BW 44-44 TRANSFER CASE FLUID

[BWL]

Have 3 1500 4th gens to change the transfer case fluid on. All 2017 with the 44-44. Looking for fluid options as the Mopar stuff is 150 a litre here. Have 3 litres of redline MT-LV 70/75 Gl-4 that the local auto parts guy thought would work, but I'm not so sure. At about 25% of the price for redline vs Mopar I'd prefer the redline or anything else that works fine in there.

 

[star_deceiver]

I’ve used redline mt/lv in my last 2 ram trucks, and this one. Also use it in the transmission of the Fiat 500. It works just fine.

If you want something cheaper, regular everyday atf will work just fine as well.

 

[Grams]

I believe ATF4 works in “many’ Borg-Warner txfr cases…but Not the 44…which has special requirements. I only use 4WD at the boat ramp…so in the 12 years I had it….. it likely had less than an equivalent 5 miles of actual use….. but I did it anyway as a preventive measure at 220K miles…..(I hated spending $300 to change mine…but, I figured it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event at least.) …. Then the truck was wrecked the next week.

As expensive as that fluid is…. it’s bound to be cheaper than ruining 3 Ram’s txfr cases with cheap fluid. IMO

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

Op what does the manual recommend? I.know on my 2024 classic, the recommended fluid was difficult to obtain but low cost when I eventually found it.

Here is an option, it not cheap

 

[HEMIMANN]

I'd suggest searching the forum for Borg Warner 44-44 or BW 44-44. This is the "Auto" transfer case with clutch packs that allow temporary use on surfaces that vary between slippery and solid.

I had one early (2012) but don't recall what oil it needs - it needs a friction modifier additive for the clutches to have the right amount of slip. I don't recall if members settled on an optimal oil.

I long since switched to BW 44-46, the old time transfer case that is to be used on slipper surfaces only. Called "part time" 4WD for this reason. It takes ATF just like all the older BW chain drive transfer cases. This one has a solenoid shift engagement is all.

Good luck!

 

[Brandon-w]

On a 2017 I would only use mopar, it has the friction. Modifiers you need. Anything else will burn out your t case. If it were an early 2016 you could use ATF as the clutches are different. It only takes a small amount of fluid, don't be cheap or you'll be crying about a new t case in not long.

 

[BWL]

I believe ATF4 works in “many’ Borg-Warner txfr cases…but Not the 44…which has special requirements. I only use 4WD at the boat ramp…so in the 12 years I had it….. it likely had less than an equivalent 5 miles of actual use….. but I did it anyway as a preventive measure at 220K miles…..(I hated spending $300 to change mine…but, I figured it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event at least.) …. Then the truck was wrecked the next week.

As expensive as that fluid is…. it’s bound to be cheaper than ruining 3 Ram’s txfr cases with cheap fluid. IMO

You'd think, but I have a spare 44-44 in a crate off a low mile truck and it was only 400 with shipping, taxes etc and a pretty easy swap so the oil costs about as much as a good used case, which to me is insane. I've blown one in the past with Mopar fluid in it. Last time it was less than 100 bucks for 2 litres though. Figured someone must have found a good oil perhaps with a friction additive seperate by now.

Op what does the manual recommend? I.know on my 2024 classic, the recommended fluid was difficult to obtain but low cost when I eventually found it.

Here is an option, it not cheap

View attachment 575503

I have looked for ravenol, but haven't had much luck yet. Even at 100 bucks a litre it's a 250 savings. Spec is the Mopar fluid no specific viscosity, just a part number.

 

[Grams]

Valvoline makes a Multi-Transfer-Case fluid which is advertised as meeting many many different mfr’s…and specifically mention Dodge and Jeep…. but when I asked about a BW44-44…the answer was “No”.


No, this transfer case fluid is not compatible with the Borg Warner BW44-44 transfer case

This is the fluid I asked about: https://www.amazon.com/Valvoline-Multi-Vehicle-Transfer-Case-Fluid/dp/B071VDQLVZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RBOGHATRHLPE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uVlXJzSqGa_v2EWWbJ_w6J0FX6ALeiKymC-UH7qDGP30p4sEDy2xI7Wk3MVgbxoSpJzsbwhH_KeqapHz5yJErkDJlDpUHWLZOuzfAmcmnec.BXxYkaU_IiCQssJ-fCJ618KczSvGbn9MGsEtg7vsqus&dib_tag=se&keywords=ravenol+bw44&qid=1762914033&sprefix=revenol,aps,203&sr=8-1&th=1

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

You'd think, but I have a spare 44-44 in a crate off a low mile truck and it was only 400 with shipping, taxes etc and a pretty easy swap so the oil costs about as much as a good used case, which to me is insane. I've blown one in the past with Mopar fluid in it. Last time it was less than 100 bucks for 2 litres though. Figured someone must have found a good oil perhaps with a friction additive seperate by now.

