Nicely done!

How much 4wd usage did you have in that 18k miles? The amount of shavings is very surprising - that picture alone will make me do a change at the 20k mile mark at the latest, thanks!

 

Good write up. That amount of shavings is not abnormal for the first fluid change. I know my truck (2005 Silverado with the push button transfer case) takes a special lube, only available from GM. You may want to state in the write up to reinstall the fill plug. You never know, someone might actually forget to do it since you didn't state to do so.

 

Z71Silvy -- I used Auto 4wd quite a bit last winter. I did pull a guy out of a ditch when the truck was barely broken in (around 1,000 miles). In summer, I used it a couple times on a slick boat ramp. The truck has never been in 4 low. Overall, I'd say that's pretty low usage.

And y'all make sure you put the fill plug back in! :lol:

 

I changed the transfer case fliuld out of my truck at 46K and the drain plug looked like that, also the fluid was fairly red. The original owner did alot of driving in auto and I thought that would contribute to the ugly drain plug but after seeing EKinMN's, I'm beginning to think that it's from break-in.

 

Mine with less than 10,000 miles. I would say most of the wear occurs in first few 1000 miles.

 

I did both differentials around 10,000 miles. Both plugs looked like that. I am sure it is from break in. I am pretty happy I got them all changed. I just wish I would have done the transfer case a bit sooner. Although, to the point above, the fluid was nice and red, and clean. So, hopefully the magnet picked up the majority of the metal.

 

This is great information! All the shavings I'm seeing here gives me reason to believe I should be doing my diffs and trans case far sooner than I was expecting to do them. Thanks so much!

 

great write up!!..im gunna wait till about 3k miles on mine and then do it!

 

dont do it too early if it is indeed due to break in and you truck isnt all the way broke in then it will fill back up just as quick the check with your dealer on when you should do your first change

 

The dealer is going to tell you it does not need to be done until about 50,000 miles or so. You can see from mine that would make no sense.

I do agree that one should wait a while. I think 3k is too soon for anything other than motor oil.

 

Is it the same procedure to change the transfer case fluid in a 4wd with auto trac push button setup?

I have a 2005 Silverado with the auto 4wd push button set up, I believe the only fluid we can use is the GM Auto-trac 2 fluid, (I think its blue in color). I heard using any thing else will work for a wile but, It will make the transfer case not last as long... because of internal lubrication failure.

 

Yes, it is the same procedure. You are correct on using the GM specific fluid.

 

How do I find out if my transfer case requires the GM specific "blue" fluid. I have an 2007 NBS Chevy Silverado LT 1500 4x4, anyone know?

 

I think your owners manual should specify which fluid it takes.

 

Thanks for write up EK! Did mine today along with differentials. Alternative if you don't have fluid pump handy- short flexible funnel. There's enough room to keep a quart bottle above the fill hole, slowly filling the funnel. I used Dexron- VI according to manual on my NBS 07.

 

Is this also the same to do on a 97?

 

It should be similar. Check your owners manual to make sure what lube yours takes.

 

Also, DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN THE DRAIN PLUG!... Seriously..

 

Thanks for write up EK! Did mine today along with differentials. Alternative if you don't have fluid pump handy- short flexible funnel. There's enough room to keep a quart bottle above the fill hole, slowly filling the funnel. I used Dexron- VI according to manual on my NBS 07.

How many quarts did it take?

 

The specs say 1.6 quarts. I had a big jug of Amsoil, so I don't know exactly how much I put in.

 

Had some time today so I changed my transfer case fluid today, also my front differential, did not get the back done forgot to get a gasket. What a mess I had, the drain pan was not under the drain hole and got all over the driveway, oh well all part of the experience I quess. Refilled with amsoil fluids.

 

Lol surprising how far a quart will stretch on concrete! Good move on the swapover...

 

Changed my transfer case fluid today for the first time ever. 50K plus miles. FIgured I would share the pics.

Transfer Case Plug

• Hunter
• Jul 15, 2012

Clean transfer case plug

• Hunter
• Jul 15, 2012

 

Changing the fluid in your transfer case is extremely easy. It's easier than changing your oil! Follow these simple steps to change your fluid:

Now head out somewhere to go 4-wheeling, and enjoy your well maintained transfer case!

ok so question...is this the same as refilling as a manual tranny? just fill it up until fluid starts coming back out of the whole? for a complete tranny fluid change i was going to do this with dropping the pan i might have a bit of old fluid left but its ok better then not having any fresh fluid...and a new filter...

 

ok so question...is this the same as refilling as a manual tranny? just fill it up until fluid starts coming back out of the whole? for a complete tranny fluid change i was going to do this with dropping the pan i might have a bit of old fluid left but its ok better then not having any fresh fluid...and a new filter...

Refer to step 6