NP263 transfer case w/Autotrak 2 fluid - hole in case - temporary fluid until replacement?

[gmt800lover]

If you had one of these that requires Autotrak 2 fluid (only available from AC Delco or Valvoline) and it ran low and started making noise before discovering the leak, is there a cheaper fluid you would use to keep it from running low for maybe a week of use before being able to get a spare transfer case with a "pump rub kit" installed. It got refilled with Valvoline maxlife (correct fluid not available) when it was found to be nearly empty after hearing bearing noise from underneath.

Considering more maxlife or just 75w90 gear oil in a squeeze bottle that makes it much easier to refill. This is just a temporary measure as it's going to fail completely very soon.

Thanks

 

[GSCJR]

Considering more maxlife

This

 

[BrianF]

I wouldn't hesitate to use any modern synthetic ATF.

My Trailblazer has whatever transfer case that needs autotrak. I've been using my usual group 4 based 7.7cSt ATF in it for many years now. Works great.

 

[D60]

If you don't use "Auto" it doesn't modulate the clutches and I didn't think Autotrak was necessary.

In 4hi or lo it locks down all the clutches but there shouldn't be slippage so again no friction modifiers necessary.

 

[ripcord]

Just put any type of transmission fluid at all in it

 

[chilson450]

I don't believe the 263hd transfer case requires the auto track fluid. I always ran dex 3 in mine. Got one right now with a hole in the case leaking fluid.

 

[gmt800lover]

I don't believe the 263hd transfer case requires the auto track fluid. I always ran dex 3 in mine. Got one right now with a hole in the case leaking fluid.

I think depending on the year some of them had frictions that required a friction modifier that must be in auto trak 2. They can apparently be run on 5w30 synthetic engine oil depending on how they're built.

 

[D60]

I don't believe the 263hd transfer case requires the auto track fluid. I always ran dex 3 in mine. Got one right now with a hole in the case leaking fluid.

You're right -- didn’t even catch that. The 263 is electric shift while the 261 has a lever in the floor as God intended, but neither has an Auto function. The NP246 was the Auto optioned version and wasn't offered in 3/4t+ trucks.

Interestingly, the 246 used the same pump setup and can still suffer from pump rub.

I'd run a 261/263 on light engine oil, anywhere from 0W20 to 5W30 depending upon one's preference.