I did a complete flush following the tech folder instructions a few months ago. I filled system with redline d4. Ever since I have been about a quart low when I change my engine oil and I recheck fluid levels. Trans and pan are bone dry underneath the truck, where could the trans fluid be going?

 

Could be a cooler leak in the radiator.

 

I thought the trans had its own cooler separate from the main radiator?

 

It does, but on mine it has one in the radiator as well. Check your coolant and see if it has oil in it.

 

When was the last time you checked the fluid level in your transfer case?
On occasion, the tranny will pass fluid through the seal between, and overfill the transfer case

 

I am a little confused, you did the flush a few months ago and check the level when you change your oil ? either you change your oil at very short intervals or I am not seeing the timeline correctly.


How many quarts of ATF have you added to it since you did the flush and how often did you need to add ATF ?

 

Oldguyfl, I wish I could check but my other issue is a leaking radiator. My ex had a puddle of coolant under it yesterday. Leak is at the top where the plastic and metal meet. I was able to get home because it still hold coolant, but I loose some once engine is up to temp.

Jumbo, I'm not sure how to check transfer case oil level. Sadly that would mean I haven checked it in about 2 years.

 

Me too on the confusion.

If you're a quart low, add a quart. What happens when you do? Does it lose another quart? How long does it take to lose that quart? Does it lose more than a quart if you wait longer?

Stewart

 

X2 on this....I'd check there first

 

Pirate, it was just the timing. I did the trans fluid change, about a week later I did my oil change and checked the trans fluid, I thought I must have under filled so I added a quart and it was up to level, then about 2 months later I took the kids on a road trip, I checked my fluid levels before we left and I was a quart low again topped it off before we left. Did oil change when we got back, quart low again in trans. 3 quarts over 3months and about 4K miles mostly hwy driving, but the Ex is my daily driver.

 

Can I replace the transfer case seal or is that a transmission shop job?

 

Stewart, I haven't let it go to see how far it would drop and with the timing of everything this summer I wasn't sure if I had a leak. Now I'm trying to figure out where it is going because it isn't hitting the ground or visibly leaking.

 

There are three places that the ATF can go: On the ground, into the radiator, or into the transfer case. If it has lost three quarts they are in one of those three places.

 

Mark K, Good to know! I know I need to change my radiator (see my radiator leak post) also I should check my transfer case since I haven't done it in 2 years. What am I looking for to determine if it is the tranfercase? Foaming oil or just over filling? I will need to check the tech folder to learn jow to service it.

 

Nah, it's good, post #10 above explained the timeline so we now we understand your situation more clearly.

How closely have you looked at the underside of your rig?

The seal in my transfer case was leaking, allowing fluid to migrate from the trans to the transfer case, and it was replaced when I had John Wood freshen up the trans.

Stewart