Transfer case fluid change

[Grams]

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.

His (BenchTest)’s scenario was purely for the purposes of creating controversy so he could create a “stir”. He knew the answer before he created the issue….all you have to do is continue reading his posts when he later admits he knew the TC had moving parts in 2WD.
No intention to mislead anyone on my part. I am not suggesting that AnyOne operate with an empty txfr case.

 

[BenchTest]

His (BenchTest)’s scenario was purely for the purposes of creating controversy so he could create a “stir”. He knew the answer before he created the issue….all you have to do is continue reading his posts when he later admits he knew the TC had moving parts in 2WD.
No intention to mislead anyone on my part. I am not suggesting that AnyOne operate with an empty txfr case.

Controversy? Yeah, ok. I was expanding on your earlier statement of: 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.

I was trying to figure out your logic in the statement. If that's controversial in your world, then your world must be very complicated. You are still flawed in your logic, based on your replies thus far. But hey, it's your t-case, you do you, boo-boo.

 

[62Blazer]

Anybody who thinks that the transfer case does absolutely nothing and just sits there when in 2wd, meaning there is no wear on it and the fluid is not being "used" obviously does not know anything about a transfer case. A large portion of the internal components of a transfer case are spinning whenever the truck is being driven. There is a main shaft supported by bearings that rotates and transfers power between the transmission and rear driveshaft all of the time. The transfer case fluid is lubricating those bearings. The transfer case also has an oil pump that is pumping fluid to those bearings and gears all of the time...meaning in 2wd.
When you shift into 4wd the main shaft is still spinning, but you engage gearing that will also transfer power to the front driveshaft. Yes, there are more components spinning, moving, and needing lubrication (the chain and front output bearings) when in 4wd...but there are still components moving when in 2wd.

 

[White six four]

No intention to mislead anyone on my part.

You're misleading people by telling them they only need to change the fluid if they only use 2wd. The transfer case has a breather tube so it's not so "well sealed" as you also mentioned. It will get moisture in the fluid no matter if you're in 2wd, 4wd, or if it's sitting in a field for 30 years.

 

[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

So …YOU KNEW the anwer to your own baited question.

Controversy? Yeah, ok. I was expanding on your earlier statement of: 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.

I was trying to figure out your logic in the statement. If that's controversial in your world, then your world must be very complicated. You are still flawed in your logic, based on your replies thus far. But hey, it's your t-case, you do you, boo-boo.

If you were “trying to figure out my logic”….You’d have asked me to further explain…instead of attempting to divert the scenario to an idiotic suggestion of draining the TC.
You ARE what you have demonstrated yourself to be…but I won’t use that word here.

 

[Grams]

You're misleading people by telling them they only need to change the fluid if they only use 2wd. The transfer case has a breather tube so it's not so "well sealed" as you also mentioned. It will get moisture in the fluid no matter if you're in 2wd, 4wd, or if it's sitting in a field for 30 years.

I wasn’t “misleading” anyone. I was clearly only expressing an opinion.

Anyone who reads my posts will know that I always support mfr’s recommended mx intervals, and for my own vehicles I often service them More frequently…not less.
But I stand by my opinion…if you never or only very rarely use the txfr case… it’s not an item that should be injured by extending fluid-change intervals.

 

[BenchTest]

 

[Wyowagn]

Since no one really answered your question about oil or mileage but got into a weird convo about running components empty. I use this in my 21. Changed it at 25k. Too early im sure but had to do a diff service and decided to do it anyways. Oil looked pretty good for sure.