Transfer Case Controls Quiz

[Mister Luck]

Image 1 44-44 ? with the auto button

Image 2 44-45 ? without the auto button

Which transfer case controls are for
a 44-44 ?


Which transfer case controls are for
a 44-45 ?

 

[crash68]

The BW44-44 uses the Auto 4X4 button, the BW44-45 does not have the Auto option.

 

[MontanaHandyman]

Interesting, cuz my truck has the bw 44-44 and I don't have the auto option...

 

[Badger 13]

The pictures show the trans shift knob, and not the transfer case position. Am I missing something with these pictures ?

 

[LouM]

When you enlarge the picture the T case buttons are visible.

 

[LouM]

Interesting, cuz my truck has the bw 44-44 and I don't have the auto option...

Then I would say that you do not have the BW44-44

 

[NOV87]

Top picture has AUTO (BW 44-44).
Bottom doesn't have AUTO (BW 44-45).
Out of focus pics. Hard to tell...

 

[MontanaHandyman]

Then I would say that you do not have the BW44-44

Actually I do...I just changed the fluid and the label on the tc said 44-44

 

[crash68]

Interesting, cuz my truck has the bw 44-44 and I don't have the auto option...

If memory serves me correctly both transfer cases use the same casting for the case, just the front output shaft is bigger on the BW44-44 due to the clutch. Visually they both look the same, need to look at the actual Ram part number.
Mopar even specs the same fluid for both.

 

[crash68]

If you want to test if you actually have a BW44-44 put the transfer case in 4X4 Lock and drive in a tight circle on dry pavement. If the front end fights and/or hops you have the BW44-45

 

[MontanaHandyman]

If memory serves me correctly both transfer cases use the same casting for the case, just the front output shaft is bigger on the BW44-44 due to the clutch. Visually they both look the same, need to look at the actual Ram part number.
Mopar even specs the same fluid for both.

The label on the case says 44-44

 

[kurek]

44-45

 

[Mister Luck]

44-45

View attachment 480011

That is 09-12 ?

 

[Mister Luck]

The label on the case says 44-44

If memory serves me correctly both transfer cases use the same casting for the case, just the front output shaft is bigger on the BW44-44 due to the clutch. Visually they both look the same, need to look at the actual Ram part number.
Mopar even specs the same fluid for both.

The plot thickens

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

I have a 2016 RAM 1500, Big Horn, with the 5.7 HEMI and BW44-44 transfer case. There are two Mopar fluids for this transfer case: for BW44-44 transfer cases pre-2016: 68089195AA for BW44-44 transfer cases 2016 or newer: 68049954AC My first conundrum is this: my truck was actually manufactured...

www.ramforum.com

Why are there variations in the applications of the 44-44
and 44-45 transfer case for the 4 generation 1500 ?

 

[kurek]

That is 09-12 ?

The one I posted is 13-18 with the RFE transmission and 44-45 transfer case.

 

[crash68]

Why are there variations in the applications of the 44-44
and 44-45 transfer case for the 4 generation 1500 ?

I don't think anyone came down with definitive proof but the consensus was they clutch/material used in the '16 and later BW44-44 changed, that's why there was a fluid spec changed. Best guess is there is a friction modifier change with the fluid.
There is nothing that changed with the BW44-45 as it's a part-time transfer case and does not utilize a clutch pack. Ram specs the same fluid for it to simplify service.

 

[BBNtrucks]

If you want to test if you actually have a BW44-44 put the transfer case in 4X4 Lock and drive in a tight circle on dry pavement. If the front end fights and/or hops you have the BW44-45

I would advise against testing it this way. Too much stress on the gears.

 

[crash68]

I would advise against testing it this way. Too much stress on the gears.

Not if you have the BW44-44, the front drive doesn't engage fully unless wheel slippage is detected (even in 4X4 Lock).
You'll get immediate feedback if it's the BW44-45, hope one will get the hint to not keep the wheel turned.

 

[Mister Luck]

I would advise against testing it this way. Too much stress on the gears.

You don’t need much of a turning radius to experience the “hop”

 

[Mister Luck]

I don't think anyone came down with definitive proof but the consensus was they clutch/material used in the '16 and later BW44-44 changed, that's why there was a fluid spec changed. Best guess is there is a friction modifier change with the fluid.
There is nothing that changed with the BW44-45 as it's a part-time transfer case and does not utilize a clutch pack. Ram specs the same fluid for it to simplify service.

Friction modifier additives for transfer cases would be the same as for transmissions or for differentials ?

Some transfer case fluids are rated for fuel economy and others for longevity and thermal break down. ( lower and higher viscosities )

But additives are strictly to combat metal fatigue
like a friction modifier ?