Hi everyone
i know this topic is posted in some older threats, and i have read them the most recent one i saw was from 2019, but i am wondering if new information was published, or received.
i have an 06 ranger, just got it and one of the things i do when i get a new-used vehicle is change all the fluids.
it has the 5 speed manual and the transfer case. my question is regarding the fluids.
the owners manual says use Mercon in both. but Mercon is not available anymore. it was usurped my Mercon V. i have read that Mercon V is fine for the transmission but not the transfercase, and now Ford wants us to use XL12 in our transfer cases. However about a year or so ago for stopped selling that as well. There is a new product called Mercon LV that was recommended by some individuals.
i called the ford dealership just now and the dealership said Mercon V in both the transmission and transfer case. who in the hell do i believe? is there a TSB on this that someone has?
the Ford representative said they had this conversation last week with the Ford factory and the Ford factory recommended Mercon V.
i am slightly dubious of this, because i work for a company that sells automotive type things and our support for products that are 10+ years old is garbage. no one knows anything, information is hard to find etc. i don't want to turn this thread into a discussion of OEM integrity or of a discussion of who i work for.
Call me a pessimist but i am not sure what to believe. Does anyone have any factual information?
I would prefer to use Mercon V because i have access to it at work but i also don't mind spending the cash to get the right stuff.
Any facts, or feelings or rants will be appreciated.

 

I read that Ford issued a TSB citing LV for all their transfer cases.
My '05 Ranger's transfer case is filled with 20 ounces of Valvoline MaxLife Dexron/Mercon LV. It changes ranges well so far.
I believe basic transfer cases (no clutch packs for front/rear splitting) are not picky at all when it comes to fluids.

 

Mercon V is certainly fine.

My suspicion is that the others are as well, but you definitely can't go wrong with V.

 

Without issue several years now have been using
75w90.FullSyn AmsOil in 4.10 OpenDiff@Front,
75w140.FullSyn AmsOil+Modifier in 4.10 LimitedDiff@Rear,
MerconLV.FullSyn in 1354 TransferCase,
MerconV in 5r55e Transmission & PowerSteering,
0w20.FullSynWinter\0w30.FullSynSummer in V6~4.0L~SOHC,
Peak#pkpb53.10X.LiteGreen Coolant wOut 2EHA,
DOT3\DOT4 BrakeFluid.
This is a 2001 SportTrac, near identical drive train & frame as 2001 RangerExtendedCab.
But consider I drive like an 80 year old church lady.

 

Thank you all for your input.
i have only owned the truck for a little while.
i had owned a ranger years ago that i took immaculate care of, and i plan on doing the same with this one.
again thank you all for the input