V8 AWD Transfer Case Fluid Change?

[Jon Miller]

I was told by the Service Rep. at the Ford Dealer that the AWD transfer
case on my 96 XLT AWD V8 was a sealed unit. Is this true? Does anyone
know how to easily change the fluid? and at what intervals?

Thanks! :-)

Jon

[GANACH]

The transfer case fluid can be changed. I believe that Mercon fluid is what
Ford recommends. I don't recall the factory recommended interval, but I change
the transmission, transfer case and differential fluids every 20K miles or two
years, whatever comes first (always mileage).

Borg Warner makes the transfer case.

Fluid changes are inexpensive preventive maintenance. Got 180K out of a
4Runner before the Explorer. Sold the Totyota to a guy across town 2.5 years
ago and it's still going strong.

[Brian Bodick]

I also have a 96 XLT V8 (23k) and had a Valvoline quick lube change all my
drive train fluids while I was on vacation in VA. I brought my own Mobil1
synthetic ATF for the tranny and transfer case (~16qts.total) and Mobil1
synthetic gear oil for the front diff. I didn't mess with the rear diff as
Ford specs call for a friction modifier be added. The used the T-Tech for
the tranny and what a wonder it is- it went quickly unlike the rumored '98.

The shop had no trouble I am aware of in draining the transfer case,
although I didn't really have a good vantage point while they were changing
the transfer case. I did notice that they had to pump the fluid up and into
the transfer though, possibly indicating a pseudo-sealed case similar to the
front diff- they had to pump the old fluid out and new in on the front diff.

Needless to say, the synthetic throughout has increased MPG (+3 - 5mpg) and
is more quiet- I had already switched the engine over to Mobil1 10W-30 at a
previous oil change. There is no more gear-whine in the train after cold
starts.

I highly recommend having this service done but only at a shop you are able
to watch the work being done and can interact with the tech's.

Best of luck,
Brian Bodick
CT

[DriveSpy]

I think the sealed unit that is talked about with regards to the AWD transfer
case is the viscous clutch that is inside the case. Thats a silicone based
fluid that is totally unlike anything used anywhere else on the vehicle. The
remainder of the transfer case may have something like Mercon ATF in it.

[Chris36m]

>There is no more gear-whine in the train after cold

I'm really interested in your findings of no whine on start up, they all do it
from 10-25 mph
sounds to me from the trans as the planetary's in that trans are more noisier
than the 6 cyl. unit
Explorer36

[SnThetcOil]

Subject: Re: V8 AWD Transfer Case Fluid Change?
Path:
lobby03.news.aol.com!newstf02.news.aol.com!audrey03.news.aol.com!not-for-mail
From: chri...@aol.com (Chris36m) >>

Hi Chris;
The above mentioned reduction in whine/noise is a fairly common
occurrence when changing from a petroleum lube to a superior synthetic lube.
Synthetic have far better film strength than petroleum lubes do, which improves
lubrication, thereby reducing whine/noise, or in some cases eliminating it
entirely. This is particularly true in cold temperature environments where a
synthetic lube really shines v.s a petroleum lube, as the synthetic flows
better in the cold for improved lubrication.

Not all synthetics perform the same and their can be distinct performance
differences/benefits from brand to brand, but it might be fair to say that any
synthetic lube is going to perform better than any petroleum lube.

I hope this helps.