how to drain fluid from transfer case?

[bhawk]

I am changing clutch on 94 ranger 4.0 with 5 spd standard, M trans. I have read many of the helpful posts on this site about clutch installs. I have decided to remove the transfer case from the transmission to lighten the load. I drained the fluid from the transmission by removing the obviously marked drain plug. But I don't see any drain plug on the transfer case. How do you get the fluid out of the transfer case?
I haven't got my manaul yet, Haynes is coming tomorrow, so can someone also tell me how to remove the transfer case from the transmission?
This site is awesome. Posters are very helpful. There can be nothing better than guys sharing info to help each pursue a similar dream, driving a mechanically sound Ranger.

 

[metalmacguyver]

You know that big black weight thing an the back of the case?


Yeah, Ford thought it was a good idea to hide it behind that.


Welcome to the forum!

 

[Jspafford]

You don't have to reinstall that counter-balance if you don't want too.

 

[bhawk]

thanks guys, I will remove that counterweight thing and drain it.
To remove the transfer case, it looks like 5 bolts hold it to the back of the transmission. The top bolt seems pretty hard to get a wrench onto. Do I have to lower the transfer case with tranny attached by removing the cross member first to get at any transfer case bolts?
Actually, that leads to another related question. Do I have to remove the crossmember under the transmission completerly before I remove the tranny. It seems like it would be much easier to maneuver under there if the cross member is totally gone, but maybe if I just drop the drivers side of the cross member bolts and and loosen the passenger side bolts, it could stay in there. I appreciate all your help.

 

[Explorin94]

Yes...to better get the top bolt out, lower the transmission and t-case. Take the cross member off all the way and don't forget the skip plate if you have one. You realize that the t-case is a sealed unit and doesn't share fluid with the transmission. So if the fluid is not bad you don't need to drain it for fear of making a big ole mess. But if you just want to change the fluid while you have it down you're good. Make sure you drain the transmission before you drop it and make sure you put ATF back in it.

 

[bhawk]

Thanks Brett, I drained both units so I am good to remove the transfer case tonight and maybe the trans. I have to work slow because this is my 17 year old son's first vehicle and I need to teach him how this is done. So I can't do much without him at least watching and he is at work now. This site is great especially with the fast responses to questions. I am sure I will have more, but none for now.

 

[Jspafford]

You have to remove the crossmember to get the transmission down. Be expecting some ATF to drain down when you tilt the transmission, there is a valley in the tailhousing that will collect and hold the ATF even after you drain it out.