I was wondering if I should bother changing the transfer case fluid on my 97 F150 4.6 4x4 w. 186100 miles. I don't know if it has ever been done. I believe it has been done the drain plug area seems to have some grease and dirt built up around it. If I change should I put sinthetic fluid in or follow the owners manual and put in Mercon ATF.

 

yes change it, the MERCON is great stuff. ---for your info--- You normally use what the transmission uses, so a newer truck with MERCON V in the trans, would also put that in the transfer case.

 

I just recently bought a used 1997 F150 XL manual tranmission, 4x4 with 82000 miles. Well, I was going down the hi-way and I heard a grinding as if i were not in gear, then a clunk, then it sounded fine again. It has done this a couple times now, and i cant afford to take it in! I'm hoping all I need to do is change the transfer case fluid! Any thoughts or suggestions will be appreciated...oh and the 4x4 light comes on and off around this time, but usually stays on...

 

new oil normally dont help a "chunk"... but it cant hurt. If the 4 x 4 light comes on, its probably more of a small mechanical problem inside.. Im betting you will find a bigger problem a few weeks/ month down the road.

 

Well thanks for the vote of confidence. I sure hope its not something that will become a problem...

 

It's like as if its stuck between gears and then locks back in. I have a separate stick on the floor for changing into 4x4, its not an electronic switch

 

agreed +1

 

You are gonna end up with a axle gear problem. Trust me!

 

Sorry about the last post. That was about the clunk that happens once in a while. And about the transfer case. Its a good thing to change . But look at the owners manual in the glove box. My truck a 2003 takes Mercon V in the trans.. But the transfer case takes just the Mercon. And there is a difference.

 

I changed the fluid in the transfer case yesterday, so far so good, it was almost black, so I'm sure the differentials need a change as well, I just hope I don't have to sink any money into it!

 

The noise was coming from under the cab, that's why I start with the transfer case, I'm probably gonna change the fluid in the transmission next...

 

always a good plan to change oil.... and if its BLACK, it was a great idea !