Changed transfer case after 15,000 & it was dark

[vertrkr]

I changed the transfer case fluid on my 2014 Durango V6 model and it was pretty dark but didn't smell burnt, I was a little surprised to see that. I was running Redline D4 ATF and it only had 15,000 miles on it. I did put it thru some stress though, had a 2,000 mile trip with much of it on 80mph speed limit so I was going faster than that and it was about 95 degrees out. There was also a couple 10,000 ft summit climbs and I let the cruise control hold its speed so the rpms were running high for extended periods.

The transfer case is a MP 3010 single speed and only holds 1/2 quart. The manual says to change it every 120,000 with Shell ATF. The V8 model with a different T case says to use ATF+4. Think I'll stick with every 20,000 to 30,000 under normal duty since it's so cheap and easy to do.

 

[zrxkawboy]

ATF in a TC always seems to be dark when I drain it. Would be interesting to do a used oil analysis and see what kind of condition it's in.

 

[Shannow]

Agreed, even mobil 1 ATF in my Nissan's transfer case came out dark, thick, and mostly not there (much less volume than filled with)...on Semi Synthetic 75W90 now.

 

[Greasymechtech]

Pint sump with ANY fluid will be stressful when you understand that the transfer case has the full power of the engine on one side, and the full weight of the vehicle resisting.

Redline also has the C+ which is their ATF+4 equivalent. Give it a try instead of D4.

Mobil1, RoyalPurple, Amsoil, Neo, Torco, Synmax... has synthetic ATF's that you can try.

MP3010 has the clutch pack for better 4wd vs the MP2010. Cooking the clutches.

Try different fluids for those 15k runs until you find one that didn't oxidize black.

 

[jimbrewer]

I wouldn't draw too many conclusions except to say that it makes more sense to change these fluids early than it does the oil.

 

[DoubleWasp]

I do all of my driveline fluids every 10,000 miles, as my rear axle calls for it to be done every 10k under severe service anyway. T-case fluid usually looks the worst of the bunch. I know some in the past were notorious for running very hot. Heat oxidation might be the culprit.

 

[BrianF]

When I did the part time case on my Ram with 97xxx km it was [censored] near as red as new stuff. My Trailblazer had 125xxxkm on it and it was black as night.

My Ram has no clutch packs and the Tb has them with the AT2 system. My guess from my limited scope is that the clutch wear darkens the fluid..

 

[AjsGarage]

Could be lots of clutch material from initial break in? Kinda like how your automatic transmissions magnet is always fuzziest at first pan drop, but not nearly as fuzzy with metal at the changes after.

 

[Turk]

Originally Posted By: vertrkr

The transfer case is a MP 3010 single speed and only holds 1/2 quart. The manual says to change it every 120,000 with Shell ATF. The V8 model with a different T case says to use ATF+4. Think I'll stick with every 20,000 to 30,000 under normal duty since it's so cheap and easy to do.


Holds 1/2 a Quart??

Yes, change it occasionally. Especially since it's cheap & easy to do.
You'll be well ahead of the curve.....

 

[vertrkr]

Thanks for the comments guys. I didn't think there were any clutches since it's a permanent 50/50 torque split so I expected to the fluid to come out fresh and red. I'll try different fluid brands/types.

 

[RoadRaceJosh]

The MP2010 has an open differential in the transfer case making the torque split 50/50 and brake torque is applied to slipping wheels. I'm still looking for more information on the MP3010.

Found an exploded part view. Look at them clutch plates!

http://www.factorychryslerparts.com/showAssembly.aspx?ukey_assembly=670160

 

[vertrkr]

Ok, apparently it has lots of clutch plates, thanks. I did find the Jeep GC SRT uses the MP3010 case but with a electronic limited slip rear differential. It's manual says to use ATF+4. I'm gonna try that as Greasymechtech suggested also. Perhaps the Durango owner manual is wrong, wouldn't be the first mistake I found in it. My Mopar service manual says it has a MP2010 but I'm almost sure it's wrong as all other info I've found says 3010. They sure don't make it easy on guys trying to do the right thing.

 

[vertrkr]

Turns out I have a different transfer case than I thought. I have a MP2010 not the 3010. The service manual says to fill it 1.0-1.3 inches below the fill hole so I had it overfilled.

The difference between that and filling to the bottom of the fill hole can't be much fluid as it says it holds 1.1 pints and it certainly felt like I had about half a quart left when I pumped it in the first time.

According to the cross specs Redline D6 is more appropriate so I'll try that at the correct level and see how it goes.