Replacing the Transfer case fluid
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 166
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From: Texas
Replacing the Transfer case fluid
2008 F250 V10
My manual states "Ford Transfer Case Fluid" is the fluid to use...what a shock. Anyone know what a Mobil Synthetic equivelent would be for my 08 SD?
Thanks
My manual states "Ford Transfer Case Fluid" is the fluid to use...what a shock. Anyone know what a Mobil Synthetic equivelent would be for my 08 SD?
Thanks
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,092
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From: San Diego, CA
The transfer case in my '03 uses a little over 1/2 gallon of ATF so I don't know what is referred to as transfer case fluid, but here's a bump for ya.
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All i can say is....before you drain the darn thing, have the right size Allen wrench to remove the fill plug.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,092
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From: San Diego, CA
Originally Ford said that you could not use Mercon V in Mercon recommended systems. Since Mercon is no longer being produced, only Mercon V rated ATF, Ford has since issued a bulletin stating the Mercon V is compatible to Mercon and can be used instead of Mercon.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2008
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From: SW Idaho
Yes.... but Mercon V is not used in the new automatic transmissions! that would be Mercon SP. 
Looks like Ford has 5 differiant auto transmission fluids now.
Looks like Ford has 5 differiant auto transmission fluids now.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Pa
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Albuquerque
Agree with the other posts...any Mercon V will do. I like OEM FORD...but that is just my preference...
biz
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Tennessee
A notation on the back of the Motorcraft Mercon V bottles says "Do not use in transfer cases". My 03 manual says to use Mercon ATF which is not longer made.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Scio, OR
In 2008, Ford changed to "Ford Transfer Case Fluid." I've never found a good explanation of why or what the difference is or if there is even a difference in the transfer case from earlier models.
Frankly, though, for the cost of 3 quarts of fluid from Ford, vs the cost of a transfer case, I'd get the stuff from Ford.
Frankly, though, for the cost of 3 quarts of fluid from Ford, vs the cost of a transfer case, I'd get the stuff from Ford.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
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From: Whittier, CA
I would not use Motorcraft Mercon V in my transfer case, because the bottle specifically says not to. Does anyone think they were joking?
When Ford obsoleted the Mercon, and interchanged Mercon V, evidently they had a problem because Mercon V was not suitable for transfer cases. That is when they released a product specifically called Transfer Case Fluid. I don't believe they came up with a new product SKU just for the heck of it. There had to be a good reason why their Mercon V was not to be used in TC.
I would skip the Motorcraft product altogether. I used Mobil 1 synthetic ATF in my TC and it has been perfect for a long time. Buy 3 quarts. You might need only 2, but many take a bit more. Return the 3rd one if you don't need it. Or save it for the day when you flush your power steering system. It works great for that too.
When Ford obsoleted the Mercon, and interchanged Mercon V, evidently they had a problem because Mercon V was not suitable for transfer cases. That is when they released a product specifically called Transfer Case Fluid. I don't believe they came up with a new product SKU just for the heck of it. There had to be a good reason why their Mercon V was not to be used in TC.
I would skip the Motorcraft product altogether. I used Mobil 1 synthetic ATF in my TC and it has been perfect for a long time. Buy 3 quarts. You might need only 2, but many take a bit more. Return the 3rd one if you don't need it. Or save it for the day when you flush your power steering system. It works great for that too.