Front Diff, Transfer Case, how to change fluid.

[kycop]

I have a 05 escalade esv platinum, i am wanting
to change all fluids front, rear, trans, etc does anyone
know the best fluids to use, i saw royal purple something at local
auto parts place but.... Scared to change cayse not positive
bout what to use . Any one out thete have a positove answer

[Z71]

Just a word of caution when changing out the transfer case. If is calls for Dexron III DO NOT use Dexron VI in place of that.

This information applies to 2007 and prior GM passenger cars and trucks.

Dexron III is being phased out as a product name. It is being renamed Manual Transmission Fluid and carries p/n 88861800 U.S. (88861801 Canada).

If fluid p/n 88861800 U.S. (88861801 Canada) is not yet available when servicing a manual transmission or transfer case, Dexron III can be used in its place.

DO NOT use Dexron VI in place of manual transmission fluid in any manual transmissions or transfer cases that specify Dexron III, as a failure may result.

[Z71]

Originally Posted by kycop

I have a 05 escalade esv platinum, i am wanting
to change all fluids front, rear, trans, etc does anyone
know the best fluids to use, i saw royal purple something at local
auto parts place but.... Scared to change cayse not positive
bout what to use . Any one out thete have a positove answer

Yes, I know exactly what to use.....PM me for details on how much you need in each hole etc.

Front and rear differentials - Use 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube
Transmission - Use Dexron VI
Transfer Case - Use Dexron III

I recommend AMSOIL Synthetic's, IMO they are the best.

For more info on exactly how much you need and exactly the correct products you can PM and I will figure it out. Don't want to waste my time if you already have done this.

Mike
2009 CTS4
2008 GMC Sierra Z71 EC

[oldworld]

Heres some info on brookfield viscosity between brands. NOTE: Less number is better: ALL ARE SYNTHETIC 75W90
Amsoil severe Gear 68,150
Pennzoil 85,000
Mobil 1 85,560
GM Syn Axel 93,730
Mopar with LS 101,350
Valvoline Synpower 102,500
Castrol Syntec 149,850
******************************************* CUTOFF HERE MAX ALLOWABLE IS 150,000. Anything below is not to be used.
Red Line 164,100
Royal Purple Max 389,500
LUCAS 200,000 plus

There goes my lucas idea.....lol
My mechanic uses Pennzoil, so I am cool with the choice. I will however now change the fliud myself every year.

[pcguy760]

Z71, I was told by the autoparts store that Dexron VI replaced Dexron III and Dexron III was obselete! So I used VI in the T. Case!!! Am I in trouble??

So far this is my oil changes and what I have used ...

Front and Rear Diff - Mobil1 75W90 (I am kinda confused on this now as I saw another post from the OP saying that he NOW used 75W140 for the front diff!! So WHICH is it?????!!)
Transmission - Dexron VI with 1 bottle Lucas Transmission treatment.
Transfer Case - Dexron VI

This is an 02 AWD 6.0L Base model btw.

[Z71]

That's true that Dexron VI replaced Dexron III BUT only in transmissions, NOT in transfer case or manual transmissions UNLESS its so specified in your owners manual.

Here is a pic of the label on the back of a GM bottle of Dexron VI



Read this GM service information, it taken from a monthly service new magazine. I high lighted the pertain part in Red The primary reason its not recommended is because it was never tested in all those applications because GM does not make those, they come from vendors. Is it safe to use?? Don't know but GM claims damage may result. Likely from the additives (chemicals) in the new Dexron VI that was never in the old Dexron III. That could eat seals, corrode soft metals etc. I would not risk it, get the GM fluid, Dexron III and don't use any additives in it like Lucas. Not needed and a waste of money, BUY quality ATF instead of buying low quality and beefing it up with additives.

This information applies to 2007 and prior GM passenger cars and trucks.

Dexron III is being phased out as a product name. It is being renamed Manual Transmission Fluid and carries p/n 88861800 U.S. (88861801 Canada).

If fluid p/n 88861800 U.S. (88861801 Canada) is not yet available when servicing a manual transmission or transfer case, Dexron III can be used in its place.

DO NOT use Dexron VI in place of manual transmission fluid in any manual transmissions or transfer cases that specify Dexron III, as a failure may result.

- Thanks to Charles Krepp, TAC

Does it say in your owners manual to use Dexron III (or ATF) in the transfer case or does it say to use some other GM product?? Some Cadillac AWD Transfer cases require a lube that is only available from GM. NO other company makes it. My info suggests this is the case in your 2002. Again, its not what the fluid looks like or performs BUT the chemical makeup of the fluid that can be the problem.


