Transfer Case Oil - Options

[101RRS]

I have been a long time advocate of using LG6 in the gearbox but over time and after following a few threads on here I have switched to Penrite BMV with no apparent ill effects.

Now it is time to be enlightened on transfer case oil - the Landrover "Special Oil" is not cheap but given the amount used and how often it needs to be changed it is not expensive but is hard to get hold of even from the dealer - I guess they have it in bulk or use something else so has to be ordered.

So what are the alternatives to the Landrover "Special Transfer Case Oil" that works and is easily available at the usual local suppliers like SuperCheap - not shipped.

Thanks

Garry

[loanrangie]

Royal purple syncromax is about the only locally source suitable fluid but its been hard to get for the last few years, used to be able to get it from supercheap but was out of stock last time i tried. I ended up just buying from OS when ordering other parts.
You can buy it direct from RP Australia but its $80/L.

[101RRS]

You can buy it direct from RP Australia but its $80/L.

So about the same price as the Special Oil which also needs ordering.

Thanks

[loanrangie]

So about the same price as the Special Oil which also needs ordering.

Thanks

A quick search and i found a few online stores sell it for around $70 but by the time you add postage its no cheaper.

[Graeme]

I've used Ravenol TF0870 now renamed DTF1 for the last couple of changes with no discernible differences to the previously used LR oil. I change it at 40K intervals, with the last change a few days ago. The old oil was darkish but the centre diff clutch gets a work-out every time it rains.

[loanrangie]

I've used Ravenol TF0870 now renamed DTF1 for the last couple of changes with no discernible differences to the previously used LR oil. I change it at 40K intervals, with the last change a few days ago. The old oil was darkish but the centre diff clutch gets a work-out every time it rains.

I bought FEBI/Bilstein TF0870 when i did mine 2 years ago.

[101RRS]

Well greedy Landrover has put the price of 1 litre of transfer case oil up to $129.[bigsad]

I couldn't find any Royal Purple Synchromax.

I had trouble finding the Ravenol product but some LR independents are selling it as a replacement for the LR oil for about $68-$90 a litre.

When searching for the Ravenol I came across Shell TF0870 (DTF1 83222409710 equivalent) transfer case oil for $67 a litre delivered so I went with that. Now I have a sneaking suspicion that the genuine LR oil is actually the Shell product as the diff oils are all Shell - LR had an arrangement with Shell.

As it is TF0870 spec it will be OK.

Garry

[DiscoJeffster]

Well greedy Landrover has put the price of 1 litre of transfer case oil up to $129.[bigsad]

I couldn't find any Royal Purple Synchromax.

I had trouble finding the Ravenol product but some LR independents are selling it as a replacement for the LR oil for about $68-$90 a litre.

When searching for the Ravenol I came across Shell TF0870 (DTF1 83222409710 equivalent) transfer case oil for $67 a litre delivered so I went with that. Now I have a sneaking suspicion that the genuine LR oil is actually the Shell product as the diff oils are all Shell - LR had an arrangement with Shell.

As it is TF0870 spec it will be OK.

Garry

Can you please share where you found it?

[Graeme]

LR oil specs state Shell TF0870 - it's only the bottle that you buy from the dealers that is labelled special transfer case oil.

I purchased my Ravenol oils from ravenol.com.au.

[DiscoDB]

And too be fair, it is the transfer box which was special.

I think the original oil was called a “specific transfer case oil”, but got lost in translation somewhere along the line, probably even a bit of an Austrian dialect thrown in the mix.

Have also seen it referred to as being for special transfer case applications made by Magna Steyr. And even the workshop manuals clarifies that it has been “specially developed by Magna Steyr and Shell”. Which I guess makes it specifically special. [emoji38]

Any excuse for a “special” mark up by LR!

[ATH]

I did my D4s transfer case with the stuff flogged by the dealers and that cost around 200 bucks for 2 ltrs. Normally I get good reductions on filters etc. having bought the vehicle off them but got a nasty ex-mechanic who didn't like that I had my car serviced elsewhere due to their lousy reputation. :)
Still, I like the oils in my cars to be fresh and clean and I know when I sell a car its servicing is spot on and normally way above what LR specify.
AlanH.

[101RRS]

Can you please share where you found it?

Shell TF0870 Transfer Case Oil (DTF1/83222409710) - BM Direct, Sydney. (https://bmdirect.com.au/products/83222409710-shell-tf0870-transfer-case-oil)

[DiscoJeffster]

Shell TF0870 Transfer Case Oil (DTF1/83222409710) - BM Direct, Sydney. (https://bmdirect.com.au/products/83222409710-shell-tf0870-transfer-case-oil)

Thanks. Free delivery too, even to lonely old WA!

