My transmission fluid level is too full on my 99 Ranger 4.0L 4x4 XLT, and so unscrewed what I thought was the tranny drain plug and let the fluid drain until it was even with the hole. ATF came out, with a dark maroon color, so I figured I had found the right place to drain the tranny.

After reading several other threads, I think I was really draining the transfer case and not the tranny. Is it true that the only way to drain the transmission is to undo the bolts on the transmission pan?

Which means that I *really* was only draining the transfer case, and it looks like the previous owner must have put ATF in it (I've owned it only about a week).

Does anyone have any recommendations for me? My SWAG diagnosis is that I need to have both the transmission and transfer case serviced, and with the right fluid.

Oh, I'm also getting the infamous driveline clunk on start and stop (TSB 03-26-2). I ordered the yoke spline grease kit from Ford today for $28.... but now I'm starting to wonder if the problem could be at all related to the ATF in the transfer case. One reason is that there's no clunk at all first thing in the morning. I figure the ATF is nice and cool and viscous, whereas it thins out when things warm up.

Am I way off?

 

Um, you have the right fluid in your transfer case (ATF); that 90wt stuff isn't used these days and for many years back. I'll assume they used Mercon. As for the tranny (you didn't state it but it sounds like it's an auto), you can syphon some fluid off or loosen a cooler line and with it running let some escape. Yeah, a bit messy but a little gunk and a garden hose and it'll be fine.

BTW, if you do in fact happen to have a 5 speed manual, they use ATF too. Lower drag from thinner lubricants = better mileage. Don't worry, the bearings and other internals are designed for use with ATF.

 

Thanks Bill. Yep, I have the automatic transmission.