Lube for a Ford Transfer Case

[Whimsey]

I've got to agree with rgl about using a good synthetic or really good semi synthetic ATF(Schaeffers #204S

) for the transfer case. With the chain driven transfer case a gear oil is most likely to be too thick and cause problems. Change it every 30,000-50,000 miles, depending upon 4X4 usage and you should be fine. I looked at the manual for my 2002 F150 4X4 and they don't even mention changing the transfer case fluid ever

! Not a good idea if you want to keep the truck for long time. It's a cheap and easy maintenace to do. A lot cheaper than replacing the transfer case.

Whimsey

 

[crashz]

With 85K miles on my truck, I'm long overdue to change the transfer case fluid, even though 99% of those miles are highway use in 2 wheel drive.

The manual recommends ATF. Is there any other lubes that I should use to protect the planetary gears and chain drive. Would Redline MTL be a good alternative? Mix a Mobil 1 ATF with a synthetic gear lube? Your opinions and suggestion are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[rgl]

I have used synthetic Mobil 1 ATF in the past and in my present F150 I am using Amsoil synthetic ATF because I found some cheap. My 2 previous Fords have had the chain type transfer case. I put about 200k combined on them myself and the transfer cases never gave the slightest trouble or leak (they each had about 70K when I bought them so total miles were about 340K combined). All I did was use synthetic ATF and change the ATF about every 50K, fluid came out slightly dark red but no wear metal that I could see.

My experience so far is that pretty much everything else in the 4X4 drivetrain will fail before the transfer case, including shift motor, U-joints, auto hubs, wheel bearings, etc. I would be afraid to add any thicker lube because it may be too thick and may accelerate wear.

 

[MNgopher]

I've always just used whatever is going into my auto transmission in both my current 4x4's. The Jeep Cherokee requires Mercon/Dexron ATF for both the transmission and transfer case (and before anyone asks, no, it is not ATF+3, the Cherokee with the 4.0l uses an Aisin Warner transmission, not a Chrysler transmission, and thus requires Mercon/Dexron), and my '99 F150 calls for Mercon V in the transmission, and Mercon in the transfer case.

I've used Valvoline Durablend since it covers Mercon/Mercon V/Dexron and it has worked fine in everything I've used it in.

For reference, the maintenance schedule for my '99 F150 calls for a 60,000 mile interval on the transfer case fluid, regardless of severe duty or not.