[Graeme]

I suspect that
Shell TF0870 (DTF1 83222409710 equivalent) transfer case oil (1L) - OIL0005

should be
Shell TF0870 (DTF1 83222409710) equivalent transfer case oil (1L) - OIL0005

just like all the other equivalent TF0870 oils.

[DiscoDB]

Shell TF0870 Transfer Case Oil (DTF1/83222409710) - BM Direct, Sydney. (https://bmdirect.com.au/products/83222409710-shell-tf0870-transfer-case-oil)

And that oil is from S-TEC Service Technologies which is owned by Magna themselves - so truly an OEM oil in this case. But this is not the oil Magna specify for the D3/D4.

LR and Magna-Steyr specify Shell TF-0753 for the D3/D4 transfer box. Developed by Shell and Magna-Steyr, and now produced by S-TEC. Sometimes marketed as Shell S-TEC.

The correct OEM oil is S-TEC OIL0002 (Shell TF-0753).

S-TEC OIL0005 is the Shell TF-0870 oil as used in BMW transfer cases made by Magna and meets the BMW DTF-1 specification. That is it is the equivalent to genuine BMW DTF-1 transfer case oil.

Ravenol TF-0870 claims to be compatible with both TF-0753 and TF-0870. I suspect however it is a thinner oil to TF-0753 and is targeted more at being a direct replacement for TF-0870 (and so questionable if truly an equivalent to TF-0753).

Whereas S-TEC (Magna) don’t claim that OIL0002 (TF-0753) and OIL0005 (TF-0870) as being the same - and these are the only 2 oil types they make. So there will probably be differences in the friction modifier additives for the clutch pack, and even the viscosities to handle hotter operating conditions.

By the time you import the correct S-TEC TF-0753 oil it ends up being around the same price as the LR supplied oil.

You can also buy the LR oil here:

Range Rover Sport 2x 1L Transfer Case for Land Rover Discovery 3 4 Oil IYK500010 (https://www.4wdindustries.com.au/land-rover-discovery-3-4-range-rover-sport-2x-1l-t)

[DiscoDB]

Tracked down the oil specs for various TF-0753 and TF-0870 marketed equivalents.

You can clearly see they are different spec oils. The TF-0870 / DTF-1 oils are all lower viscosity. More like ZF6 Lifeguard oil. Probably OK for colder climate countries.

Royal Purple Synchromax is probably the best alternative for hotter climates.

Rein appears to be the brand that markets the OEM equivalent to the Shell S-TEC oils in the US (even comes in the same bottles as the S-TEC oil). Possibly produced under license to S-TEC.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240209/ff10e68ad4c15c33c37178d87916419b.jpg

Personally I would stick with the original oil from LR as it is easier to obtain in Australia and you know it will be the right spec as defined by Magna-Steyr.

Gotta look after that special transfer case…..

[Graeme]

No, no, its the oil that's special, not the TC. I have a bottle to prove that the oil is special 'cause that's what it says on the label.

[DiscoJeffster]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240209/8641538f3a37a9d8a2d94ae9ff1a3804.png
Yeah poop. I bought the one above too before seeing this.

[DiscoDB]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240209/8641538f3a37a9d8a2d94ae9ff1a3804.png
Yeah poop. I bought the one above too before seeing this.

If the difference in viscosity was less than 5% I probably wouldn’t be too concerned, but a 12% drop with new oil is more than I would be comfortable with - especially for the long term life of the clutch pack.

This is why I am surprised that Ravenol can claim their TF-0870 meets the TF-0753 specs. This is not a simple transfer case with just gears and bearings.

[DiscoJeffster]

If the difference in viscosity was less than 5% I probably wouldn’t be too concerned, but a 12% drop with new oil is more than I would be comfortable with - especially for the long term life of the clutch pack.

This is why I am surprised that Ravenol can claim their TF-0870 meets the TF-0753 specs. This is not a simple transfer case with just gears and bearings.

I hate waste. I’ll blend 1/3 of it with genuine [emoji847]

[DiscoDB]

I hate waste. I’ll blend 1/3 of it with genuine [emoji847]

Now that is a true special blend. Nice one. [emoji106]

[101RRS]

This is why I am surprised that Ravenol can claim their TF-0870 meets the TF-0753 specs. This is not a simple transfer case with just gears and bearings.

