Alternative to transfer case fluid; doubt it

by **Ole Blue** » Thu Mar 27, 2014 7:00 pm

So I'm in the process of getting ready to put in my new disconnect and at the same time in going to change my differential fluid and transfer case fluids since they've never been changed with 150+ miles. They guy at the auto part store was telling me I could redline for my transfer case fluid. Anyone heard of this, although it is GL-5?

Being badass ain't cheap, being cheap ain't badass

by **DustinC1989** » Thu Mar 27, 2014 7:47 pm

Autotrak isn't that expensive... I don't understand why everyone is always trying to find alternatives.

Autotrak is the only thing I and many others recommend using, never trust anything that the parts store tells you unless you know/trust the person telling you

by **Ole Blue** » Thu Mar 27, 2014 8:51 pm

No one is trying to find an alternative, he asked me if I wanted it since I was buying differential fluid.

Being badass ain't cheap, being cheap ain't badass

by **Cable810** » Thu Mar 27, 2014 10:52 pm

You should tell him that Autotrak II is best for our transfer case and that we have documentation of people using "other" fluid with bad results.

by **HARDTRAILZ** » Fri Mar 28, 2014 9:56 am

I just did a lil google-fu and found this..

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I haven't changed out the transfer case yet, but am a fan of Redline products. According to their 'cheat sheet':
GM Automatic Transfer Case Fluid, GM PT# 12378508 (Blue), can be replaced with Redline MTL (Manual Transmission Lube).
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After further research I going with you Wxman. I did contact Redline Corporate and they said the MTL would meet GM specs but because GMs fluid is blue, to save any problems to wait until warranty had expired to change. That is from Redline.
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Found references to "Redline MT 70w80" and "Redline MT-90". Also some reference to an Amsoil alternative.

I could not find anyone positively saying it worked or actually having experience. AutoTrak II is far too cheap for me to risk something else. I cheap a couple spare quarts like any other fluid the truck needs so its not an inconvienence due to being a dealer only item.

by **navigator** » Fri Mar 28, 2014 10:01 am

HARDTRAILZ wrote:..... I keep a couple spare quarts like any other fluid the truck needs so its not an inconvenience due to being a dealer only item.

I think this is the key. The guy stopping at their local autoparts store at 9pm on Friday night isn't likely to find it on the shelf.

by **Ole Blue** » Sat Mar 29, 2014 3:00 pm

I planned on using GM's fluid for the transfer case anyway. I'm just trying decide which syn fluid is best for the differential.

Being badass ain't cheap, being cheap ain't badass

by **v7guy** » Sun Mar 30, 2014 10:38 am

I'm solidly with Kyle on this, also, like him, I keep spare transfer case fluid in the garage. I find I tend to work on things at "odd hours" and as such I've learned that anything I use with relative frequency I need to keep a few extra "in stock".

As far as the front diff goes, I toss in what's available and what I've not had any trouble with. There's no clutches or anything of the like in there, so it just needs a lube that meets the spec. The rear diff I may be more finicky about due to GM having a history of using LSDs that are pretty much only quiet when using their additive... this may have changed in recent years, but I've had unfortunate experiences in the past concerning their LSDs and the oil that should be "good enough". On open rear diffs, I'd treat it like the front.

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