I just put a splash guard up there, like for example a cut up Gatorade bottle. It doesn't take long for it to drain.

 

Why do they keep changing what to put in these damn transfer cases? Mine has XL 12 in it, didn't know it had been discontinued. It must not matter what you use or they wouldn't change it so much and would settle on something.

 

There are lot of people that have blown up a t-case using Mercon V. So, that said, it does matter with V, LOL.

EDIT: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post15029300

 

Yea, I had V in mine and changed it out for that reason. If I ever change it again I'll use the Valvoline you referenced.

 

Update, and not a good one....

I got the fill plug off (it was very stripped and a pain).

Transmission fluid came pouring out of the fill plug hole on the transfer case. Obviously, there is a leak from the transmission to the transfer case.

What is my next move? Do I even bother fully draining it and refilling the transfer case fluid?

 

Thats why I told you it could get messy. It will come out of the fill hole when warm, fluid expands. Dont worry.

It should pour out. But the transfer case only holds 2 quarts on refill.

Overall, it depends on the last owner changing the fluid. They could have 2.5 or a tad more in there. Your supposed to fill the transfer case till it starts to come out of the fill whole and then let it settle. Then put the fill cap back on. The previous owner coukd have not let it settle and it has more than 2 qts.

yes, drain that sucker.

You completely drain the transfer case? How many quarts came out? Estimated...

 

Thats the thing... It's the fill plug, not the drain plug. About 1 quart came out, maybe less, but we are talking past the fill plug. I haven't even removed the drain plug yet.

 

Yea, it's ok. My transfer case was slightly overfilled as well. Same thing happened to me. Its ok.

The transfer case is a sealed system. Transmission fluid isnt going to mix in with it. Your ok. Continue draining it. Just be aware 2 qts. Will come out once the drain plug is removed.

DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN either plug when reinstalling. You will crack the transfer case housing. Then your up the creek.

You got this

 

I'm just basing it on this video
Since mine leaked a lot from the fill plug, I assumed it was coming from the trans. Also, if you see the last picture I posted in the first post, I think it looks like there may have been leaking between the transmission and transfer case.

That said, I am not trying to jump to conclusions. I can definitely replace the fluid with what I have on hand and clean it off, but I was under the impression that if substantial fluid comes out of the fill plug, that that meant my input shaft seal was compromised.

 

Was the truck warmed up before you took the fill plug out? Or was it sitting over night?

Well in any case you have taken fluid out, I'd finish the job. Clean it off and see what you have after a few days. Check it often.

If leaking or if you think you have bigger issues I'd take it to a trusted mechanic at that point to check it out.

thats what I'd do