Transfer Case Fluid Question

[JPVortex]

Hello all, replacing the transfer case output shaft seal on my 94 K1500. Im going to drain the fluid and put new stuff in. I know it calls for Dexron III but could I get away with using Dexron VI? I have like 3 quarts of VI laying around and dont feel like spending extra to get the III. Thanks!

 

[RDF1]

ATF is always forward compatible.
So anything that took Dex III can use Dex IV.
Not sure what transfercase you have but i run Synthetic 5W30 in my NP263HD.

 

[packer0440]

I’d use Dexron III, it’s pretty cheap at any auto parts store and you only need 2 quarts or so. I think there’s a bulletin from GM somewhere saying not to put Dexron VI in the transfer cases since it’s much thinner. It was designed to be backwards compatible for transmissions, not t-cases.

 

[JPVortex]

Ok thanks, yeah its probably worth purchasing Dex III rather than risking damaging the tcase with Dex VI

 

[JPVortex]

ATF is always forward compatible.
So anything that took Dex III can use Dex IV.
Not sure what transfercase you have but i run Synthetic 5W30 in my NP263HD.

The identification badge is not on mine, but I believe its a NP241C as it's a 1500 with a 4l60e.

 

[df2x4]

think there’s a bulletin from GM somewhere saying not to put Dexron VI in the transfer cases since it’s much thinner. It was designed to be backwards compatible for transmissions, not t-cases.

This is correct, GM recommends against using Dexron 6 in transfer cases and power steering systems that originally called for Dexron 3.

 

[RDF1]

Well then. I got that all wrong. Even got the compatibility wording wrong.







I've used dex iii, dex iv and 5w30 in xcases...

 

[df2x4]

Here's a link to the GM TSB, it's a PDF download.

https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=307128&d=1325712075

And since GM doesn't produce/license Dexron 3 any longer, if you want an official GM fluid for your Dexron 3 transfer case they recommend part number 88861800 "Manual Transmission and Transfer Case Fluid." For Dexron 3 power steering systems they recommend part number 9985010 "Power Steering Fluid."

 

[df2x4]

I've used dex iii, dex iv and 5w30 in xcases...

To be fair, I'm about 50% sure that the transfer case in my Suburban is running Dexron 6 at the moment and has been for a couple of years now. My mechanic assures me that he was aware of this bulletin and didn't use the Dex 6 I provided when they refilled the case, but the amount of fluid I got back makes me think the tech working on it didn't know. Nothing has leaked and my 4WD still works great, but next time I change fluid in the transfer case I'll be making sure it gets Dexron 3 or equivalent.

 

[Reluctanse]

anyone even seen Dex III around anywhere in the last few years? anyone got a line on where to get it? All I see is the Dex/Merc compatible stuff.