I have looked for ravenol, but haven't had much luck yet. Even at 100 bucks a litre it's a 250 savings. Spec is the Mopar fluid no specific viscosity, just a part number.

Online purchase

Gear Oil - Transfer Case Fluid - RAVENOL BW 44

Mopar transfer case fluid 68089195AA, 68049954AC, 68049954AA for Borg Warner BW 44-40 BW 44-44, BW 44-45, BW 44-46, BW 44-47, BW 44-48, Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram LX LD 05170055AA and 05170055AB, MO-055

www.ravenolamerica.com

 

[HEMIMANN]

Yeah, well 44-46 doesn't need the magic mouse milk and comes factory filled with ATF.

Only ATF oil is dyed red per SAE for visual leak ID purposes.

 

[BWL]

Curious if the Mercedes transfer case fluid will work. Have half a litre for a Mercedes ML leftover that has a Borg Warner auto transfer case similar style to ram with the same capacity roughly. Fluid is 60 a litre from Mercedes.

 

[BWL]

Online purchase

Gear Oil - Transfer Case Fluid - RAVENOL BW 44

Mopar transfer case fluid 68089195AA, 68049954AC, 68049954AA for Borg Warner BW 44-40 BW 44-44, BW 44-45, BW 44-46, BW 44-47, BW 44-48, Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram LX LD 05170055AA and 05170055AB, MO-055

www.ravenolamerica.com

Might order the ravenol from them direct per the link. In Canada and they ship USPS.With Canada Post on rotating strikes it'll probably take a while and cost close to 75 a litre my money by the time it's in my hands, but that's half the Mopar. Haven't found a Canadian source that has it in stock.

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

At least your not looking for this

 

[HEMIMANN]

At least your not looking for this

What the heck is that? (not gonna google)

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

That is the specific transfer case fluid recommended by the owners manual for the 2024 ram 1500 classic, 5.7hemi 4x4.

It's basically tractor fluid, (multiple references to tractors in my search) and it's readily available in Europe, but it's not readily available in.the USA.

It has multiple equilvants, most have an Audi or Volkswagen, BMW reference and is only about $10 bucks a quart.

Obviously, it's not unicorn tears, but it's damn close on this side of the world.

 

[HEMIMANN]

That is the specific transfer case fluid recommended by the owners manual for the 2024 ram 1500 classic, 5.7hemi 4x4.

It's basically tractor fluid, (multiple references to tractors in my search) and it's readily available in Europe, but it's not readily available in.the USA.

It has multiple equilvants, most have an Audi or Volkswagen, BMW reference and is only about $10 bucks a quart.

Obviously, it's not unicorn tears, but it's damn close on this side of the world.

So much obfuscation and hiding requirements in this industry today. "Tractor fluid" is hydrostatic transmission oil (I hate the term fluid - trying to make it sound like magic mouse milk). All HST oil is is highly refined base oil to reduce oxidation rate from heat with friction modifiers for the wet clutches and brakes in the all-in-one hydraulic system.

It shouldn't be that big of a deal to select a friction modifier additive package. Wet clutches can't be that different. Back in the day, the only difference used to be the rate of clutch lockup - some OEM's wanted faster lockup, like Ford. So Ford had less friction modifier added, hence Ford "Type F" automatic transmission OIL, compared to GM Dexron with lots of additive for a slower lockup.

<end rant>

And yes, I feel better, now.

 

[David H]

Seems this stuff is being used in Rams north of the boarder. Do your own research though.

 

[jtpasto]

You can find RAVENOL at www.blauparts.com

 

[Bob Horowski]

NO two simple letters that mean a lot.

 

[SARGEe7]

Have 3 1500 4th gens to change the transfer case fluid on. All 2017 with the 44-44. Looking for fluid options as the Mopar stuff is 150 a litre here. Have 3 litres of redline MT-LV 70/75 Gl-4 that the local auto parts guy thought would work, but I'm not so sure. At about 25% of the price for redline vs Mopar I'd prefer the redline or anything else.