How often are you supposed to change it? I looked in my manual and maintenance guide and I didn't see anything about it.

 

I'd say every 100K. I changed mine early because I got water in the case.

 

I don't know about waiting untill 100K. Now that I think about it a little more, maybe it should be done when the trans fluid is changed every 30K. Really surprised theres nothing in the book about it.

 

Well the transfer case really doesn't have anything that can wear unless you are switching into 4wd with the rear wheels spinning, which you shouldn't be, or if you are driving in 4wd on dry pavement, also a no no. In the manual it says there should be no reason to change the fluid in the tranny(5 speed) unless you suspect water has gotten in.

 

my t-case oil was really dark at 40k. i would change it if i were you. at least pull the fill plug, stick your finger in it, and see what it looks like.

 

The transfer case requires ATF correct? My trans calls for MERCON V. I would assume thats what would go into the transfer case as well.

 

any kind of ATF will work. I run a synthetic. Merc V will work fine.

Id change it every 25K if i remembered. its the nastiest looking fluid ive seen.

 

Really? Then I'd better get to it.

 

I changed mine out at about 50k......one of the nastiest fluids i've seen come out of anywhere on my truck. Tcase fluid was topped by the front differential....THAT was the nastiest.

 

Fords word is every 60k.

Now some cases shipped with Borg Warner gear lube. Which is black.


Any atf will do.

IMHO, I would run the same stuff you stick your trans. Just to keep it easier on you.

 

it only takes 2 quarts, no filter its cheap to change so why not do it more often.

 

If you see water and dirt often change it often.

Most dirt mine has seen is the front yard. i have about 60k on the fluid in it. Maybe next oil change ill throw some more atf in it. Hell i need to a do vb upgrade soon too.

 

yeah thats always fun.

idk mine gets awful dark just driving on the street. but i already blew 1 1354, would rather not do that again.

 

^^ i hear ya on that one... i think mine is on its way out the door.. checked it after i bought it and it was a 1qt low.. it makes fun noises when driving around 20-35mph..

prob gonna be cracking that thing apart in spring

 

Blew my t-case 1 1/2 years ago. If it wasn't for a warranty and a lot of *****ing (to cooperate in Detroit) about how Ford dealerships suck I would have paid well over $3000 for labor and parts (had to get a new front driveshaft and u-joints).

Might wanna do it before the winter hits. Don't wanna be driving around w/out 4wd or not having a truck for a bit.

 

I would change it every 50K. Power still has to flow through it in 2wd so everything is spinning inside. I would change it when you change your trans fluid. It only takes less than 2 quarts so it doesn't cost much, cheaper than replacing the whole thing.

Jason

 

the plan is to do it before but might not be able too..

if it goes out in the winter i'll just take it to the shop or my buddy's house and pull it

 

Did the chain go?

 

from what i have read and what i have saw by taking it apart id say the pump failed causing more stress on the chain and also causing the chain to weaken. it never actually broke per say, but it was so hot and my truck was just dragging i pulled it in favor of a manual and it is much better now.

 

somebody is trying to have me run Royal Purple in there.....would it matter if i put that in and if im running regular transmission fluid (automatic)

 

I've got royal purple atf in mine...trans and power steering as well.

 

alright cool. is it alright if i don't have that in my trans or power steering tho and only in my transfer case?

 

Technically the transfer case and transmission can share fluid. We are talking a very little bit. So I would upgrade the trans fluid either at the same time or soon after. Ideally you should have the trans flushed with the new fluid.

Im not big on royal purple. Just for the fact it can be hard to find. Mobil 1 on the other hand is much easier to find and is about the same or better in some tests.

 

Per FORD, do not use Mercon V
It'll blow up

 

I JUST stopped off at the local Ford dealership re: my 98 Ranger, to inquire what to put in the T-Case. Owners manual is unclear. It calls for Warner 13-54. Ford told me Mercon V. So... what is it? Who has experience using Mercon V? What are the issues?