Which transfer case fluid

[Dale_Knight]

Nissan requests Matic-D ATF or compatible Mercon or Dexron III oils for this trucks transfer case fluid but from analysis Matic-D starts at 7.3 cSt@100C and shears down fairly quickly in this transfer case. I'd like to find something that will stay in spec longer, but choices seem to be limited. Amsoil has a couple of good ATF oils; ie: ATF and ATD, but ATD might be better for the application;

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.aspx

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atd.aspx

RedLine shows several Mercon or Dexron III compatible ATF oils, and an interesting one is the 'Synthetic High- Temp ATF', also recommended as compatible for Dexron III or Mercon specs but is 10 cSt@100C too thick for a transfer case fluid, ie; will the additional film thickness minimize or cause additional wear problems;

http://www.redlineoil.com/pdf/3.pdf

Would it be best to use ATF oils as per the Nissan spec'ed 100C viscosities of about the 7 - 8 cSt@100C range for a transfer case application or will thicker up to about 10 cSt@100C give better wear protection. As this is attempting to protect a transfer case with gears rather than a transmission with clutch friction issues what do you all think or recommend.

I'm just looking for suggestions here and if we (I) get it wrong nobody elses nuts get put in the fire. Thanks.

.

 

[rumple]

I put Mobil 1 full Synthetic ATF in the transfer case of my 2002 Ford Explorer. This ATF is has a 7.6 cSt@100C right in the range you require.

It is a Dexron III/Mercon V approved ATF fluid and so far my explorer is doing well with it in the transfer case. It's an improvement over the OEM fluid which came out deep brown/black and was originally Mercon (not the semi-synthetic Mercon V).

 

[GR8]

I would go with Amsoil ATD or the D4 product from Redline. I asked a simular question, and ATD was mentioned. As well you could not go wrong with Mobil 1 ATF.

In Cananda I assume cold viscosity is important, the xW-20 oils seemed to have proven proper additive package prevents wear in lighter oils.

I have Amsoil ATF in the Jeep 242 transfer case, works fine.
Hope this helps.

 

[MidnightG35X]

I use D4 in the transfer case in my 2004 infiniti (VQ35DE). Works well even in subzero temps.

 

[MolaKule]

Being in Alberta, I would use the D4, Amsoil ATD, or the RLI ATF.

If the vehicle is high mileage, I would highly recommend the RLI ATF.

 

[artificialist]

I have put M1 Synthetic Mercon V in many DexronIII/Mercon applications, and never once was I disappointed.

 

[PT1]

I am using Mobil 1 ATF in my Yukon AWD tcase 40k on now no issues. I'll do a 50k OCI as recommended.

 

[Dale_Knight]

Thanks, Redline, RLI and Amsoil aren't really easy to find here so I'll likely give M1 a try as it is readily accessible. I'll post some in use wear and shear numbers to show how it stands up in comparision to the Matic-D factory fill.