Transfer case gear fluid change.

VMKJCRD · **Posted:** Mon Sep 06, 2010 9:36 pm

Last week I finally got around to changing the rear diff fluid and now I'm planning on doing the front diff this week and hopefully the trans fluid. I dont know much about oils and fluids and what I do know I've learned here. (thanks!)

The only fluid I've found around my area is the Valvoline ATF+4 for the trans but on the bottle it said ATF+4 for transmissions. Is that what I need for the transfer case? Also what are the folks here using for the trans case and what would you recommend.

Thanks in advance.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Mon Sep 06, 2010 9:44 pm

VMKJCRD wrote:

Last week I finally got around to changing the rear diff fluid and now I'm planning on doing the front diff this week and hopefully the trans fluid. I dont know much about oils and fluids and what I do know I've learned here. (thanks!)

The only fluid I've found around my area is the Valvoline ATF+4 for the trans but on the bottle it said ATF+4 for transmissions. Is that what I need for the transfer case? Also what are the folks here using for the trans case and what would you recommend.

Thanks in advance.

Use the same ATF+4 in the t-case,little less then 2qts needed and takes 5 mins to change.Always remove the fill plug 1st before the drain plug,would suck if you drained the t-case to find out that the fill plug is seized and now no way to refill it.

LetFreedomRing · **Joined:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:51 am **Posts:** 268

I know this topic is a month old, but would you recommend Mobile 1 Synthetic ATF for the transfer case? I have 1 bottle of it sitting around already(couple months old) and it would be cheaper just to get 1 more.

Thanks!

CATCRD · **Posted:** Wed Oct 13, 2010 11:08 am

It should be fine to use it, but I would just get a bottle of the correct ATF+4 to put in with it. They will mix with no problems. Then you will at least be closer to the spec fluid.

LetFreedomRing · **Joined:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:51 am **Posts:** 268

CATCRD wrote:

It should be fine to use it, but I would just get a bottle of the correct ATF+4 to put in with it. They will mix with no problems. Then you will at least be closer to the spec fluid.

Either way the transfer case doesn't specifically use everything in ATF+4 right? I searched around and the general thought that I got was that any ATF in the transfer case should be fine. I was hoping tjkj2002 would reaffirm this since he seems very knowledgable on these subjects.

CATCRD · **Posted:** Wed Oct 13, 2010 11:34 am

The owner's manual specifies ATF+4 for the transfer case. Did you check that?

LetFreedomRing · **Joined:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:51 am **Posts:** 268

CATCRD wrote:

The owner's manual specifies ATF+4 for the transfer case. Did you check that?

Yes I did. I was just wondering about Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF since I thought I read on here it should be fine. Is Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF fine for ATF +4 applications? If not, I'll have to go exchange it.

CRD Joe · **Posted:** Wed Oct 13, 2010 2:07 pm

TJKJ always provides great insite. Im going to do mine soon too.

ptsb5a · **Posted:** Wed Oct 13, 2010 4:54 pm

You guys have checked here right?

http://www.centerforqa.com/

CATCRD · **Posted:** Wed Oct 13, 2010 5:46 pm

LetFreedomRing wrote:

CATCRD wrote:

The owner's manual specifies ATF+4 for the transfer case. Did you check that?

Yes I did. I was just wondering about Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF since I thought I read on here it should be fine. Is Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF fine for ATF +4 applications? If not, I'll have to go exchange it.

Mobil 1 ATF is not certified for ATF+4 applications, if that's what you're asking. Mobil just claims that it is nearly universal. ATF+4 is synthetic, so you can just get another bottle and pour it in without worrying. If you're worried, just exchange it and get 2 quarts of ATF+4. A couple companies make it now.

infernicus · **Posted:** Wed Oct 13, 2010 5:59 pm

What about Amsoil's ATF? Does anyone know if it meets the ATF+4 standards?

