Causes for grenaded T-case?

[sgtsandman]

Can you point me to the right place on the page? I'm not seeing it.

Like I said, I don't actually use LV either, but the page says "For use in all transfer cases", and then it lists a bunch of non-compatible fluids, but none of them are original Mercon or XL-12.

It's right in the text. 5th bullet point.

• Do not use in applications where MERCON® ULV, MERCON® V, MERCON® SP (except TorqShift®), Continuously Variable Chain Type Transmission Fluid, Motorcraft® Premium Automatic Transmission Fluid, FNR5 Automatic Transmission Fluid or Type F Automatic Transmission Fluid is recommended, or in power take-off units

 

[lowspeedpursuit]

It's right in the text. 5th bullet point.

Yeah, I'm either finally losing it, or none of the fluids it lists there are original Mercon or XL-12.

 

[sgtsandman]

Yeah, I'm either finally losing it, or none of the fluids it lists there are original Mercon or XL-12.

They expect anything that used plain old Mercon to no longer be on the road. So, are no longer addressed. Mercon V is the last fluid listed as backward compatible with those fluids. Thus why a lot of people are saying they are using aftermarket Dex/Merc or Mercon III products.

 

[lowspeedpursuit]

I don't really have a horse in this race, but that assumption doesn't carry.

The Mercon V page specifically says "do not use in transfer cases that specced original Mercon", and the LV page says all transfer cases.

 

[sgtsandman]

I don't really have a horse in this race, but that assumption doesn't carry.

The Mercon V page specifically says "do not use in transfer cases that specced original Mercon", and the LV page says all transfer cases.

Which leads to the conundrum people are having.

My 2011 has the same transfer case as most, if not all RBVs have, and yet it says in the manual to use Mercon V and the spec sheet for Mercon V does say to use in applications the Mercon was previously called for in transmissions but the bullet below that says not to use it in transfers cases.

And then they turn around in the same spec sheet for LV and say it's good for all transfer cases but don't use it in applications where Mercon V is specified. And this is from Ford!

So, which Ford publication do you trust and which part do you trust?

 

[lowspeedpursuit]

Fair enough; I didn't realize at some point basically the same t-case started speccing Mercon V.

I do think that's still covered by what the website says.

Mercon V says not to use in t-cases where original Mercon was specified. If your truck always specced Mercon V, that prohibition doesn't apply. It's possible there is some subtle difference in the t-cases for those years, or it's possible we could all probably get away with either Mercon V, or Mercon LV, or whatever.

My original comment was more a response to the guy who said LV is incorrect, full stop. If you ask your local Ford service dept. what replaced XL-12, they'll tell you LV.

 

[4x4junkie]

I've seen cases rupture like that from extreme strain on the front driveline while in 4WD (shock-loading, or as was said, doing turns on dry pavement).
Another cause could be a loose chain that tried to jump a tooth (immense pressure or tightening of the chain pulling the two sprockets toward each other). You (OP) said the fluid was silver when you drained it, my guess is the chain was worn and it did exactly that.

As for the fluid to use, its real easy:
It's "Dex/Merc" (same exact spec as the original Mercon / Dexron III). Any auto parts store will have it (Napa, Advance, O'Reilys, etc., even Walmart). Dex/Merc. Use that and no need to worry about it. (it will say right on the label: "Compatible with all vehicles requiring Mercon" or something similar).
This labeling change took place in 2007 and was because Ford pulled the licensing for aftermarket companies to use the name "Mercon" (claiming Mercon V is a compatible replacement, which is not entirely true). Its the same fluid. Just don't look for it at a Ford dealer is all.