Ruger
FRF Addict
I don't think we have a definitive answer on this yet.
GEN 1 Transfer Case Oil: Mercon LV ATF vs XL12 Transfer Case Fluid
- Thread starter Gary E
- Start date
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OP
OP
Gary E
Full Access Member
Changed the transfer case oil today using XL12. Couldn't use a oil bottle pump to put the new fluid in as the XL12 bottles have a larger spout like the Mercon LV. A small funnel and piece of hose was a pain and was messy. Drained 52 ounces (1.75 quarts) out and put in 52 ounces to get it up to the fill hole threads. The manual shows capacity as 1.5 quarts (48 ounces).
COBRA90GT
Full Access Member
I went with a case of the Valvoline stuff out of convenience (paid $30 for 6 bottles) - got plenty of fluid leftover for future transfer case drain/fill jobs. 
The Valvoline bottles say their fluid meets Ford's spec btw (their website has it on there as well: https://www.valvoline.com/our-produ...on-products/multi-vehicle-transfer-case-fluid ).
YMMV
The Valvoline bottles say their fluid meets Ford's spec btw (their website has it on there as well: https://www.valvoline.com/our-produ...on-products/multi-vehicle-transfer-case-fluid ).
YMMV
Went to one of the local dealers to get the Transfer case oil and they do not sell it anymore sold me Mercon LV. Being the skeptic that I am I called another dealer and got the same answer Mercon LV for the T- Case.
I did the same thing a few weeks ago. Got the same answer. MerconLV. Parts guy said Ford phased out the transfer case fluid a few years ago.
Ruger
FRF Addict
Something isn't right here. I bought a quart of the Ford Transfer Case Fluid from a Ford dealership just last year.
I wonder if your dealer had a stockpile they are trying to get rid of by pawning it off on you?
OP
OP
Gary E
Full Access Member
I wouldn't call it "pawning it off". It's not a negative. It's what's in the manual. Where it's still available, I'll buy it and use it. When it's gone then it'll be the Mercon.
Ruger
FRF Addict
I wish there was a means to compare the two. I'm curious as to whether Ford discontinued its product because it was inferior or not worth continuing to market. But near as I can tell, Ford has never published the characteristics or formula of it's Transfer Case Fluid. Mystery Liquid!
tplee
Full Access Member
Not sure if being sarcastic, but 100% solid confirmation that XL-12/ESP-M2C166-H transfer case fluid is replaced by XT-10-QLVC/MERCON LV and is specifically cited to be used in "F-150 Raptor" models years 2012-2014 and 2017-2019 (not sure why it does not go back to 2010, but does for the broader "F-150 / Expedition / Navigator" application; 2010-2019, in fact). Note that this may NOT be true in reverse...there are some applications where MERC LV is called for where XL-12 can NOT be used.
Reference Ford's official Motorcraft Chemicals and Lubricants site:
https://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.com/main/quickref.asp
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