I was wondering anybody can tell me what kind of fluid used in NP231 transfer case. The dealer said ATF+4, Haynes and car parts shop said using Dexon3,Mercon Auto transmission fluid.
I already changed the fluid using Dexon3,the noise from t-case is still there. Should I use ATF+3 or 4? It's a 92 cherokee Laredo, 4L Auto.
1993 NP231 states Dexron II, Mercon, Mopar ATF Plus (type 7176)
1.6Qts (till it dribbles out the top fill plug)
Dexron was dropped from the Chryseler/Jeep compatibilty list back in 1997.
Modern versions of those are acceptable.
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ATF+4 is a pure synthetic for vehicles newer than 1999 and probably not correct for your application. Jeeps says it's required for the latest NP diff, but your diff was made way before ATF+4 existed.
Your noise may not be the fluid, it may be the link adjustment or a stretching chain. However, it's cheap enough to try it again with a ATF+3 fluid.
That's what I use, but then again I have the NP249
Interesting. Guess I'll go with +4 next time I drain the xfr case. Although I don't like the bit it says about not being able to tell water contamination by color anymore.
Thank you everybody for the input. The t-case has a constant noise at 2 WD, more noisy at 4WD. Doug mentioned I might need to adjust linkage, I guess it might not very difficult to do it. What if it ia caused by a stretched chain? Anyway to repair?
A stretched chain requires replacement (dropping of the t-case) and is a fairly involved procecdure. It's hard to damage the chain unless the case has been ran low on lube for a long time or your turning some serious tires The linkages usually just create buzzing if they have shifted and are now touching the body. (if the sound goes away when you put a small amount of pressure on the t-case shift handle, then it's probably the links)
It's hard for me to get any more ideas without actually hearing it myself. It could even be a U joint that is failing and sending vibrations back into the case.
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