Transfer case fluid change

[Airmousam]

Gents, 2021 PW with 63k miles..Had it since new...Just had an LOF rotate...They've said zero about any other maintainance...Assume I should do the transfer case fluid at this point or way before? Any recommendations on brand or weight? Anything else? I could check the manual, but figure I'd let ya'll rake me over the coals for a bit on a Friday (prob well deserved) to get the info Bring it and thanks for any info guys...cheers

 

[BenchTest]

Follow the manual's spec. Fluid will be based on what type of t-case is under the truck. Use OEM fluid if you're unsure of what brand you'll use. There are a hundred different opinions and brands to choose from. You'll likely get 99 of those listed here. I use Valvoline products, have for years, on MANY MANY vehicles/miles. Has worked well for me. Again, if you're unsure, follow the spec outlined in the manual and you'll be fine. On my current truck I do my fluids every year, not based on miles (driveline fluids, that is). It's cheap to do, cheap insurance against a fluid related failure, and easy enough to do. Don't forget to do brake fluid at some point. Entire system flush with new fluid. It absorbs ambient water over time and can lead to corrosion of the internal parts of the brake system and in extreme cases can cause poor brake performance (typically not seen until high mileage and under heavy use). Inspect your CV boots for cracks/splits/grease coming out while you're down there. My '18 had cracked/split boots about 70k miles into it's life.

 

[Airmousam]

Appreciate it!!

 

[joesstripclub]

I overdo some of my fluid services, but you are probably at the right time for TC service. If you haven't done front and rear diff fluid those are probably overdue. I'll second brake fluid change sometime soon. If you take ZF's word for it over Ram's, you are getting to transmission service interval as well.

 

[62Blazer]

It would not be a bad idea to change the fluid. The transfer case uses the same fluid as the transmission.

 

[joesstripclub]

It would not be a bad idea to change the fluid. The transfer case uses the same fluid as the transmission.

Not true if you have an 8 speed, though if you used something like maxlife I bet the TC wouldn't care

 

[Grams]

Unless you have a habit of running around in 4WD more than 25% of hte time….you probably never need to change the tsfr-case fluid.

BUT…if you DO change that fluid….be careful and diligent about using ONLY the mfr’s recommended fluid. Do NOT believe the many people online who tell you ATF is fine. It’s certainly NOT to be used on SOME transfer cases…the Borg-Warner BW44-44 is particular…. it requires a special (expensive) fluid, best obtained IMO from Mopar.

New Venture and other models of BW cases can use “generic” fluids in many instances…but NOT the BW 44 transfer case.

<EDIT> My intended meaning in this post is… that for MOST folks…. who rarely use 4WD…. it may be useful to consider how much useage that txfr-case actually endures. I’ll go out on a limb and suggest that for 99% of us, the txfr case has less than a half-mile of actual useage in 100K miles.
That does not represent any significant “wear” or degredtion of the fluids.

While it may make us “Feel” better….(as it did in my own example, where at 220K miles I finally changed the fluid in mine)….. it’s probably better to do Nothing rather than install the wrong fluid.
In MY case…. I could have run that thing to 300K or 400K miles and replaced a couple engines, trannys, and axles….before that txfr case got any significant wear or need any fluid-change. I only changed it for the “feel good” effect…and when reality (wrecked / totalled) happened the very next week….it was a complete waste of time and money.

Just trying to add a bit of realism and “actuality” to this subject.

Hope it helps.

 

[White six four]

I'd change the fluid whether you use it or not. The fluid will still get moisture in it and breakdown. Not changing it just because you don't use it is asking for trouble or a shorter lifespan of said part. Whether it's the front diff or transfer case.

 

[BenchTest]

Unless you have a habit of running around in 4WD more than 25% of hte time….you probably never need to change the tsfr-case fluid.

BUT…if you DO change that fluid….be careful and diligent about using ONLY the mfr’s recommended fluid. Do NOT believe the many people online who tell you ATF is fine. It’s certainly NOT to be used on SOME transfer cases…the Borg-Warner BW44-44 is particular…. it requires a special (expensive) fluid, best obtained IMO from Mopar.

New Venture and other models of BW cases can use “generic” fluids in many instances…but NOT the BW 44 transfer case.

So, the TC fluid isn't being utilized when it's in 2WD?

 

[BenchTest]

OK, I'll say it, since some don't get it.. All fluids, ALL OF THEM, at some point will be degraded and need to be replaced. ALL. OF. THEM. Transfer cases, differentials, coolants, brake fluid, power steering, transmissions, and even A/C oils. The rate of degradation varies based on a lot of things, but all fluids degrade. Can you get by with not replacing some of them? Probably. Maybe. You'll have to decide if the price of replacing fluids is a cost benefit for you (mentally and financially) and go from there, but all fluids have a life cycle.