But 3/4 of the recognised independents sell Ravenol TF 0870 as their alternative to the special oil so on balance I would say it is OK to use any equivalent to TF 0870. People on here have also been using it with no issues.

[DiscoDB]

I tend to agree, but S-TEC have chosen not to rationalise the only 2 oils they make, so there is probably more to it. Even in their 2023 4WD systems catalogue S-TEC still specify OIL0002 (TF-0753). Unlike Ravenol, S-TEC don’t claim their OIL0005 meets the TF-0753 specs.

From a viscosity point of view the impact is no worse than running the box 10 degrees hotter all the time - just change the oil more frequently, and don’t push it under extreme conditions for extended periods of time, and it is probably OK.

Now it is possible that the additives that Ravenol add are better than what S-TEC add and this is why they are comfortable saying it meets both the TF-0870 and TF-0753 requirements even though it is a thinner oil. So if using Ravenol this is probably OK and Ravenol do have a good reputation.

Just beware that Ravenol are not claiming it is OK to use any equivalent TF-0870 oil, they are just saying their TF-0870/DTF-1 oil is tested against the DTF-1, TF-0870, and TF-0753 specs.

It is the TF-0753 spec you should be looking for in any alternative oil.

To quote a wise person:


The amount of oil needed is only about 1.5litres and only needs to be changed every few years (depending on mileage) so really to save a couple of dollars every few years is just not worth it - just buy the right stuff from LR or another reseller.

Garry

[101RRS]

Now it is time to be enlightened on transfer case oil - the Landrover "Special Oil" is not cheap but given the amount used and how often it needs to be changed it is not expensive but is hard to get hold of even from the dealer - I guess they have it in bulk or use something else so has to be ordered.

Garry



To quote a wise person:
The amount of oil needed is only about 1.5litres and only needs to be changed every few years (depending on mileage) so really to save a couple of dollars every few years is just not worth it - just buy the right stuff from LR or another reseller.

Yes my comment was relevant at the time when few alternatives had been used and the Special Oil was relatively cheap - $70 a bottle. Now if you can get onto the spare parts section of dealers (tried 3 times in the past week without success), it is unlikely they carry it in 1 litre bottles which have to be ordered - and is now around $120-$140. Also as mentioned many of the main LR parts suppliers, certainly in NSW now offer the Ravenol 0870 product as an alternative and it is unlikely they would do so due to the risk of litigation if they have it wrong.

I am far from an early adopter but there does come a time to move on as more products become available.

Garry

[shanegtr]

My D3 has had Royal Purple in the transfer case for the last 10 years - the whole time I've owned it. Hasn't created any issues

[DiscoDB]

My D3 has had Royal Purple in the transfer case for the last 10 years - the whole time I've owned it. Hasn't created any issues

Yes - the Royal Purple oil looks to be a good match. Similar but higher viscosity and claims to be compatible with TF-0753.

[DiscoDB]

Yes my comment was relevant at the time when few alternatives had been used and the Special Oil was relatively cheap - $70 a bottle. Now if you can get onto the spare parts section of dealers (tried 3 times in the past week without success), it is unlikely they carry it in 1 litre bottles which have to be ordered - and is now around $120-$140. Also as mentioned many of the main LR parts suppliers, certainly in NSW now offer the Ravenol 0870 product as an alternative and it is unlikely they would do so due to the risk of litigation if they have it wrong.

I am far from an early adopter but there does come a time to move on as more products become available.

Garry

Good to now have alternatives. I have shared what I know about the differences in the specs.

The Ravenol oil does claim to be superior to the Shell TF-0870 and BMW DTF-1 oil. It also claims to meet TF-0753.

The BMW xDrive transfer case is more prone to early failure than the Land Rover box and needs more frequent oil changes. I believe Ravenol are very much trying to address what they see as the weaknesses with the OEM Shell/BMW oil.

As you note plenty have used the Ravenol oil and it does have a good reputation, but have not seen any reviews from people using the S-TEC OIL0005 for the BMW in the Land Rover box.

I appreciate you are prepared to try it out. May very well be that the S-TEC OIL0005 is just a lower viscosity version of OIL0002 and hence well suited to cooler climates.

[DiscoDB]

Just a quick update - found the MSDS for the LR Special Transfer Case Oil and can confirm the viscosity is:

32 mm2/s at 40degC
6.8 mm2/s at 100degC

By comparison the viscosity of Shell TF-0870 is:

28 mm2/s at 40degC
6 mm2/s at 100degC

Interestingly, the viscosity of ZF Lifeguard 6 is:

26.8 mm2/s at 40degC
5.6 mm2/s at 100degC

All three oils list identical hazardous chemical ingredients. The only difference between the 3 is the viscosity, the ratio of the hazadous additives, and the inclusion of any non-hazardous additives not listed on the MSDS.

