Transmission/xfer/differential- what fluids where?
I am confused on what and where to check/change fluids wise. This may sound stupid but I assume there's the transfer case which is separate from the automatic transmission? I have several areas leaking so I wanted to check each one. So is there four areas to change? the front diff? transmission? xfer case? rear diff? Any others? What fluid do I put in each one? This is a 1996 grand cherokee 4x4 vehicle. Thanks
Old fart with a wrench
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14,398
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From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Okay, front diff; 75W90 API GL-5 Gear lubricant
rear diff; 90W API GL-5 gear lube with standard axle,
75W140 synthetic gear lube with tow package,
Mopar synthetic gear lube or (API-GL5) 15W 140 with limited
slip.
Transmission; ATF + 4
transfer case; Selectrac- ATF+4
Quadratrac- Mopar transfer case lube
And that's about it. The transfer case has 2 plugs on the back side of it. They are tapered pipe plugs with 10mm Allen sockets in them. It is full when fluid runs out of the top plug. QED, the bottom is a drain.
The transmission tail shaft and the transfer case input shaft both have seals on them, so any fluid leaking out of that area shows a bad seal. To know which, you'd have to split them apart from each other.
In the bellhousing area, if the leak is red, it's the torque converter seal. If it's motor oil, it's a leaking rear main seal.
If the differential pinion seals are leaking, they can be replaced but extreme care should be taken to do them right! Overtorquing can ruin the bearings.
rear diff; 90W API GL-5 gear lube with standard axle,
75W140 synthetic gear lube with tow package,
Mopar synthetic gear lube or (API-GL5) 15W 140 with limited
slip.
Transmission; ATF + 4
transfer case; Selectrac- ATF+4
Quadratrac- Mopar transfer case lube
And that's about it. The transfer case has 2 plugs on the back side of it. They are tapered pipe plugs with 10mm Allen sockets in them. It is full when fluid runs out of the top plug. QED, the bottom is a drain.
The transmission tail shaft and the transfer case input shaft both have seals on them, so any fluid leaking out of that area shows a bad seal. To know which, you'd have to split them apart from each other.
In the bellhousing area, if the leak is red, it's the torque converter seal. If it's motor oil, it's a leaking rear main seal.
If the differential pinion seals are leaking, they can be replaced but extreme care should be taken to do them right! Overtorquing can ruin the bearings.
Last edited by dave1123; Jun 17, 2014 at 07:02 AM.
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