"Twin Stick" 2003 FX4 Level 2 Trans Fluid

[klawshot]

2003 Ford Ranger Fx4 Level 2 with 4.0 SOHC, Manual Trans, and Manual T-Case

Got lucky on marketplace late last year and managed to pick up a somewhat rusty example of a "Twin Stick" Ranger for cheap.

Because this truck was so cheap (~$3,000), I've been working through everything and changing all the fluids as I have no idea when they were done last.

Unfortunately, all the other rangers I've owned have been 5r55e autos with the electric 4x4 switch so when it came time to do the trans and t-case I have no idea what fluid they take or even what model either of them are.

I of course asked the "all knowing" ChatGPT, and it said I have a M5OD-R1HD trans and BorgWarner 1354 t-case, and I should use Mercon V for both. I just don't trust AI when it comes to something this hard to come by so if anyone knows for sure I'd appreciate any info you can give.

 

[djfllmn]

mercon V is correct, the transfer case internals are the same between the 2

 

[Blmpkn]

I put Pennzoil synchromesh in my trans, based on the comments of another member here. Shifts much nicer than it did.. but the old fluid WAS just about as dark as night so..

 

[4x4junkie]

2003 Ford Ranger Fx4 Level 2 with 4.0 SOHC, Manual Trans, and Manual T-Case

Got lucky on marketplace late last year and managed to pick up a somewhat rusty example of a "Twin Stick" Ranger for cheap.

Because this truck was so cheap (~$3,000), I've been working through everything and changing all the fluids as I have no idea when they were done last.

Unfortunately, all the other rangers I've owned have been 5r55e autos with the electric 4x4 switch so when it came time to do the trans and t-case I have no idea what fluid they take or even what model either of them are.

I of course asked the "all knowing" ChatGPT, and it said I have a M5OD-R1HD trans and BorgWarner 1354 t-case, and I should use Mercon V for both. I just don't trust AI when it comes to something this hard to come by so if anyone knows for sure I'd appreciate any info you can give.

DON'T put Mercon V into your M5OD trans!
The correct fluid you're looking for is now called "Dex/Merc" (this is the same Mercon fluid your truck originally specified) which can be had at any auto parts store, as well as places like Walmart.
(it's a long story on why this name-change, it's purely due to shenanigans over licensing of the Mercon name, has nothing to do with the fluid itself).

Ford claims Mercon V is a replacement for it (and normally it does seem fine in automatics), but it's additive package has very often caused hard shifting in manuals. I strongly suggest you avoid it if you have a manual.

 

[gw33gp]

The Dex/Merc works fine but I have found Royal Purple Synchromax works a little better. It does need to be replaced about every 60K miles because it starts to lose it great shifting properties. I have not tried Pennzoil Synchromesh, but they are probably similar.

I too have heard Mercon V is bad for manual transmissions but is good for the transfer case. I normally just use Valvoline Synthetic ATF in the transfer case.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have Syncromesh in my R2, it seems to shift ok.

I have never ran anything else in it.