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Preparing for transfer case fluid change

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That's the conventional wisdom when draining most if not all powertrain fluids: the hotter, the better. That maximizes evacuation of suspended solids, etc.

I exclude coolant and brake fluid here for obvious reasons.
So some WOT before TC fluid change 🤩👍
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That's the conventional wisdom when draining most if not all powertrain fluids: the hotter, the better. That maximizes evacuation of suspended solids, etc.

I exclude coolant and brake fluid here for obvious reasons.
I did notice when I drained my original t-case cold it dripped out slowly-ish and when I changed the fluid in the new t-case when warm it shot out like a waterfall. I had tried to funnel it but the fluid was so thin it sky rocketed everywhere.

Next time I'm removing the skid plate. That would have taken less time than the amount of time it took me to clean the ATF off my driveway, my mechanics pad and myself.
 

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I did notice when I drained my original t-case cold it dripped out slowly-ish and when I changed the fluid in the new t-case when warm it shot out like a waterfall. I had tried to funnel it but the fluid was so thin it sky rocketed everywhere.

Next time I'm removing the skid plate. That would have taken less time than the amount of time it took me to clean the ATF off my driveway, my mechanics pad and myself.
It's that 4:1 T-Case. It shoots out the fluid like it shoots you up the rocks. The 2.72 T-case barely has enough to eject the fluid, let alone get you up the rocks. :LOL:
 
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It's that 4:1 T-Case. It shoots out the fluid like it shoots you up the rocks. The 2.72 T-case barely has enough to eject the fluid, let alone get you up the rocks. :LOL:
And I have the 2.72 thingy ☹
 

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A few thoughts...

The torque value
This is from my Tech Authority Service Manual for my 2018.
3022TC torques.webp
1622TC torques.webp
When you add pipe thread sealant, the torque value gets adjusted 15% to 25%. It looks like the service manual says 21, but that end value after the dope is maybe 18 to 19 ft/lbs.

Not a huge difference, don't know if it really matters that much. I'd think 18 may be better to prevent stripping if you're using pipe thread sealant.
 

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Hey that yellow tape works but it’s a little slower. Next time I’ll get some of this thread sealant.
I like the sealant......but I went back to yellow tape due to drying times. They also say to use it on the differential drain plugs as well.

If I remember, the instructions for it say to have the sealant dry for a long period of time (maybe 24 hours). It was unclear if you could fill it with oil or if you shouldn't. Or if you could do it anyways because there's really no high pressure getting built up.

Something to look into.
 

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Just make sure to take the fill plug out first. The first time I changed fluid on my XJ way back when, I pulled the drain plug, and couldn't get the fill plug out, it was seized in the housing. Pretty hard to fill it back up if that happens!
 

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Everything looks good. 13 mm and 18 mm sockets for the skid plate, 10 mm Hex for TC drain and fill plugs, sealant, quart bottle pump, torque wrench, ratchet, and brake parts cleaner to clean the plugs.
I learned my lesson, don't open things with the torque wrench, torque wrench only for the last precise closing. And the impact gun only for opening the skid plate bolts, ratchet for closing them.

20251015_211100.webp
A few thoughts...

The torque value


When you add pipe thread sealant, the torque value gets adjusted 15% to 25%. It looks like the service manual says 21, but that end value after the dope is maybe 18 to 19 ft/lbs.

Not a huge difference, don't know if it really matters that much. I'd think 18 may be better to prevent stripping if you're using pipe thread sealant.
Agree. Torque is greatly affected by lubrication.

In this case, it's a pipe thread. It's also in aluminum with a steel plug. In my experience, the biggest concern is galling the threads, where metal from one surface grabs the other surface, due to high friction, then is ripped away and sticks to the opposing surface. It can happen in many combinations of threaded, sliding, or rotating metals, where there is high friction. The next concern is over-torquing which can crack the female threaded part, due to the taper of a pipe thread. It likely will not happen on most parts until it's severely over-torqued.
 
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I was hoping the rain would stop, but I don't think it will, so I'm driving to the self-serve garage. I will make a video of how fast the transfer case fluid flows
 

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I was hoping the rain would stop, but I don't think it will, so I'm driving to the self-serve garage. I will make a video of how fast the transfer case fluid flows
Don't worry, the rain will stop...in July. ;)
 

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Got mine done today in the driveway.
Got a little hot here in the San Fernando Valley today.

Did the auto trans fluid and filter and differentials while i was at it.
Hope you get access to the diy shop soon.
 

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Got mine done today in the driveway.
Got a little hot here in the San Fernando Valley today.

Did the auto trans fluid and filter and differentials while i was at it.
Hope you get access to the diy shop soon.
I wish we had something like that around here. I miss having access to the post auto hobby shop for some jobs that need a two post lift or drive on lift.
 
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Guys, rain stopped, I'm heading to Home Depot to grab a cartboard and then to Autozone parking lot. Stay tuned 🤩
 
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My thingies are ready, I just need to grab a cardboard from Home Depot. I am an AutoZone shade mechanic 🤩👍


Jeep Wrangler JL Preparing for transfer case fluid change 20251019_122912
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