[TurboThrill]

I would really appreciate some help on Transfer Case Fluids.
It's been a while since I changed fluids in the xfer case and transmission. The last time I had it flushed by Ford, and they put the wrong transmission fluid in and I had them flush it out and put Mercon SP in. So, now I'm upgrading the transmission pan and filter to the '08 design, and putting in about 8 qts of Mercon SP.
When I look for Mercon for the xfer case, I only find Mercon/Dexron III. Lots of folks throwing around Amsoil, Transfer Case Fluid, Synthetic ATF, Red Line, etc... What gives here? Is Mercon/Dexron III the same as Mercon and the caveat about not using multi-type fluids only applies to Mercon/Mercon V?
Very confusing.......
Thanks!

 

[Mark Kovalsky]

The specs for MERCON and DEXRON III were so similar that any fluid that met one spec also met the other. So yes, MERCON and MERCON/DEXRON III are the same thing.

 

[TurboThrill]

The specs for MERCON and DEXRON III were so similar that any fluid that met one spec also met the other. So yes, MERCON and MERCON/DEXRON III are the same thing.

Thank you Mark! I was hoping that was the case.

 

[cricha]

Does this also apply to the Mercon LV for the tranny? ok to use Dextron III?

 

[TurboThrill]

Does this also apply to the Mercon LV for the tranny? ok to use Dextron III?

No.
We're only talking about the Transfer Case on my 2004 Super Duty with a 6.0L engine.

 

[Mark Kovalsky]

Does this also apply to the Mercon LV for the tranny? ok to use Dextron III?

DEXRON III and MERCON LV are not even close to each other! DO NOT put DEXRON III in place of MERCON LV unless you're ready to buy a new transmission.

MERCON and DEXRONIII are essentially the same. That does NOT mean the MERCON LV, or MERCON SP, or even MERCON V are the same as ANY DEXRON product.

 

[TurboThrill]

Thanks Hey, Amsoilguy! I took Mark's input and have already changed the transfer case fluid out. I'm looking at Amsoil for the differentials now.

 

[TKOPerformance]

Not to hijack, but the OP seems to have got what he needed so I'll plug Amsoil. I've run their 5W30 with their filter in my WRX for about 150k using an 8k change interval. I recently had an idler pulley fail in the timing belt system, which required me to pull the heads and replace 8 bent intake valves. So I figured I'd check the bottom end while I was there. The cylinders had no ridge, no taper, and I could spin the engine over with one hand and 22mm socket on the crank bolt (no ratchet or bar). I've got to say I'm a believer. Its pricey, but you tend to get what you pay for.

I've also run their ATF in T56 and T5 transmissions and when I've had to go in and repair one the stuff is near impossible to clean off, even with parts solvent. Its a pain at rebuild time, but that also means it really does stick to the parts and protect them from corrosion, which can be a problem especially for vehicles that sit a fair amount. I've seen it so bad that rust flaked off the parts when they were put back into service and the rust flakes clogged up the bearings and caused them to fail.

I've got their gear oil in my WRX (transaxle and rear), and my IROC with excellent results too. Its good stuff all around.