Transfer Case Fluid Change

JetDriver · 10-20-2006, 02:33 PM

Well I just climbed under the truck to change all the fluids for the first tme and discovered that the transfer case drain and fill plugs require a hex head driver unlike the diffs. Does anyone know what size driver I need to buy. I hate to have to guess and end up making 5 trips to sears.

Thanks

ibbodyboarder · 10-20-2006, 03:51 PM

Hey Jet, let us know how easy it is to do. I've never done trucks but only cars. Sorry. Sound like a NOOB. haha

JetDriver · 10-20-2006, 08:53 PM

Started with the rear diff and it was a piece of cake. The drain plug comes right out with a socket wrench. Just stick a short extension on the end of your socket and both the drain plug and the fill plug come out no problem. The drain plug had a glob of goop on it as others have reported so the change was worthwhile I think. Put a little permatex thread sealer back on the plugs and just screw it back in. The nipple on the Mobile One gear Oil bottle worked very well for getting the new oil in. Just squeeze it in until it overflows.

The front diff and engine oil were also easy. Start by removing both skid plates (2 plates 4 bolts each on my non offroad 4x4). If your just changing engine oil only the front plate needs to come off. If you want to change the front diff fluid you'll want to get the second plate off to give you access so you might as well do it now. The filter comes off easily and Nissan has very thoughtfully provided a small plate to catch the drain off from the filter and funnel it down. The engine drain plug comes out very easily just be ready for the literal gusher of oil to follow. One interesting note is that the Service Manual calls for 6.5 qts of oil for the fill with a filter change. I ended up needing a full 7 to get the pan all the way full.

The front Diff is a repeat of the rear with the drain plug on the very bottom of the diff and the fill plug being located about halfway up the passenger side of the diff. The Mobile 1 bottle fit up along side the diff no problem and I was able to get most of the fluid out of it. After emptying the second quart I combined the leftover of the two to get the diff all the way full.

I wasn't able to do the transfer case yet because I didn't (as I mentioned in my original post) have the right tool to get the drain plug out. I did see another post where the guy warned about the oil shooting out of the drain plug and suggested having the drain pain positioned well back. Once I get it done I'll let y'all know.

Justintoxicated · 10-20-2006, 09:07 PM

Yea I' trying to figure out a wa to fill the front diff, my amsoil just came in a regular bottle so no way to squeeze it out. Not srue what I am going to fill the transfer case with yet, please post the socket needed to remove the bolt and what your going to fill it with ATF?

JerZTiTaN · 10-20-2006, 09:53 PM

What mileage should we change the diffs and t-case at?

Dr. Chaz · 10-21-2006, 09:04 AM

10 mm for the transfer case plug.
Manual recommends 30K change interval if towing.

Dr. Chaz · 10-24-2006, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitanTech659

It's not a 10mm for the drain plug on the transfer case. It's just a 1/2" ratchet or 3/8" ratchet. The drain plug is on the front of the transfer case and the fill plug is on the back side. It is just regular ATF to fill it.

You got me thinking, so I just checked mine. 10 mm hex for the drain plug. on rear of transfer case. Requires 2.25 Qts of fluid; torque 26ft.lbs.; new crush washer.

TitanTech659 · 10-24-2006, 10:06 PM

Here, I found a good pic for you.

http://www.pixagogo.com/Photos/Albums/Photo.aspx?id=S4ZYP8SkffTh37ymp7aSklk!5WZqQo3zcYF8 ZnkrC9dv4sGKHdESwlBg__

Dr. Chaz · 10-25-2006, 05:32 PM

Yup, that's it, on the back (rear end) side, 10mm fits righ in!

JetDriver · 10-25-2006, 07:30 PM

Thanks for the help guys. It definitely requires a hex head on my 2006 as I was surprised when I crawled under there with my ratchet to find that while that works on the diffs it won't work on the transfer case. I'll post how it goes once I get home again and have a chance to change the fluid.

Right now I've only got about 2300 miles on the truck but I wanted to get the first change in early in order to get all of the assembly lube/shavings out of the system.

TitanTech659 · 10-25-2006, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Chaz

Yup, that's it, on the back (rear end) side, 10mm fits righ in!

Chaz, dude I feel like an idiot. I was thinking you were talking about a 10mm hex head bolt. Like a run of the mill bolt. My bad. I guess we call them different things. I call them Allen Head plugs. Sorry man.

Justintoxicated · 10-26-2006, 01:19 AM

How much fluid does it take?

TitanTech659 · 10-26-2006, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Chaz

You got me thinking, so I just checked mine. 10 mm hex for the drain plug. on rear of transfer case. Requires 2.25 Qts of fluid; torque 26ft.lbs.; new crush washer.

As mentioned above.

Dr. Chaz · 10-26-2006, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitanTech659

Chaz, dude I feel like an idiot. I was thinking you were talking about a 10mm hex head bolt. Like a run of the mill bolt. My bad. I guess we call them different things. I call them Allen Head plugs. Sorry man.

We cool!

homerepair1 · 10-28-2006, 07:06 PM

I have been putting an old speaker magnet on the bottom of my oil pan, Diff. and Transfer case, just in case there are shavings in the bottom.
do you guys think this is a good idea ?
i didn think it would hurt anything.