Transfer Case Fluid
 

Hey guys I've noticed some seepage or "congealed" drops of fluid on my t-case. I'm wondering how to check the fluid to make sure it's not leaking too badly. I want to change the fluid anyway but I'd like to know what's dangerous or not.

I remember someone posting a diagram of the t-case/fill plug/drain plug. I believe I found them on my t-case but I'm not positive. They're the two bolts that look like they require a huge allen wrench to remove right?

Lastly what are the fluid recommendations? How much fluid should I use?


regards

I used the M1 gear oil (you could go regular or thicker with the 75W-90 or the 75W-140). It takes around two quarts. The only way to really check would be to take the top plug out and "top off" until it drips out. Honestly, if you are doing that just change it out though. Make sure you could get the top plug out BEFORE taking the bottom plug off to drain. Also, regardless if just topping or changing, you will need to get one of those cheap hand pumps to attach to the gear oil bottle. IIRC, I believe on those I used the end of the 3/8" ratchet with no socket to do the plugs. You could also buy the metal plugs to replace the plastic ones. I would also recommend putting a bit of teflon thread tape (or another type of thread stuff) on when putting them back.

Just changed the Transfer fluid the past weekend. Use a 1/2 rachet without any socket of course. I used permatex thread sealant but you could use just about anything. Two bottles of 75-90 synthetic gear lube will be all you need.

Do yourself and your truck a favor and up-grade to 85W/140 for better wear protection and quieter gears for both the t/case and diffs.

what Disco Mile said.. i did the same about 2 months ago and is is certainly a little less noise.. and the extra wear protection can certainly never hurt.

What mike said. Makes a big difference in the sound level coming from all three and why not have better protection.

is 85-140 available at autozone?

Yup. They have a few to select from. Like Royal Purple. I'm running this in my trans and will use this in my diffs - when I get a chance to change it.
Royal Purple/1 qt. 85W-140 synthetic Max-Gear oil (01303) | Gear Oil | AutoZone.com

You will need 7 qts to do both diffs and the t-case.
I go to Tractor Supply Company and buy it buy the gallon, I use their house brand in 85w-140.

Just curious, do you use synthetic? Assuming that you don't if your buying that stuff by the gallon. Could get mighty expensive if you change it often.