Jeep 242 TC oil

[gomes512]

This isn't a question but I figure I'd post the info on here anyhow just in case anyone ever wonders.

Yesterday I drained my Jeep's transfer case (it has a 242 selec-trac), and filled with Maxlife synthetic. Previously I had been running ATF+4. A fellow Jeeper at JeepForum had mentioned that he use to run a 5w-30 in his TC and that it was recommended by the rebuilder. New news to me since I would just follow the manual and use ATF+4.

I did one cycle of Maxlife and then drove in 4-wheel and drained again to flush out the remaining ATF. Refilled again and overall I am surprised at how smooth it operates in 4wd now. The noise is severely reduced, before you could hear it working now it is almost silent. The one downfall is that the recommended change interval is only 5K when the 5w-30 is in. But it's worth it!

We also tried it on a friends Jeep with the 249 TC (quadra-drive system with viscous coupler) with similar results. Definitely quieter and easier to wrok around the turns.

 

[HawkeyeScott]

Somehwat related question...If ATF +4 is used, what is the normal replacement schedule? And if you rarely - once a year or so - put it in 4WD, how long should it be?

 

[unDummy]

Going thicker helps quiet down gearboxes sometimes. And, IMO, thicker protects better.

Skip the motor oil and go straight for manual transmission fluids in those transfer cases.

Amsoil MTF, Redline MTL, Pennzoil Syncrhomesh..... are worthy candidates for normal x-cases requiring ATF.

Also, you don't need that short off an interval.

 

[meep]

Our '93 with 242 specs dexII. I refilled with M1 atf. It makes just a wee bit of noise, very little. I'd prob go 30,000 mile oci here.

M

 

[Gary Allan]

This is a chain driven t-case with an oil pump. That's probably the reason for the frequent drain with 5w-30

I'll stick with synthetic ATF. I guess a gear oil with an MT rating would be okay.

 

[unDummy]

Nah, sounds like the frequent drain is simply to force people to maintain the x-fer case which is commonly neglected.

If you go too thick, the pump might have problems pumping the fluid around when cold. Stick with a synthetic.

BTW, even if you NEVER use your 4wd, the transfer case is still working providing you RWD.

30k is a reasonable OCI if the vehicle isn't worked. But, time should also be considered. Change it every 2-3 years if you don't drive much.

If you plow, tow, offroad your vehicle...., consider yearly or <15k intervals.

 

[hooperswish1]

I thought pennzoil synchromesh was dino. Maybe a syn blend, or full synthetic?
I plan on putting rp synchromax in my jeep t case once my warranty expires.

 

[unDummy]

Synchromesh is a blend.
Synchromax is a good choice.
Don't bother waiting for the warranty to expire.
Get some good fluid in there now.

 

[99]

If the transfercase is supposed to use ATF, and your owner's manual will state what it needs, only use ATF. Never use gear oil or motor oil in a ATF application.

 

[artificialist]

Quote:

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If the transfercase is supposed to use ATF, and your owner's manual will state what it needs, only use ATF. Never use gear oil or motor oil in a ATF application.

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+1
If you want better protection than the factory spec, buy a premium fluid that exceeds the requirements of the factory fluid.

I have use Amsoil Universal ATF in Chrysler +4 applications, and haven't had problems. The PAO synthetic basestock is better than the Group 3 basestock which is the minimum requirement for Chrysler +4.

Redline makes a product for ATF+4 applications as well.

 

[VNTS]

That trick will work for the NV242 but dont do it on Quadra drive, stick to the mopar transfer case oil or you could damage the TC. The mopar fluid is a hydraulic fluid specifically for that TC.

I have used Amsoil ATF in my NV242 inm WJ and durango but will probably switch to the Amsoil MTF. I belive George at Transfer cases unlimited recommends the 5w-30 syns on his rebuilds.