[DiscoJeffster]

I have heard of people using LG6 in the transfer case before …

[DiscoDB]

I have heard of people using LG6 in the transfer case before …

Same and thought it was strange, but when I looked into it deeper it turns out the D3/D4 transfer case shares components with the 2006-2008 Mercedes GL320/GL420 transfer box, including the same wet clutch pack and chain (same Magna Steyr part numbers). And the GL transfer box just uses Mercedes Benz ATF (same oil as used in the Auto). This oil though has a higher viscosity than ZF LG6 and Shell TF-0870, but lower than TF-0753.

Some of the listed alternatives for the GL transfer box includes oils that can be used in the ZF 6HP, including Penrite BMV.

So yes - but probably not ideal as the viscosity looks too low, more like TF-0870. Maybe just needs some Dr Tranny if really game! [emoji12]

Penrite BMV though could be an un-tested alternative - this has a higher viscosity than the ZF fluid and meets the MB approvals for the GL transfer case which is essentially the same design and uses the same centre differential as the D3/D4.

[DiscoDB]

Shell TF0870 Transfer Case Oil (DTF1/83222409710) - BM Direct, Sydney. (https://bmdirect.com.au/products/83222409710-shell-tf0870-transfer-case-oil)

Garry - as a follow up.

You will be pleased to know S-TEC have confirmed that OIL0002 (TF-753) has now been replaced by OIL0005 (TF-870).

So they have indeed rationalised to just the one oil type. Like Ravenol, it would still be a lower viscosity than the original oil, but otherwise could be considered suitable where TF-0753 is specified.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240216/707267b145decf17878a12686e5f331d.jpg

Good to have confirmation from S-TEC. [emoji106]

[101RRS]

Thanks - but I never had any doubts [thumbsupbig]

[DiscoDB]

Thanks - but I never had any doubts [thumbsupbig]

I am impressed with how open minded you have become. [emoji106]

I remain sceptical with the Shell TF-0870 oil. Too many reports of BMW early transfer case failures, especially before they changed spec from Shell TF-0870 to BMW DTF-1, and likewise on the Porsche forums it is often reported transfer case slippage issues can be fixed by changing from Shell TF-0870 to Ravenol TF-0870/DTF-1.

Good reports on Ravenol and it seems to fix the BMW and Porsche transfer boxes of problems. Ravenol does use different additives to Shell TF-0870, seems to be more like Penrite BMV.

I have not read any reviews of people using the S-TEC BMW oil in the D3/D4, but that should change given that S-TEC is stating it now replaces TF-0753. So will be good to hear how you go in the long term.

[Mann89]

Just a quick update - found the MSDS for the LR Special Transfer Case Oil and can confirm the viscosity is:

32 mm2/s at 40degC
6.8 mm2/s at 100degC

By comparison the viscosity of Shell TF-0870 is:

28 mm2/s at 40degC
6 mm2/s at 100degC

Interestingly, the viscosity of ZF Lifeguard 6 is:

26.8 mm2/s at 40degC
5.6 mm2/s at 100degC

All three oils list identical hazardous chemical ingredients. The only difference between the 3 is the viscosity, the ratio of the hazadous additives, and the inclusion of any non-hazardous additives not listed on the MSDS.

Looking into different oils for transfer oil and found the Penrite DCTF004 has literally the same viscosity as TF-0753

Volume: 4L
Colour: Clear Natural
Density at 15°C, kg/L: 0.851
Viscosity, Kinematic, cSt at 40°C: 32.0
Viscosity, Kinematic, cSt at 100°C: 6.8
Viscosity Index: 177
Viscosity, Brookfield, cSt @ -40°: 11,600
Phosphorus, Mass %: 0.016

Also Castrol Transmax Manual FE 75W
Is very similar

Density @ 15C DIN EN ISO 12185 g/ml 0.852
Viscosity, Kinematic 100C ASTM D445 mm²/s 6.3
Viscosity, Kinematic 40C ASTM D445 mm²/s 32.2
Viscosity Index ISO 2909 None 154
Viscosity, Brookfield @ -40C (75W) DIN 51398 mPa.s (cP) 10000

This is an old thread I know but just curious on your thoughts would it just be the additives arnt suitable 🤔