Transfer case fluid?

[JJMaine]

I am confused on which fluid to buy for my 2011 Ranger? The manual only says use Motorcraft Transfer case fluid and no other spec to meet. On here I have found to use motorcraft xl-12 but that is discontinued and some say it was replaced with the Mercon LV. Should I use the Mercon LV in mine? Thanks!

 

[sgtsandman]

I may be mistaken but I'm pretty sure may manual calls for Mercon V for the transfer case. That is what I've been using in anycase. I would look on the motorcraft site concerning the Mercon LV. From what I remember, it is not backwards compatible but I may be remembering incorrectly.

 

[JJMaine]

Yeah everything I can find says that Ford replaced the Xl-12 transfer case fluid with Mercon LV so it's fine to use

If I could find xl-12 I'd get that. Amazon has a listing for it but if you read the reviews, they all say that Amazon is shipping out Mercon LV as it's superceded the Xl-12.

I ordered a couple quarts to put in mine so I'll let you guys know how it goes lol.

 

[4x4junkie]

Mercon V was discouraged for the transfer case because of issues with the electromagnetic clutch used in some pre-2001 models. On a 2011, Mercon V should be fine (no t-case clutch on a 2011).
However I would suggest use regular Mercon, which is now known as "Dex/Merc". This is the same fluid as the so-called "Transfer Case Fluid". Find it at any auto parts retailer (AutoZone, Advance, O'Reilly's, even Walmart).

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/valvoline/oil--chemicals---fluids/maintenance-chemicals/steering---transmission/transmission-fluid/b1f0f0c74f28/valvoline-conventional-a-t-fluid-dexron-iii-h-mercon-1-quart/val0/d?q=transmission+fluid&pos=9

 

[JJMaine]

I believe Mercon V is different than Mercon LV?

 

[4x4junkie]

It is.
I'm not familiar with the LV variant, but I seem to recall somewhere that it has a lower viscosity than plain Mercon (a.k.a., Transfer Case Fluid) or Mercon V.

Ford discontinued licensing Mercon in 2007, superseding it with Mercon V (this is why Mercon is now sold as "Dex/Merc" and (for a time) "Transfer Case Fluid"). Problem with Mercon V is it was too slippery for the t-case clutch to function correctly, so with Mercon no longer available, they renamed it Transfer Case Fluid.
This created a huge boondoggle for sure (and to this day it still causes plenty of headache for people needing the original Mercon fluid, not just for t-cases, but manual transmissions too).
I do not recommend Mercon V for manuals either (Mercon V seems to be fine in automatics though, even those that called for original Mercon).

There's not much inside a 2011 t-case besides spinning gears and chains though, so pretty much any fluid should be fine.

 

[JJMaine]

Thanks! It is confusing for sure. So dex/Merc is what I want? I would prefer to get as close to what they originally specified as possible.

 

[4x4junkie]

Mercon
Dex/Merc
Ford Transfer Case Fluid

They are all one & the same.

 

[JJMaine]

Oh one more question! What do you guys use to seal the drain and fill plugs with some sort of thread sealer or Teflon tape?

 

[sgtsandman]

Oh one more question! What do you guys use to seal the drain and fill plugs with some sort of thread sealer or Teflon tape?

I use high temp RTV for engines. A little goes a long way. Just a dap on the threads will do the job.

 

[4x4junkie]

Oh one more question! What do you guys use to seal the drain and fill plugs with some sort of thread sealer or Teflon tape?

There should be a thin soft aluminum sealing washer around each plug (engine might have a nylon washer, my 4.0L does). They shouldn't need anything else for them to seal as long as the surfaces are clean and smooth. If the washers are missing, then RTV can work in a pinch, but you should be able to find new washers at a parts store. Look where all the little red & white Dorman packages are (same area you'd find things like door striker bushings, window crank handles, etc.).

 

[JJMaine]

On these type of plugs? I thought that the diffs and transfer case all have the kind of plugs but I read that they are tapered threads so just snug them up good and they wont leak?

 

[MaicoDoug]

Tapered "plumbing" threads, do work well with sealants & are recommended. Me personally, I don't want any non dissolvable compounds (solids), so I would recommend use teflon thread crayon, and not tape and the ATF Merc V, what I've been using in my 2007 now for 3 years & 25kmi. I like the idea of a thicker ATF and not thinner. Bearings don't like cured silicone or solid teflon.

 

[JJMaine]

Ok thanks Doug! I have to run to the parts store in the morning for some 80/90 for the diffs so I will see if they have the teflon crayon.

 

[SenorNoob]

I have never put anything on a transfer case or differential plug. Never had a problem.