Voymom said:
Does anyone have a picture? And where is it located? I can do my rear diff fluid, but I don't want to touch the transfer case as I don't know ANYTHING about it, but I would still like to learn at least where it is located on the Voy, and exactly what it does. I plan on taking the truck to a trusted mechanic to do this part of our maintenance, unless of course it isn't that difficult and the hubby could do it, but I won't be going near it until I can learn more about it.
What is involved when servicing the transfer case? Drain old fluid and add more? Would I need any new gaskets(is there a gasket)? I will be pulling out my manual later on in the day, and reading up on it there as well.
Also, didn't see anything in the articles/how-to. Would anyone have a video? I guess I could check youtube too.
There is a front differential and a transfer case. They are two separate parts, both part of 4WD/AWD system.
The transfer case is what turns your normally RWD/2WD vehicle into 4WD. It sends power to the front wheels.
The differential distributes that power to the front wheels and allows for different wheel speeds, particularly in turns.
Replace the fluid in both of them is easy. Both have a drain plug and a fill plug with no gaskets or filters to worry about.
The front differental plugs can be accessed by removing the front driver's side wheel. They'll be "on the engine" near where the axle enters the "engine". I say "engine" because the front differential lives under/near the engine and it appears to be the same part. Loosen the fill plug (top plug) first, then remove the drain plug. Fill with synthetic 75W-90 gear lube such as Mobil 1. It should take 1-2 quarts. Fill until it overflows.
The transfer case is accessed from underneath the vehicle. It is about midway beneath the vehicle, close to the center, gray, maybe twice the size of a typical box of tissues with driveshafts coming in/out of it. There are two plugs which can be removed with a 3/8" hex bit (available at any auto parts store). Remove the fill plug first, then the drain plug. Fill with GM Auto Trak II fluid only! Available at any GM dealer, should cost about $9 a quart. You'll need two quarts. Add the two quarts until it overflows. If it doesn't overflow, it's OK, it's probably the angle of the vehicle. Stick a finger in there and make sure the level is high.
Getting the fluid in the transfer case can be tricky since you don't have the space to pour the bottle. I used a piece of vinyl hose, other people have used inexpensive pumps (also available at a parts store).
Both jobs are very easy. If you can change your oil, you can change your front differential fluid and transfer case fluid.
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