NO, 75W-140 is not required for the front differential. 75W-90 Synthetic is all that is needed.

PS - I own a 2009 CTS4 and a 2008 GMC Sierra Z71 E. Cab SLT and have owned GM trucks for over 20 yrs

[pcguy760]

So they DO still sell Dexron III then? I guess I need to change the T. Case oil asap then since it has the Dexron VI in it

[Patrick7997]

You could also use the blue colored transfer case fluid in that case, but it's expensive.

I went to 75w140 because this truck is hard on front diffs.... and I'm hoping not to have to replace it again, because this time it won't be under warranty,,,

[Z71]

fyi

AMSOIL has a 75W-110 gear lube that will give you the extra viscosity protection without affecting fuel mileage Synthetic 75W-110 Server Gear Lube

I have changed a lot of front and rear differentials on these GM trucks over the years and every time what I drain out looks terrible. I would never leave the oem lube in there past the original 10,000 miles. I think they use the lowest quality gear lube they can buy. The limited Slip rear differential in my 2005 CTS was clunking at 200 miles. They replaced the lube and it stopped for about 500 miles and then returned. I got some AMSOIL Severe gear and made the dealer install it for me. I never heard the rear end clunking again and I never changed it again. When my 2008 GMC had 1,100 miles I had a local trans shop change everything to synthetic, both axles, transfer case and trans. Should be safe for 100,000 miles and beyond. Catch it early before the oem lube has a chance to destroy it.

[box986]

On the Amsoil website, they suggest the following replacement fluid for the transfer case:

Transfer Case,W/ Other TRC......GLS [4]
Torque-Drive Synthetic Transmission Fluid (ATD1G)
Synthetic Universal Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATFQT)
Transfer Case,W/ Nvelec TRC......SLF [5]
No AMSOIL Product Recommendation

Would my 03 EXT have a Nvelec or "other" TRC?

Here is the link showing all recommended Amsoil replacement fluids & capacities for an '03: http://www.amsoil.com/mygarage/vehic...CALADE%20EXT+1

[Z71]

I have done some checking and it appears the correct fluid is a Dexron III product like the AMSOIL ATD Torque Drive or the ATF Auto Trans Fluid.

Your should be able to confirm by going to page 6-13 of your owners manual

Just do not use the Dexron VI versions as they have not been validated (tested for component compatibility) in that year.

The ATD only come is gallons so the best choice is Automatic Transmission Fluid

[The Factory Man]

Originally Posted by pcguy760

So they DO still sell Dexron III then? I guess I need to change the T. Case oil asap then since it has the Dexron VI in it

GM has not issued a license for anyone to produce a spec. Dexron III since 2006. If you find a product that was recently produced that says Dexron III you need to understand that it may not meet GM specs for Dexron III. Dexron VI replaces Dexron III in GM automatic transmissions that were speced for Dexron III.

[Z71]

................
This info comes from GM...........

This information applies to 2007 and prior GM passenger cars and trucks.

Dexron III is being phased out as a product name. It is being renamed Manual Transmission Fluid and carries p/n 88861800 U.S. (88861801 Canada).

If fluid p/n 88861800 U.S. (88861801 Canada) is not yet available when servicing a manual transmission or transfer case, Dexron III can be used in its place.

DO NOT use Dexron VI in place of manual transmission fluid in any manual transmissions or transfer cases that specify Dexron III, as a failure may result.

- Thanks to Charles Krepp, TAC

[pcguy760]

Ok, Z71 I am confused now cos how come Factory Man says otherwise - just wondering... btw, how much is the stuff that the Caddy dealer sells FOR the Transfer Case??

[Z71]

Its possible he is not even aware of that service info. If you doubt my info, check out the source
<Source>


To get GM's approval for anything requires you to pay them a fee and royalties on every gallon of lubricant you sell. So when you see someone say its been approved by GM, it means that GM makes money every time you buy one of those products. Also, just because a lube is not GM approved in no indication its bad for the application. It just means they have not been willing to pay GM for the right to be on the approved list. And naturally GM wants everyone to think that anything not on their approved list is no good for their GM vehicle. They have a monetary reason for you to think that.


I have no idea the exact cost as every dealer is likely to price it differently. I have heard prices anywhere from $6 to $20 a qt depending where you buy it.