BG Syncro Shift II instead of Auto Trak II?

[Arwyn]

Hello,

I have a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 6.0L with the Auto 4WD transfer case. While having the rear main seal replaced a couple months ago the shop asked if I wanted them to put new fluid in the transfer case as they had to drain it anyways so I said yes as it was due and on my to-do list anyways. Fast forward a couple months, I just had a different shop going through a few things and when they checked various fluids they said the fluid in the transfer case looked to be an unknown gear oil and not the blue Auto Trak II which is required for my particular truck. I checked the owners manual and it clearly says Auto Trak II for the transfer case. Before calling the first shop to ask why they didn't use that, I pulled out my receipt and it says they used BG Syncro Shift II 75W-80 fluid. Upon googling, their site says it's an alternative to Auto Trak II but from reading various blog posts it seems everyone says there is no safe alternative to using Auto Trak. Hoping the experts here can help me out, is it safe to keep that fluid in the transfer case or should I be draining it and putting in Auto Trak instead? I use 4WD consistently in the winter and don't want to risk any further issues as I've got to keep this good old truck going as long as I can.

Thanks for your time and any advice appreciated!

 

[zrxkawboy]

I would probably leave it in. I have no experience with this fluid, but I put Valvoline Transfer Case Fluid in my daughter's Trailblazer which specs Auto Trak II, and it works fine.

 

[GSCJR]

I also think you'll be okay.

 

[repairman54]

Use the GM stuff, no guess work using the spec'ed fluid. Serviced my old '99 Yukon with the GM fluid and drove it to 220k miles and sold it running fine.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Auto Trac II was developed for use in transfer cases with the Auto feature which has clutches within the transfer case. You can avoid issues by running the transfer case in full time four wheel drive instead of the “auto” mode when conditions are slippery enough. On the other hand, BG does say it’s a substitute for Auto Trac II. I would put this in the same category as those multi use one size fits all transmission fluids. Personally, I would keep it in place.

 

[userfriendly]

2006 Chevrolet 3500 LBZ, 2011 LML, 2013 GMC 5.3L, 2014 LML, 2018 L5P and JD X320;
Power steering and transfer cases: THF that meets J20C & J20D.
F&R diffs; 80W140.
I like the one pail fits all approach.

 

[barkingspider]

If it works, I would leave in

 

[D60]

I didn't realize any 2500+ got Auto??

But yeah, I'd leave it.

I never use Auto so I never cared.

I used Valvoline t-case fluid because I refuse to encourage captive audiences for manufacturers who insist on proprietary fluids.

 

[burbguy82]

Valvolines "Autotrak II " equal is red...........just like the ATF. Where as Autotrak is blue......

I just ordered some of this for my daughter Tahoe, 2004....https://www.amsoil.com/p/amsoil-oe-multi-vehicle-100-synthetic-automatic-transmission-fluid-otf/

There is no issues with Dexron 3 ATF for Autotrak II applications, as long as it lists. I have ran it in I think 6 vehicles in the past......and using the 4wd on the regular.

I would second some, in that the "Auto" function should not be used when you think 4wd will be nessessary, only when you question the road conditions. The clutches engaging and disengaging every other minute is not good for longevity........neither is 600 hp.

I didn't realize any 2500+ got Auto??

2500 Truck and suburbans got auto as an option. The difference is the output splines, 32 instead of 29 i think. Both of my 2500 Suburban had it, one with the 454, and the other with the 6.0, 1999 and 2004 respectively. I do not think that any 3500 got the auto. I have never seen one.

 

[D60]

Valvolines "Autotrak II " equal is red...........just like the ATF. Where as Autotrak is blue......

I just ordered some of this for my daughter Tahoe, 2004....https://www.amsoil.com/p/amsoil-oe-multi-vehicle-100-synthetic-automatic-transmission-fluid-otf/

There is no issues with Dexron 3 ATF for Autotrak II applications, as long as it lists. I have ran it in I think 6 vehicles in the past......and using the 4wd on the regular.

I would second some, in that the "Auto" function should not be used when you think 4wd will be nessessary, only when you question the road conditions. The clutches engaging and disengaging every other minute is not good for longevity........neither is 600 hp.

2500 Truck and suburbans got auto as an option. The difference is the output splines, 32 instead of 29 i think. Both of my 2500 Suburban had it, one with the 454, and the other with the 6.0, 1999 and 2004 respectively. I do not think that any 3500 got the auto. I have never seen one.

Oh I know. I had just done our '05 Yukon and used Valvoline. I actually COMPLETELY rebuilt the NP246 including the clutch basket.

Shortly after the 4L60 cratered and we took it to the dealer for a new trans (was only $3200 circa 2016) and I specifically said DO NOT open or worry about the t-case. I knew if they saw the red color they'd panic but the red Valvoline is AutoTrak II acceptable per Valvoline

 

[MolaKule]

Hello,

I have a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 6.0L with the Auto 4WD transfer case. While having the rear main seal replaced a couple months ago the shop asked if I wanted them to put new fluid in the transfer case as they had to drain it anyways so I said yes as it was due and on my to-do list anyways. Fast forward a couple months, I just had a different shop going through a few things and when they checked various fluids they said the fluid in the transfer case looked to be an unknown gear oil and not the blue Auto Trak II which is required for my particular truck. I checked the owners manual and it clearly says Auto Trak II for the transfer case. Before calling the first shop to ask why they didn't use that, I pulled out my receipt and it says they used BG Syncro Shift II 75W-80 fluid. Upon googling, their site says it's an alternative to Auto Trak II but from reading various blog posts it seems everyone says there is no safe alternative to using Auto Trak. Hoping the experts here can help me out, is it safe to keep that fluid in the transfer case or should I be draining it and putting in Auto Trak instead? I use 4WD consistently in the winter and don't want to risk any further issues as I've got to keep this good old truck going as long as I can.

Thanks for your time and any advice appreciated!

Both BG Synchroshift II and the Valvoline Transfer Case Fluid are clear and slightly Amber in color.

https://www.myoildepot.com/productc...ine_Transfer_Case_Multi_Vehicle_VLV855459.pdf

https://www.bgprod.com/catalog/driveline/bg-syncro-shift-ii/

The only difference is the 100C viscosity, with the Valvoline Transfer Case Fluid being about 1 cSt lower than the BG Synchroshift II fluid.

I have tested and used the Valvoline Transfer Case Fluid in multiple vehicles without any operational problems.

I think either fluid should function.

Organic dyes have no functional or protective basis and often fade, so I would not sweat the color of the fluid.

HPL Manual Transmission Life 75W75 at 7.1 cSt should be a viable substitute as well.

 

[Snagglefoot]

In 2008 Chevy changed over to Magna power train and the Auto version got Dex 6. My dealer encouraged me to use Autotrak II since it was the transition year and the mechanics were just trying to be helpful. Seventeen years and 265,000 miles later it still works fine but Dex 6 would have been cheaper. However, I always tried avoid the auto feature, hardly ever used 4 wheel drive on the highway but drove in deep snow and icy side roads with it fully engaged.