thank you all!!!

 

[04fxdwgi]

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