As soon as I get my diff. cover & tranny pan from Cowboy Diesel Performance, I need to change out my fluids. Being completely new to this procedure & really don't know what I'm doing yet (but I think I can do it w/o any complications since I have been reading quite a bit here). This is the first vehicle that I am really going to do almost all of the maintenance on myself. In the past I have taken cars in for service & never heard anything about servicing a transfer case - only heard about oil, tranny, & differentials. I am really not sure what it is or how to service it. I have a service cd that I got off eBay (regretfully since now I know there is stuff linked from here to hemiclub), but it is really just for repairs, not really for maintenance, & even tehn doesn't really say anything about the tc. I figured details might help. Sorry about the long post. HELP!

 

drop the t-case skid pan [for easier access] pull the bottom plug out [needs allen key 3/8" i think?] let it drain out... reapply plug, remove upper plug [same key needed] get your favorite synthetic atf fluid [i used mobil1 atf] and fill until it pours out the hole.. close plug and you're done..

 

Is it strange that I have never had any mechanics ever mention changing that fluid before on other vehicles?

 

Loosen the top plug first to make sure you can put oil back in .
Dodge says to put ATF+4 in, but it's your call. It's pretty easy to do.

Pete

 

I agree with that. The plugs can be very tight from the factory. I use Royal Purple trans fluid, but Dodge recommends ATF4+. Some mechanics believe it isn't required to change transfer case fluid, but I think it is. If nothing else when it starts putting metal into the fluid, you know it before it completely breaks.

Paul

 

so, I will probably change out my tranny fluid this next weekend & put on the new PML pan on. I am guessing that, since I will already be up there, that would probably be the best time to change it? How often does it need changed. Truck has a little under 25K on it.

 

ATF in the T-case?? Bought mine used & it didnt come with a manual.

Question 1: does the t-case fluid interchange with the auto trans fluid?

Question 2: Can you use a regular gear lube... What I was thinking is Redline Shockproof heavy.

 

yep, atf goes in the t-case

1. the 2 fluids do not interchange

2. regular gear lube may be too heavy for the case. OEM's have been using atf in transfer cases for over 15 years..

 

Ive been using syn gear lube in my transfer case for over 150,000 miles in my 96 . I'm betting it will last longer. Also cuts doun on the noise considerably.

 

So looking to change all the oils in the drive line. After doing some research on dodge "oil Specs" GL-5 is here then any requirements in the transmission, transfer case, and front and rear diffs. With that being said looks like AMSOIL Long Life Synthetic Gear Lube SAE 75W-90. Would be the ticket to make it a one oil needed job. But I would love any input you guys would have. The following is what this oil covers....BEN


AMSOIL Long Life Synthetic Gear Lube SAE 75W-90
Use AMSOIL Extended Drain Synthetic Gear oils in differentials, manual transmissions or other gear applications where one or more of the following standards are specified: API GL-5 & MT-1, MIL-PRF-2105E, Dana SHAES 234 (Formerly Eaton PS-037) for 250,000 miles, Dana SHAES 256 (Formerly Eaton PS-163) for 500,000 miles, Mack GO-J & GO-J+, Meritor 0-76N (75W-90) & 0-80 (80W-140), and Navistar TMS 6816 plus hypoid gear oil specifications from all foreign and domestic manufacturers such as GM, Ford and Daimler Chrysler. Can also be used in rear axles where API Service GL-4 lubricant is recommended.

 

I would only put ATF+4 in the TC. There is a pump in the TC that pumps oil to bearings on the top and if the oil is too thick it might not work. It's easy to change so do it often, it can't hurt. ATF+4 is about $5 a quart x 2 quarts or so. How much is a new TC?

 

Only if they were 4 wheel drive and had a transfer case. No 2 wheel drive vehicle that I am aware of has a transfer case as it is used to pull power from the transmission and put it out to the other two wheels.