How To: Transfer Case Fluid Change (Photo thread) - Page 3 - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

Oxygen · 10-30-2009, 12:33 PM

so on my 00 XLS OHV , the transfer case is always working? i think that is what you are trying to say haha..

i have never changed the fluid on my transfer case, but i hardly use the 4WD high/low...

meyek91974 · 10-30-2009, 08:17 PM

Your dash switch "should" read: AUTO 4WD HIGH 4WD LOW - - If this is the case you have automatic all wheel drive, like a Subaru..... If it's: RWD-4WD HIGH-4WD HIGH, then you don't have automatic and you have to switch the lever on the dash. BE SURE YOU ARE DRIVING LESS THAN 15MPH WHEN YOU SWITCH ON 4WD HIGH - AND COME TO A FULL-AND-COMPLETE STOP WITH THE VEHICLE IN PARK BEFORE SWITCHING TO 4WD LOW. - - BE FURTHER SURE that you do not drive in 4wd on dry pavement and if on pavement only drive as straight as possible (DONT TURN) when in LOW. - - - Lastly, you SHOULD find somewhere off-road, or even gravel, to use your 4wd about once a month or couple/few months. Keep it used and try it out so you know it has a problem before you need it and it's not there.

Ranger 96 · 11-04-2009, 10:08 AM

1996 Ford Ranger 4.0L Purchased with 110,000 Miles Transfer case oil probably never changed..... Any Oil recommendations (Amsoil, Royal Purple, Stock?????)

Oxygen · 11-04-2009, 12:09 PM

royal purple is good, mobil 1 synthetic, etc.. i used valvoline in my differential and my transfer case i used valvoline mercon V tranny fluid, its made for fords.. i think the valvoline stuff works great

ozmedia · 11-04-2009, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortstack

do you guys think synthetic will make any difference in the transfer case?

Using synthetic ANYTHING, oil additives or trans fluid in an older car will in fact start leaks. Synthetic trans fluid will eventually cause the torque converter's stator blades to wear and slip prematurely (documented by Mobil1). Synthetic oil causes gasket leaks galorem first hand findings from working as a Ford tech. most such leaky trucks were ones that were switched to synthetics in a hope to make them last longer.

Synthetic oils are full of detergents and soluable abrasives to remove grease deposits, in older vehicles grease and grime actually holds them together quite well, detergents will usually cause leaks and premature wear, not prolong life. There are SOME semi-synthetics made especially and marketed toward older cars or high miler's but you are still better off running a quality standard oil and just changing it frequently instead. the only time I'd recommend synthetics is after a rebuild, run standard oil for the first two changes, to allow for natural parts wear and brak-in, then use Mobile 1 or your preferred synth. in older or high mileage vehicles you are just welcoming problems.

My Ex has 587,000kms now, and runs perfectly, passes air care etc.

NOTE: the transfer case for an electronic transmission, 97-99 Ex with 5R55E transmission for example, is permanently filled when new, not supposed to be drained, does not even HAVE a drain plug just a filler with a catch to stop debris. You can still check it and top up as needed but once it's dead it's dead. Draining and refilling just delays the inevitable a bit longer but also results in premature seal wear.

Ranger 96 · 11-05-2009, 08:21 AM

Typically with my experience most 4x4's wine a little bit in 4 low, my ranger wines in 4 high, I contribute that to old or a lack of fluid (changing it later today). Should I have any other concerns?

ozmedia · 11-19-2009, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger 96

Typically with my experience most 4x4's wine a little bit in 4 low, my ranger wines in 4 high, I contribute that to old or a lack of fluid (changing it later today). Should I have any other concerns?

helical gears whirr, just the way they work. If it is getting noisy, and has TWO plugs a lower drain and upper fill, you'll be okay to change it. Just use standard fliud though, I wouldn't bother with synthetic. Synthetics are a trend that people have started to think is a miracle in a bottle, and we all know there's no such thing.

If it's an older ranger, your chances of killing the torque converter stator blades and front pump seal will escalate with synthetics due to the detergents. For a newer vehicle, after being broken in with regular fluids to allow proper initial parts wear and seating, no problem running synth.

Ranger 96 · 11-21-2009, 08:23 PM

Hey thanks for all of the help, I have a new question.
The truck (ford ranger 1996 4.0L) has new top notch wires and Platinum autolite plugs, and i am having studder issues when I accelerate or try to hold a constant speed. The truck will accelerate strong if I floor it, but to gradually accelerate it studders.

10-30-2009, 12:33 PM	#41
Oxygen Wannabe Elite Explorer USA 00 XLS Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 212 Vehicle Specs	so on my 00 XLS OHV , the transfer case is always working? i think that is what you are trying to say haha.. i have never changed the fluid on my transfer case, but i hardly use the 4WD high/low... __________________ 00' XLS

10-30-2009, 08:17 PM	#42
meyek91974 Wannabe Elite Explorer Louisville, Kentucky - Let me no f u r nearby 1997 XLT 4x4 4Door Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 36 Vehicle Specs	Be SURE- Your dash switch "should" read: AUTO 4WD HIGH 4WD LOW - - If this is the case you have automatic all wheel drive, like a Subaru..... If it's: RWD-4WD HIGH-4WD HIGH, then you don't have automatic and you have to switch the lever on the dash. BE SURE YOU ARE DRIVING LESS THAN 15MPH WHEN YOU SWITCH ON 4WD HIGH - AND COME TO A FULL-AND-COMPLETE STOP WITH THE VEHICLE IN PARK BEFORE SWITCHING TO 4WD LOW. - - BE FURTHER SURE that you do not drive in 4wd on dry pavement and if on pavement only drive as straight as possible (DONT TURN) when in LOW. - - - Lastly, you SHOULD find somewhere off-road, or even gravel, to use your 4wd about once a month or couple/few months. Keep it used and try it out so you know it has a problem before you need it and it's not there. __________________ Keep-on keep'n on

11-04-2009, 10:08 AM	#43
Ranger 96 Wannabe Elite Explorer Michigan 1996 Ranger Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 25 Vehicle Specs	Quick Question 1996 Ford Ranger 4.0L Purchased with 110,000 Miles Transfer case oil probably never changed..... Any Oil recommendations (Amsoil, Royal Purple, Stock?????)

11-04-2009, 12:09 PM	#44
Oxygen Wannabe Elite Explorer USA 00 XLS Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 212 Vehicle Specs	royal purple is good, mobil 1 synthetic, etc.. i used valvoline in my differential and my transfer case i used valvoline mercon V tranny fluid, its made for fords.. i think the valvoline stuff works great __________________ 00' XLS

11-05-2009, 08:21 AM	#46
Ranger 96 Wannabe Elite Explorer Michigan 1996 Ranger Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 25 Vehicle Specs	T-Case Typically with my experience most 4x4's wine a little bit in 4 low, my ranger wines in 4 high, I contribute that to old or a lack of fluid (changing it later today). Should I have any other concerns?

11-21-2009, 08:23 PM	#48
Ranger 96 Wannabe Elite Explorer Michigan 1996 Ranger Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 25 Vehicle Specs	Hey thanks for all of the help, I have a new question. The truck (ford ranger 1996 4.0L) has new top notch wires and Platinum autolite plugs, and i am having studder issues when I accelerate or try to hold a constant speed. The truck will accelerate strong if I floor it, but to gradually accelerate it studders.