My personal preference is to replace the fluids (most likely before a "schedule" says so). It gives me peace of mind and it's MUCH cheaper than a fluid related failure and possibly a roadside break down event. Is that my recommendation? No, I'm not telling anybody HOW or WHEN to maintain their vehicle, unsolicited. Just stating that fluids have a life cycle and it's up to you to know what you're willing to accept as an outcome.

 

[Grams]

So, the TC fluid isn't being utilized when it's in 2WD?

Correct. The TC is sitting idle.

 

[BenchTest]

Correct. The TC is sitting idle.

So, you could just drain the TC and drive around in 2WD?

 

[Grams]

So, you could just drain the TC and drive around in 2WD?

Are you attempting to “bait” me?

Would you drain your fire-extinguisher because you had no plans to fight fires?

(If the txfr case WERE drained…and 4wd never selected…no harm to it would incur.)

 

[BenchTest]

Are you attempting to “bait” me?

Would you drain your fire-extinguisher because you had no plans to fight fires?

(If the txfr case WERE drained…and 4wd never selected…no harm to it would incur.)

No baiting. Looking for your thought process. TC fluid is in play regardless of 2WD/4WD selected. The fluid acts as an internal lubricant, cooling method, & corrosion prevention. It will degrade even if only ever driven in 2WD, although at a slower rate. You 100% would destroy your transfer case if you drove around "dry" and in 2WD.

I keep my fire extinguishers properly serviced as well. LOL

 

[62Blazer]

Not true if you have an 8 speed, though if you used something like maxlife I bet the TC wouldn't care

I double checked and yes, the owner's manual does specify different fluids between the transmission and transfer case. Going back to the 1980's most trucks used the same fluid, but I guess things change over the years.

 

[62Blazer]

So, you could just drain the TC and drive around in 2WD?

Oh my! Absolutely not! The transfer case is not sitting "idle" by any means when in 2wd. The main shaft in the transfer case is still spinning as it transfers power from the transmission out to the rear drive shaft. When you select 4wd is just engages additional components, which is the chain drive that sends power to the front output.
If you drained the fluid in the transfer case and took off the down the road there would be major carnage going on in a short period of time.
Somebody suggesting that the transfer case is sitting "idle" in 2wd and the fluid doesn't matter is one of the most insane comments I have seen on the internet.

 

[BenchTest]

Oh my! Absolutely not! The transfer case is not sitting "idle" by any means when in 2wd.
Somebody suggesting that the transfer case is sitting "idle" in 2wd and the fluid doesn't matter is one of the most insane comments I have seen on the internet.

Agreed.

 

[joesstripclub]

Unless you have a habit of running around in 4WD more than 25% of hte time….you probably never need to change the tsfr-case fluid.

BUT…if you DO change that fluid….be careful and diligent about using ONLY the mfr’s recommended fluid. Do NOT believe the many people online who tell you ATF is fine. It’s certainly NOT to be used on SOME transfer cases…the Borg-Warner BW44-44 is particular…. it requires a special (expensive) fluid, best obtained IMO from Mopar.

New Venture and other models of BW cases can use “generic” fluids in many instances…but NOT the BW 44 transfer case.

Pretty sure the Mopar fluid is the Mobil LT from previous discussions I've seen, which is about the cheapest hydraulic fluid that exists. If it comes out clear, thats what it is. Pretty sure when I changed mine though it came out red which would be ATF. Either way I have replaced this truck and my 1500 with unicorn tears with Redline C+ with no issue.

 

[BenchTest]

@Grams - under the "Similar Threads" I saw your post about TC service and saw that your truck got SMASHED. Sorry to hear/see that, sir. That's a real bummer. Glad you walked away from it (hopefully unscathed).

 

[Grams]

No baiting. Looking for your thought process. TC fluid is in play regardless of 2WD/4WD selected. The fluid acts as an internal lubricant, cooling method, & corrosion prevention. It will degrade even if only ever driven in 2WD, although at a slower rate. You 100% would destroy your transfer case if you drove around "dry" and in 2WD.

I keep my fire extinguishers properly serviced as well. LOL

You are the one who proposed an unconventional situation with regard to a filled txfr case.
The case is well-sealed against outside environment and has no need for lubrication if never operated. It also will suffer corrossion after such a loong-period of emptiness…that you and all your progeny will be no longer concerned with it….. And…IF you Never operated it…why would internal corrossion be a concern to you?

Your scenario is neither realistic nor useful. sorry.