Need to change the transfer case fluid out of my 01 suburban 2500 and can't seem to locate an off the shelf fluid. Does Amsoil have one?
thanks,
rob
thanks,
rob
Transfer Case fluid suggestions
- Thread starter rlme36
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The manual with the truck calls for Auto trak II Fluid (GM # 12378508) A local parts guy says he has info that calls for an SLF, whatever that is.
Autotrak is a friction modified ATF used to prevent slip- stick shuddering noise issues in those x-cases that were originally filled with Dexron.
It is recommended that you use autotrak.
RoyalPurple recommends the use of its synchromax.
Its funny that on some vehicles that I've driven with x-case binding on dry pavement, a simple shot of lubegard platinum eliminated the problem, instead of replacing fluid with autotrak. I serviced a few with M1 ATF and lubegard with no issues.
Since most multivehicle ATF's are friction modified, I would think that Valv Maxlife, Pennzoil or Castrol multivehicle, ATFs would also prevent the shudder issue.
It is recommended that you use autotrak.
RoyalPurple recommends the use of its synchromax.
Its funny that on some vehicles that I've driven with x-case binding on dry pavement, a simple shot of lubegard platinum eliminated the problem, instead of replacing fluid with autotrak. I serviced a few with M1 ATF and lubegard with no issues.
Since most multivehicle ATF's are friction modified, I would think that Valv Maxlife, Pennzoil or Castrol multivehicle, ATFs would also prevent the shudder issue.
Thanks for letting me know. I'm just changing the fluid per the manual so I'll get the fluid from the dealer, need a new diff cover anyway.
Rob
This is a case where you bite the bullet and buy the GM fluid. I wouldn't take a chance.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
Were they GM Auto-Trak II spec'd transfer cases by chance? I want to dump & fill my trailblazers T-case soon. Hate to buy the "GM" stuff.
Joel
The AWD Borg Warner Tcases in the Denali/Escalade platforma take DexIII and Mobil1ATF or Amsoil ATF workd in those but all the other NVG BWA Tcases take the GM blend. I would npt screw around with those either.
Sorry...tiny keyboard here at the lab....
JHZR2
Staff member
yes, get autotrakII fluid - you can get it at the dealer- the only place. Its dyed a rich blue.
Who knows, maybe it was Dex VI in disguise all along???
JMH
Who knows, maybe it was Dex VI in disguise all along???
JMH
JHZR2
Staff member
If the vehicle is worth keeping, get a mag hytec diff and trans cover!!! they hold more fluid, sool better, have drain plugs, etc., etc.
JMH
The Autotrac II isn't that expensive, I think it was $5 a qt and my 02 Silverado took 2qts.
With Tcases that is very important as some have clutches and some don't.
Quote:
yes, get autotrakII fluid - you can get it at the dealer- the only place. Its dyed a rich blue.
Who knows, maybe it was Dex VI in disguise all along???
JMH
Picked it up at the dealer yesterday and the parts guy said that even with the VIN it could be either ATF or Autotrak fluid. He said just to "check the color when draining it, if its blue then Autotrak." So it would seem to be a mystery even to them. The one good thing is they were able to get me the correct diff cover with my VIN.
Say the Hytec covers and the like, for that kind of money I'd rather due annual fluid changes for the 5-8k miles that this truck will see towing.
rob
Yes, the lubegardplatinum+ATF worked in Xcases requiring autotrak. Those xcases have 'apply' clutches that bind, either in pushbutton, full time AWD, or computer controlled automatic 4wd. Its very similar to the effect like LSD additives in rearends, and HFM additive used by many ATFs now.
These x-cases are not the most reliable. Regular maintenance should be considered mandatory if you plan on keeping it. OEM fluid is a choice that you can make yourself.
The fluid is also similar in operation to the Jeep quadratrac fluid and Hondacura AWD x-case fluid.
Its all about smooth operation that the driver won't notice.
I'm glad that my x-case is manual and mechanical. It just doesn't get better or simpler then manual locking hubs, an NP208, and LSDs front and rear.
These x-cases are not the most reliable. Regular maintenance should be considered mandatory if you plan on keeping it. OEM fluid is a choice that you can make yourself.
The fluid is also similar in operation to the Jeep quadratrac fluid and Hondacura AWD x-case fluid.
Its all about smooth operation that the driver won't notice.
I'm glad that my x-case is manual and mechanical. It just doesn't get better or simpler then manual locking hubs, an NP208, and LSDs front and rear.
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