ATF in transfer case?

[pollenface]

I have just purchased a 2008 ZD30 CRD patrol wagon with the 4spd auto. I want to give it a thorough service first up including changing the auto transmission oil/filter.

I read something in a manual about not mixing the auto gearbox oil & transfer case oil. I'm presuming this means to use the same oil in both boxes.

I was thinking of getting a few bottles of Gulf Western Syn-TS trans fluid. Would that be suitable in the transfer case?

[PeeBee]

I think you should re- read the manual. If the transfer case is filled with ATF from new I would be highly surprised - more like a gearbox 80/90 grade. I think the comment might relate to not putting gearbox oil in the ATF?

[nipagu7]

patrols with auto locking front hubs use atf in the transfere box to stop the hubs engaging on their own when not in 4x4 . the cab chasiss patrols that have manual locking hubs don't have this problem and use the same oil as the manual gearbox

[PeeBee]

patrols with auto locking front hubs use atf in the transfere box to stop the hubs engaging on their own when not in 4x4 . the cab chasiss patrols that have manual locking hubs don't have this problem and use the same oil as the manual gearbox

Sorry, I am not doubting you, but cant quite see the mechanical connection between the transfer case and the fwh? Can you try to explain that a bit? They seem totally different 'unattached' devices?

[jff45]

I believe the thinking is that a poor seal between the auto and the transfer could introduce gear oil into the auto with costly results.
I’ve been running synthetic trans fluid in my transfer case since I bought the Patrol in 2007.

[PeeBee]

I believe the thinking is that a poor seal between the auto and the transfer could introduce gear oil into the auto with costly results.
I’ve been running synthetic trans fluid in my transfer case since I bought the Patrol in 2007.

John, that's interesting for sure. I would not have thought the oil properties for an ATF would be suitable for a gear loading application - obviously they are especially if you have been doing this for close to 13 yrs! Learnt something new today.

[Plasnart]

John, that's interesting for sure. I would not have thought the oil properties for an ATF would be suitable for a gear loading application - obviously they are especially if you have been doing this for close to 13 yrs! Learnt something new today.

Yeah i was surprised also first time I did my oils. Double and triple checked before I put the ATF into the transfer case. Was still a bit dubious but has never had any problems. There's a thread here somewhere where @mudnut nicely explained the auto hub issue with gearbox oil in the TC. Somebody was having problems with his autos engaging sporadically. He was using gearbox oil in the TC and that ended up being his problem.

[jff45]

John, that's interesting for sure. I would not have thought the oil properties for an ATF would be suitable for a gear loading application - obviously they are especially if you have been doing this for close to 13 yrs! Learnt something new today.

The planetary gears in the auto trans take a fair bit of loading. I'm rebuilding an RE4 auto at the moment that has done 326k kms and, although the clutches are well worn, the planetary gears look perfect.

[MB]

Sorry to butt in good blokes, surely this must be an auto transmission to transfer case only issue?
Used to drive old FJ cruisers and they suffered similar gearbox <> transfer case seal issues kindly mentioned as what may possibly be happening here?
Honestly querying too as I’ve always kept the Mrs GU manual wagon and transfer case same oils with its auto hubs up front, should I change my transfer case oil to tranny oil ASAP before our big trip?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Plasnart]

Sorry to butt in good blokes, surely this must be an auto transmission to transfer case only issue?
Used to drive old FJ cruisers and they suffered similar gearbox <> transfer case seal issues kindly mentioned as what may possibly be happening here?
Honestly querying too as I’ve always kept the Mrs GU manual wagon and transfer case same oils with its auto hubs up front, should I change my transfer case oil to tranny oil ASAP before our big trip?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Check your manual mate. It'll say ATF for the tranny case. But if you haven't had issues running gearbox oil I wouldn't think that was a high priority rectification.