Transfer Case Lube Substitution?

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The vehicle is a 2004 Ranger 4x4 with a chain-drive
transfer case, that specifies ATF as a lubricant.

Can I safely substitute 75W-90 synthetic gear oil
for the ATF in this application? Or is there a
better choice? Or should I simply stay with the
ATF?

Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
ATF Vs. Gear lube is a huge difference in Viscosity. You could probly run anything in there without ever noticing. Ive used GL5s where a much thinner fluid is spec'd with no issues before.

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Why wouldn't you want to use the spec'd ATF? I have two Jeeps calling for ATF+4 in the transfer case, and no problems at all using it.

Using the ATF it calls for would be my recommendation.
 
i use 30 wt engine oil in my 2011 ranger t-case. they have an oil pump in them i was told, so i'd stay away form something to thick.
 
My Nissan specs ATF...or 75W90, ATF from the factory.

Replaced it early on with M1, then at 100k (km), it was near empty, and nearly purple in colour (no idea...).

But it runs well over 100C on the highway, so I replaced with Mobil 424, with is a Dexron GL4, about 9Cst for 40000km no issues.

(I'm back on universal synthetic ATF to see if the thicker oil had impacted economy, but it's completely hidden in the noise if it did)
 
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Why wouldn't you want to use the spec'd ATF?....

It has a slight harmonic around 35 mph that I think is the
chain vibrating. The case has a damper bolted on it that's
supposed to absorb vibrations, but I thought a slightly
thicker oil might eliminate it entirely.

Originally Posted By: Killer223
.....they have an oil pump in them i was told,...

I wasn't aware of that. Good to know.

Originally Posted By: BrocLuno
.....Electric shift I assume ...

Yes it's electric shift on the fly.
My main concern is to not cause harm to the seals or bearings.
I hadn't thought of the Redline MTL...
 
Originally Posted By: Killer223
they have an oil pump in them i was told, so i'd stay away form something to thick.

Is this Tcase friction-clutch operated ? ....... or synchros ?
 
I'd stick with an atf.. can always use a thicker atf.

IIRC I used redline d4 in those with good results.
 
Chain lubrication is quite insignificant. Bearing and planetary lubrication is what matters.

I'm one to support using 10w30 or 5w20 synthetic in most T-cases in substitution for ATF, but I wouldn't be caught dead putting gear oil in a T-case.
 
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Originally Posted By: Dyusik
Be nice to your synchros, don't give them GL5.


What Synchros?
 
Originally Posted By: TheLoneRanger
The vehicle is a 2004 Ranger 4x4 with a chain-drive
transfer case, that specifies ATF as a lubricant.

Can I safely substitute 75W-90 synthetic gear oil
for the ATF in this application? Or is there a
better choice? Or should I simply stay with the
ATF?

Thanks in advance for any advice.


I cannot understand why you are asking? Can't you follow directions? Use ATF.
 
Originally Posted By: njohnson
Valvoline makes a fluid for transfer cases, can be used in ones calling for ATF.

Our one SUV has the transfer case which calls for Dex III. I was thinking about trying this in it. Going by the product description, it sounds like a beefier, more robust product, compared to ATF.

http://www.valvoline.com/our-products/au...sfer-case-fluid
That fluid is thinner than Dex/Merc. I researched this high and low a while back. I simply went with regular old Dex/Merc. It has worked well for decades in these old school transfer cases. The fluid is incredibly easy to change so I didn't see where a syn was going to be of much benefit.
 
The kind that allow on the fly shift onto 4hi. My NP231J as many others are synchronized.
 
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