How to change transfer case fluid

hometheaterman · #1 09-13-2007, 03:37 PM

Anyone got an instructions on how to change the fluid in the transfer case? I don't even know where to start.
Also whats the best fluid to use?

padodgeram · #2 09-13-2007, 03:47 PM

Use ATF +4 , 2big bolts 1 top filler 1 at bottom drain .. takes 1 quart to fill

OlsenG_360 · #3 09-13-2007, 04:09 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: padodgeram

Use ATF +4 , 2big bolts 1 top filler 1 at bottom drain .. takes 1 quart to fill

i thought it took closer to 2 qts to refill the transfer case? it's been a while since i did mine, but i remember buying 3 qts. of ATF+4 and having 1 left when i was done.

Silver_Dodge · #4 09-13-2007, 04:19 PM

The fill and drain plug have a slot to insert a 10mm hex wrench. Since the plugs are rounded, this is the best way to remove them so you don't risk damaging the threads trying to use plyers or channellocks on the plugs. I use Dexron III in my transfer case becasue that's what my manual called for, but I think ATF + types work ok too. The standard 231 transfer case common on most of our trucks holds 1.5 qts, as does the less common 231HD. But, it is unlikely you will be able to get more then about 1-1.25 qts to actually come out unless you try jacking up the front of the truck at the same time your draining. If you happen to have the 241 (some 2500 and 3500 models have it), it holds almost 2.5 qts.

You will need a squeeze bottle (or squeeze bottle tip to put on your regular quart bottle) to put the new fluid in since the fill plug is up so close to the underside of the truck, there is vertually no room to tip a standard bottle, and no room for a funnel. I like to buy a couple of quarts. I let the case drain, then I squirt in about 1-2 qts until it is running out the drain clean. Then I close the drain and fill it with new fluid.

Good luck.

hometheaterman · #5 09-13-2007, 04:20 PM

Is this the drain plug?

If so where is the fill plug? I looked in the Haynes manual and couldn't find any pictures just instructions. I couldn't see anywhere on top to fill it nor could I see how in the world I'd get a bottle of oil up there to fill it as it's so close to the body of the truck.

I have a couple of courts of Mopar ATF +4 would that be okay to put in or should I go get some Royal Purple?

hometheaterman · #6 09-13-2007, 04:31 PM

Ok I finally found an image in the haynes manual. So I have taken another picture after realizing that plug above isn't a drain plug.

Is the red the drain plug and the blue the plug to fill it up? Thanks.

Silver_Dodge · #7 09-13-2007, 04:32 PM

I can't see your picture becasue my work blocks them, but the plugs are on the back facing side of the transfer case. I didn't literally mean the fill plug was on top of the t-case just that it is up high on the back facing side. The drain plug is on the left of the back facing side, and the fill plug is on the right of the back facing side, but up higher. The plugs are about the diameter of a quarter, and have the hole in the center to insert the hex tool. At least that's how it is on my 231D.

padodgeram · #8 09-13-2007, 05:22 PM

This is how mine looks...

[IMG]local://upfiles/40785/9F298CB60C4041FE8CCCF920A0D6F3EE.jpg[/IMG]

Silver_Dodge · #9 09-13-2007, 08:37 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: hometheaterman

Ok I finally found an image in the haynes manual. So I have taken another picture after realizing that plug above isn't a drain plug.

Is the red the drain plug and the blue the plug to fill it up? Thanks.

Ok, at home and I can see your pics, and you got it. By the looks of them, I don't think they have ever been off.

hometheaterman · #10 09-13-2007, 09:23 PM

Honestly I'm not sure if they have or not but I would think they probably have before I got the truck as he had all the maintence done mostly by the dealer. I ended up chaging it and it wasn't too bad of a job just a little messy.