runethechamp

When I had my transfer case on my 94 V6 5sp 4runner replaced a couple of weeks ago it seems like the tools at the shop filled it with Dexron. Will this damage the transfer case? I will tell them to change it to the gear oil recommended by Toyota in any case. Also, can this be the reason why I can't shift into 4wd when I am driving now, or is there something else going on in the transfer case?

PirateFins

Umm I would say yes. I would not only make them drain, but flush it and refill.

Other reason to DIY if you are able to.

runethechamp

I will make them flush and refill. I seem to remember somebody talking about synchros and how their performance is affected by the oil that's in the transmission and/or transfer case. Can the difference between Dexron and gear oil totally mess up how the synchros work in the transfer case?

runethechamp

OK, after some reading in my repair manual there seems to be some small differences to the transfer case between the AT, the MT and if you have ADD or not. Could it be that they mounted a transfer case from an AT or a non-add vehichle? And is there anyway I can figure this out by serial numbers on the transfer case without picking it apart? Any help/info is appreciated so I have something to put on the table when I complain to the transmission shop.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

No synchomesh in the t-case, ATF is probably very thin to use in it. Good old 75W90 GL4 or GL5 oil is fine. For the shift on the fly, ADD I assume? If so, check that the shop did not disconnect any of the ADD wiring on the case or at the front axle or the VSVs that switch the front axle in and out.

http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/add/index.htm

runethechamp

Thanks for the info. Just to clarify, when I try to shift to 4wd when the car is moving, I just get a nasty grinding sound and I can't get the stick into 4wd. If I stop, it works and I get the 4wd light on.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

Is it ADD or manual hubs? If ADD, the lube may have something to do with that. There is some sort of synchronizer mechanism for that to spin up the front driveshaft.

runethechamp

I guess you can have both, right? But I have the ADD system with the full-time locking flanges on the wheels. From the repair manual I see that there is some kind of synchro mechanism in there, but that it is slightly different for the different engine/transmission types. There seems to be 2 synchro rings for my transmission, where one of those are missing for the AT and the other one is missing for the non-ADD equipped cars. I will check if the transfer case fluid change will make a difference first.

leebee

get your vin from the ownership or front dash if you can make it out and go to 4crwalers site. he has a section to help decode your vin to see exactly what trans you have. my 93 uses atf in the t/case, but most others use gear oil. find out for sure what is supposed to be in there, then get the trans shop to rectify the situation.

lee

runethechamp

Thanks for the tip. I do know what transmission and engine I have and as far as I can see it doesn't tell me anything more than that. Only the transfer case with the AT uses atf, and they share the fluid, right?

leebee

no the trans and t/case do not share the fluid, they are separate, sealed units. your trans code should be a340h and use atf. it may take some digging or prodding of the stealer to verify it, once you know, you are good to go.

lee

( hey, blondie!!)

Adam F

auto takes atf, manual takes gear oil

auto shares fluid with the trans, manual does not