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CraigE
5th January 2020, 01:42 PM
Hi all,
I know this may cop some abuse and has been asked before but no real recent updates.
I am putting together a list of alternate oils for the D4, should I be caught out somewhere.
Now the list for everything but the transfer case is done and fairly easy.
I also know that people will just say spend the $80 a litre and buy from LR (obviously made from unobtanium) but I am more talking if you cant get it, going down the path of MTF-94 15 odd years ago.
I have some suggestions that have been given. Can anyone confirm if these alternatives are legit or not.
ZF Lifeguard 6 (I understand this can be used in the Auto and Trans).
Nulon Syntrans - seems to be some evidence of a few using this successfully.
Royal Purple Synchromax - they actually are one of the only 2 alternate companies I can find that recommend a product for the D4 Trans Case) Between $38-$55 a litre delivered.
Ravenol TF-0870 (same specs as Shell / LR and the second company that will recommend an oil, but not common in Australia) at around $50 a litre.

I certainly wont be letting oil changes for the trans case go out to 200,000 as recommended, more like every 40 or 50k.

Cheers
Craig
Tombie
5th January 2020, 02:46 PM
Roverlord stocks the Ravenol.
DiscoJeffster
5th January 2020, 04:49 PM
ZF LG6 does list compatibility for the transfer box. I found it when searching a while back.
CraigE
5th January 2020, 06:36 PM
Interesting, just found LF 6 and a steel pan kit for the 6 speed with 6 litres of LF6 for $420 or the pan on its own for $180. Not a bad price inc delivery. Seems if you look under Ford it is a lot cheaper, same type of pan under LR was up to $400 for the pan alone. About $40 a liter buying it this way, was also an 8 litre oil option. Or $375 with a not perfect pan.
What is also interesting is Penrite are listing ATF BMV as being the equivalent to LifeGuard 6, sp raise the question whether ATF BMW could be used in the trans case. A lot cheaper at about $55 for 4 litres. Needs some research.
Ford BF FG ZF6HP26 Steel pan Conversion kit plus 6 x genuine lifeguard fluid 6 | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Ford-BF-FG-ZF6HP26-Steel-pan-Conversion-kit-plus-6-x-genuine-lifeguard-fluid-6/202455828335?epid=14026935170&hash=item2f234ec76f:g:X~AAAOSw8MJbstF3&frcectupt=true)
CraigE
5th January 2020, 09:44 PM
Roverlord stocks the Ravenol.
Hey Mike,
Just going through my service history and I found something interesting. Transfer Case oil changed and what was used is Castrol Transmax Z. No w I dont know whether to be concerned or happy as the same stuff we use in the Falcon auto box. Will have to ask JC his opinion. It appears Southern LR in Perth may have been using this in all the D3/4s. That means there are a lot of oils that can be used and I suppose could have LR on a technicality if I use it and there is a failure as they have used it. I will have to pull up the specs for these oils, but not sure i know enough about them to compare.
Does anyone else on here have their service records to check what was actually used? As I have this in writing.
Cheers
Craig
DiscoJeffster
5th January 2020, 10:10 PM
I brought in some genuine transfer case oil with an order of other things from the UK as the genuine oil was dirt cheap over there - cheaper than the alternatives and added nothing to the shipping with the other sundry items. Lucky in that sense. Still yet to use it!
Tombie
5th January 2020, 10:26 PM
Castrol certainly don’t have it listed as an option: “refer to dealer”

I certainly wouldn’t be using it. Without knowing the specifics of the additive pack vs the other approved fluids I wouldn’t be chancing it.

Heck for $100 every 4 or so years I wouldn’t even contemplate it.
CraigE
5th January 2020, 11:05 PM
Castrol certainly don’t have it listed as an option: “refer to dealer”

I certainly wouldn’t be using it. Without knowing the specifics of the additive pack vs the other approved fluids I wouldn’t be chancing it.

Heck for $100 every 4 or so years I wouldn’t even contemplate it.
Yeah what concerns me is LR have used it and documented it.
Tombie
5th January 2020, 11:31 PM
Yeah what concerns me is LR have used it and documented it.

A dealer has used it. Perhaps give them a call.
Could also be an invoice line error.
Eric SDV6SE
8th January 2020, 12:16 AM
Royal Purple Syncromax in the transfer case
Penrite BMV in the transmission, steel pan and new filter
Penrite 75W90 in the diffs (non EDiff rear)

now at 196000km

No probs.