Edit:

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.aspx wrote:

APPLICATIONS
AMSOIL Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF is recommended for transmissions, hydraulics, power steering and other applications requiring any of the following specifications:
• Chrysler ATF+4®
• GM DEXRON® III-H
• Ford MERCON® & MERCON V
• Toyota Type T-III and T-IV
• Honda Z-1 (Not CVT)
• Diamond SP II & III (Mitsubishi/Hyundai/Kia)
• Mazda ATF-III, ATF-MV
• Subaru ATF, ATF-HP
• Nissan Matic D, J & K
• Idemitsu K-17
• BMW LA2634
• LT 71141
• Audi G-052-025-A2 & G-052-162-A1
• Volvo 97340
• MB 236.1, 236.2, 236.5, 236.6, 236.7, 236.9 & 236.10
• JWS 3309
• NAG 1
• ETL-7045E, ETL-8072B & N402
• Voith 55.6335.XX (G607, G1363)
• ZF TE-ML 03D, 04D, 09, 14A, 14B, 14C, 16L, 17C
• Allison C-4, TES 389
• Mopar AS68RC

I guess it is ok then?

CATCRD · **Posted:** Wed Oct 13, 2010 6:25 pm

Amsoil recommends their ATF for all those applications. They do not have an ATF+4 license. So no, it is not warranty compliant.

infernicus · **Posted:** Wed Oct 13, 2010 6:33 pm

CATCRD wrote:

Amsoil recommends their ATF for all those applications. They do not have an ATF+4 license. So no, it is not warranty compliant.

OK. So it's not warranty compliant.
But is it transfer case compliant? Will it cause any issues? Or is it ok to use?

CATCRD · **Posted:** Wed Oct 13, 2010 7:27 pm

infernicus wrote:

But is it transfer case compliant? Will it cause any issues? Or is it ok to use?

Nobody knows the answer to that question. Do you think Amsoil has a fleet of Libertys that they're doing long term testing on? The best anyone can tell you is that it will probably be ok because Amsoil makes good oil. Unless you have an Amsoil fetish, just get some ATF+4 at any auto parts store. I don't see any problems with Liberty transfer cases that people are blaming ATF+4, why the unwillingness to use it?

Joe Romas · **Posted:** Wed Oct 13, 2010 7:42 pm

My 2000 Cherokee has the same NP242 Selectrack transfer case and it calls for Dexron :jester:

infernicus · **Posted:** Wed Oct 13, 2010 7:47 pm

CATCRD wrote:

infernicus wrote:

But is it transfer case compliant? Will it cause any issues? Or is it ok to use?

..Nobody knows the answer to that question...

Yeah, I figured as much, lol..
And, no, I don't have an Amsoil fetish :lol:

, at least not completely, lol.

I was just getting ready to buy some motor oil and such, and figured I would do it in one trip.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Thu Oct 14, 2010 12:17 am

You can run 5w-30 motor oil in your t-case,actually will be better off then using ATF.I run 20w-50 motor in mine(not stock t-case).

They kept it simple and speced the t-case for the exact same ATF that goes in the trans,makes it easier to keep stock.

Oh and no Amsoil should never be used in place of ATF+4.

LetFreedomRing · **Joined:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:51 am **Posts:** 268

tjkj2002 wrote:

You can run 5w-30 motor oil in your t-case,actually will be better off then using ATF.I run 20w-50 motor in mine(not stock t-case).

They kept it simple and speced the t-case for the exact same ATF that goes in the trans,makes it easier to keep stock.

Oh and no Amsoil should never be used in place of ATF+4.

So I take it Mobil 1 ATF would be fine to use then? Since it doesn't seem like the transfer case needs ATF +4...

Thanks for the input tjkj2002.

Joe Romas · **Posted:** Thu Oct 14, 2010 8:01 am

tjkj2002 wrote:

You can run 5w-30 motor oil in your t-case,actually will be better off then using ATF.I run 20w-50 motor in mine(not stock t-case).

I have a SelectTrack on my high mileage XJ. If your running 20w-50 would I see better shifting from 4 full time to 2wd with say 10w30 and is there a downside?

Thanks
Joe

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Thu Oct 14, 2010 9:48 am

Joe Romas wrote:

tjkj2002 wrote:

You can run 5w-30 motor oil in your t-case,actually will be better off then using ATF.I run 20w-50 motor in mine(not stock t-case).

I have a SelectTrack on my high mileage XJ. If your running 20w-50 would I see better shifting from 4 full time to 2wd with say 10w30 and is there a downside?

Thanks
Joe

No

Only use heavy weight oils in gear to gear t-cases like I have(AtlasII).

Transfer case gear fluid change.

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