I figure it's about time to change the transfer case fluid. It's got 68K miles on it. So how do I go about doing this? What kind and how much fluid do I need? Any special additives? I'm not going synthetic because it hardly ever gets used and I'm not gonna spend the money on it. Thanks for the help yall.

 

CLICK HERE

for the info you are looking for. Down towards the bottom of the page will show you how to tell if you have the NV241D or the NV241HD if you do not know.

I would suggest that you consider going synthetic. The transfer case rarely gets serviced by most people so why not use a fluid that could last you for 100,000 miles if need be. Even though you may not use the 4WD very often, there are still parts turning in there. Heck, you might even gain 1hp just because of the properties of synthetic oil.

 

1hp for $30? Hmmm.... Thanks for the link.

 

The 1hp was just a joke. I'm just a believer in the benefits of synthetic oils. Especially up here where it gets -40* in the winter.

To each their own.

 

Ya. I figured. I searched that site but couldn't find any info on how to drain it and fill it.

 

there is a small pipe plug in the bottom of the back side of the case that you take out to drain it, and one above it you use to fill it. if it has a skid plate, it is neater to unbolt it and swing it to the side. i use a cap on the bottle that has a long flex-tube to help pour it in...

 

You can also try this.

Click here

 

My NV271 took 2.6 quarts. Instructions: As said above, gravity drain it from the bottom plug in the back of the xfer case into a bucket below, then pump it in thru the fill hole above it. Simple.

I second the motion to go syn too, but to each his own.

When all else fails, shoot em in the head.

 

My book says to replace transfer case fluid with ATF+4. Only the dealership $$$ sells this stuff.

Can you put readily available ATF+3 into the transfer case without problems?

 

What yr truck? Should work; Possibly not as smoothly but My guess is it would be ok.

Big Blue - I changed my factory fluid at 35,000 mi and it was Black and smelled bad; and that's with light four wheeling. After changing fluid and engaging 4x4 several times - it got MUCH smother. I used Amsoil ATF and I believe it took 2-3 qts.

RJ

 

I recently checked the level of fluid in my HD241 and when I pulled the fill plug, a small amount of fluid came out the fill hole. I've used synthetics before so I don't know what they look like, but this stuff was purple in color and was about the viscosity of water. Would this be a synthetic? possibly Royal Purple?. It didn't seem to have any petroleum feel to it and had virtually no smell.

 

Don't know if Royal Purple'a ATF is purple - thought all ATF's were red. Viscosity of water sounds about right, only if it's hot. All ATF's are roughly equivolent of a 20 wt engine oil. No way I know to feel a synthetic. No smell and feels like water - may be water, or oil with lots of water in it? Easy way to test it...put a drop on a hot plate or hot pan...if it crackles and spits, that's water.

If truck is new to you - I would want to change all fluids so you know what you have and how many miles on it. JMHO.

RJ

 

I'd guess the ATF+3 would be fine. There's no clutches etc. in a transfer case. In an auto tranny I'd get the +4 rating.

FWIW Redline's C+ is now +4 rated.

 

Blue:
When you go to drain make sure you have your catch pan in the correct place. I know when I did mine it came out pretty quick and it overshot my drain pan (read as I made a mess on the garage floor). Also as noted above you can move the skid plate out of the way or at least be prepared to have it splash off of it once it drains down a bit. I also would use the syn tranny fluid it only takes 2-3 quarts but use whatever you feel works for you.

 

I'd suggest Redline D4. It's a fantastic ATF with very high lubricity and works VERY well in my transfer case.

justin