Better fluid for Borg - Warner 4405 Tranfer Case?

[Bluestream]

I have a 2000 Ford Explorer with the Borg-Warner 4405 Transfer case that calls for ATF in the Transfer Case. Is there a better fluid that could be used such as a GL-4 Gear oil, or a product like Redline MTL?

 

[Tempest]

I would go with Amsoil MTF or the Redline MTL if you plan to really work it.

 

[LargeCarManX2]

I would stay with a full synthetic ATF...like Mobil 1 ATF or Redline ATF or Amsoil ATF. Just drain and fill every 10K or so. Those transfer cases are really tough on fluids. Drain and fill with synthetics often is the only way to make them last.

 

[artificialist]

I would do the same thing.

 

[unDummy]

It has a pump. If the fluid isn't thin enough, it won't flow easily.

As a 1st choice, stick with ANY full synthetic ATF.

Ams MTF and RL MTL are a tad thicker and should shear a point of so. Being a full synthetic(and thin compared to gear oil), should prevent any fluid pumping issues. I would not go any thicker then that. Is thicker even needed when average temp in your location isn't too hot?

RP also has a MTF that is the correct visc.

ATF+4 embarassed Mercon/DexronIII/ATF+2 when measuring chain stretch, general tranny wear(gears bearings...)in Chrysler transmissions. It would be an economical upgrade that exceeds Dex/Mer/cheap ATFs.

Regardless of fluid, those 10k intervals should be considered.

 

[Bluestream]

I would like to try Redline D4 ATF because of it's GL-4 rating since this is a manual transmission specification. I thought this might provide better protection since manual transmissions require more additives. Any thoughts?

 

[deeter16317]

Not that mine is similar (an NV271 transfercase), but I have ran RP synchromax in it for over 100k without issue (temps ranging from -25*F to 115*F). It has served me well...I usually go 40k per fill...it makes a big difference in the ease of shifting in/out of 4wd.

While my transmission didn't like the RP synchromax, the transfercase seems to do well on it.

 

[PT1]

I use Mobil1 ATF in mine. Works fine and the guys at BWA say it's better than DexIII. They warned against heavier oil because those Tcases lubricate through a splash sump versus a pump. Hence the ATF.

 

[PT1]

Originally Posted By: LargeCarManX2
I would stay with a full synthetic ATF...like Mobil 1 ATF or Redline ATF or Amsoil ATF. Just drain and fill every 10K or so. Those transfer cases are really tough on fluids. Drain and fill with synthetics often is the only way to make them last.


My owners manual calls for a 50k OCI so I go with M-1 ATF and 30,000 OCI. 10k would be overkill.

 

[unDummy]

10k is NOT overkill in a worked or weak unit. It is only overkill if the component is overengineered to begin with. Is anything overengineered anymore?

Many x-cases show their weaknesses after 100k miles. Why risk it? Several extra fluid changes, along with a full synthetic upgrade, is cheaper then having an x-case rebuilt.

If your vehicle's xcase make/brand has no history of failures, then simple cutting the interval a little, along with the synthetic, is good enough. 30k/M1 is definitely good enough for most x-cases. But, not all!

http://www.omegamachine.com/html/BW4405_rear_case_repair.html

 

[PT1]

The guys at BWA tell me that mine doesn't have any clutches which are the weak link. Mine is gearsets and a huge chain (AWD) and is always engaged. So 30k synthetic OCI's should be just fine.

 

[unDummy]

Which case?