transfer case fluid change
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: yarmouth port usa
transfer case fluid change
I have a 02 250 psd sc auto 4x4 with esof, with about 13,000 miles. I was thinking of changing my transfer case fluid, does anyone have any recommendations on brands? my transfer case has been pretty noisy when in 4-hi since I have owned it, and I am hoping that the new fluid will help. I have driven around alot with the front axle engaged and it is nice and quite, but when I shift into 4-hi I get this growling type sound, for lack of a better word.I try to use the system as often as I can. thanks for the help.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: OK
transfer case fluid change
First, loosen the upper fill plug- just to make sure it'll come loose. It'd suck to find that it's stuck AFTER you've already drained the TC.
Now that you are sure you can refill the TC, drain the factory fluid and replace with Mobil 1 synthetic transmission fluid. It takes ~2 quarts.
Now that you are sure you can refill the TC, drain the factory fluid and replace with Mobil 1 synthetic transmission fluid. It takes ~2 quarts.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: I'm lost somewhere in NJ -- can someone please find me?!?!?!?
transfer case fluid change
NoMo -- I don't want it to seem that I'm questioning your knowledge (from what I've seen so far, you know your "poop") but is Mobil 1 synthetic Tranny fluid the best way to go in the TC? Is there any fluid that might be better? Also, will there be any performance gain by doing this? I plan on changing all the fluids on my truck over to synthetic come spring, but I have a compelling need to get my hands dirty NOW and wouldn't mind by doing this small task ASAP. I'm just curious if you think it will have any benefit for me.
Also, is this a simple drain & refill or do you suggest flushing it? How about draining, refilling with synthetic, running for a few miles, and draining & refilling again? Or am I just going overboard?
Also, is this a simple drain & refill or do you suggest flushing it? How about draining, refilling with synthetic, running for a few miles, and draining & refilling again? Or am I just going overboard?
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,742
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From: OK
transfer case fluid change
NoMo -- I don't want it to seem that I'm questioning your knowledge (from what I've seen so far, you know your "poop") but is Mobil 1 synthetic Tranny fluid the best way to go in the TC? Is there any fluid that might be better?
Thanks for the comment but it's more likely I'm FULL of 'poop' rather than knowing 'poop'. :P
What's "best" is purely subjective insomuch as what brand. I think most everyone agrees that synthetic lubricants outperform regular dino lubes. I like Mobil 1 because it's easy to find and doesn't have any of the "mystique" that accompanies some brands.
Also, will there be any performance gain by doing this? I plan on changing all the fluids on my truck over to synthetic come spring, but I have a compelling need to get my hands dirty NOW and wouldn't mind by doing this small task ASAP. I'm just curious if you think it will have any benefit for me.
It's very doubtful that you'll see any performance benefit from just the transfer case. However, I'm confident that you'll see some (small) improvement once you convert everything to synthetics.
Also, is this a simple drain & refill or do you suggest flushing it? How about draining, refilling with synthetic, running for a few miles, and draining & refilling again? Or am I just going overboard?
The transfer case only holds 1.8 (or so) quarts and you'll be able to get all but a very small amount of it out. So I don't see a need in flushing or doing any kind of "rinse and repeat" changes. Just drain and refill once.
Thanks for the comment but it's more likely I'm FULL of 'poop' rather than knowing 'poop'. :P
What's "best" is purely subjective insomuch as what brand. I think most everyone agrees that synthetic lubricants outperform regular dino lubes. I like Mobil 1 because it's easy to find and doesn't have any of the "mystique" that accompanies some brands.
Also, will there be any performance gain by doing this? I plan on changing all the fluids on my truck over to synthetic come spring, but I have a compelling need to get my hands dirty NOW and wouldn't mind by doing this small task ASAP. I'm just curious if you think it will have any benefit for me.
It's very doubtful that you'll see any performance benefit from just the transfer case. However, I'm confident that you'll see some (small) improvement once you convert everything to synthetics.
Also, is this a simple drain & refill or do you suggest flushing it? How about draining, refilling with synthetic, running for a few miles, and draining & refilling again? Or am I just going overboard?
The transfer case only holds 1.8 (or so) quarts and you'll be able to get all but a very small amount of it out. So I don't see a need in flushing or doing any kind of "rinse and repeat" changes. Just drain and refill once.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 527
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From: Central WA USA
transfer case fluid change
Personally, I find the TC drains pretty completely and don't see a need to flush. I use Mobil 1 in both my TC and 6 sp tranny. I found my 6sp shifted better. just my .02
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2002
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transfer case fluid change
Another brand that I use as does several on the rescue team is Amsoil. They make a rated fluid for the transfer case in question.
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New User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7
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From: Upper Marlboro USA
transfer case fluid change
Most people have a brand that they are particular about. I think the most important thing is consistency. Pick a brand a stick with it. Mixing brands all the time tends to create the problems.
I think most agree that Synth's are better all the way around and the price difference is worth it in the long run if it extends the life of the system.
Amsoil, Mobile, Castrol, Lucas (my pref); All good brands. Again, pick one and stick with it and you should have no troubles at all.
Good luck and let us know what you go with.
-Tony
I think most agree that Synth's are better all the way around and the price difference is worth it in the long run if it extends the life of the system.
Amsoil, Mobile, Castrol, Lucas (my pref); All good brands. Again, pick one and stick with it and you should have no troubles at all.
Good luck and let us know what you go with.
-Tony
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 437
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From: Fayetteville (Atlanta) GA
transfer case fluid change
I change mine every other oil change, and use Mobil 1 synthetic. The first time I changed mine it was black. Flushed it good, and changed it 500 miles later. No problems since.
GAV10 Mark
GAV10 Mark
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From: I'm lost somewhere in NJ -- can someone please find me?!?!?!?
transfer case fluid change
Even though NoMo went to the "dark side" recently, I'll go with his adivce and get Mobil 1. It's easy to get your hands on, and seems popular enough that it has to be pretty good. Thanks everyone for your help!
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 505
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From: Mountaintop USA
transfer case fluid change
I use Mobil 1 in both my TC and 6 sp
>tranny. I found my 6sp shifted better. just my .02
Which brings a question to mind. My 6 spd seems difficult at times to shift into 2nd, especially when cold. But even when it warms up 2nd seems to be the clunkiest to get into. The best way I can describe it is it's really notchy feeling. Is this normal? Is anyone else's this way?
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