Thread: Transfer Case Oil - Options

Originally Posted by DiscoDB

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.

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:

Originally Posted by 101RRS

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

Originally Posted by 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

Originally Posted by DiscoDB

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

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

Originally Posted by 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

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

Originally Posted by 101RRS

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.

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.

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