transfer case fluid

[PeterH]

I'm going to replace the transfer case fluid in my 2001 P38 HSE 4.6, just wondering what you guys use for your T/C?
I saw a thread somewhere about some people using something called Mobil Agrifluid (or something like that), can anyone shed any light on what that is?
Cheers, Pete.

[PhilipA]

AFAIK the 38A transfer case is a variation of the RRC Borg Warner.
In that case ATF is recommended.

I use Castrol Transmax Z full synthetic ATF on the dubious assumption that it should keep temperatures down and and help the chain ( and viscous) last as long as possible. I also change it about every 20KK as I notice it gets discoloured in this time.

Mine has done almost 200Kk now without any funny noises so maybe it is doing something.
Regards Philip A

[PaulP38a]

Dexron III (ATF) is the recommended fluid...

Useful link and tips from RangeRovers.net here Range Rover Transfer Case Oil Change (http://www.rangerovers.net/maintenance/transferoil.html)

Cheers, Paul.

[Hoges]

Yep, mobil Agri Fluid 424. It's a heavy duty 80W transmission oil recommended for tractor hydraulics and wet clutches, 4wd transfer cases etc. It is designed to handle high temp. conditions. NOT for auto transmissions. It has friction modifier additives like dexron products and is advertised as meeting Dexron specs.

I've had it in now for 20,000 km and the T/F case is a lot quieter. I recently drained the transfer case to replace the viscous coupling. The innards of the t/f case from what I could see were as clean as the proverbial whistle and the VC (sealed unit) was also very clean. The oil was quite clear also... so I put it back ... :o (was a Sunday evening, leaving next day on long trip, but did mix it with new stuff to make up the vol. required...)

the product is recommended now for Ford car power steering pumps instead of Dexron/Mercon

I have no heavy bias one way or other...i've just found that the Mobil stuff has been most suitable for my situation.

[PeterH]

Thanks for the helpful replies everyone.
I have never seen Mobil AgriFluid 424 around before, do you know where I'd be able to get it?
If that is too hard to find I'll probbably go for a synthetic ATF as PhillipA suggested.
Cheers, Pete.

[Hoges]

I got a 5L container of the stuff from a farm produce store in Toowoomba which also carries tractor spares... it's definitely a "rural" stock item.:D

[DT-P38]

My brother works for castrol and put me onto their web site (www.castrol.com.au (http://www.castrol.com.au)) some time ago... it has a tool that recommends best fit products (of their brand of course) to suit all vehicles fluid needs.

I would say they would be very close to the mark of what is required given they are advising virtually anyone who asks in a very public way.