Transfer Case Fluid Change on a Jeep JL Wrangler or JT Gladiator HOW TO DIY and SAVE MONEY

The transfer case on your Jeep JL Wrangler or JT Gladiator is what makes them a 4WD and just like everything else on your Jeep, it’s something that needs to be serviced on a regular basis. If you have a manual transmission, that should be about once 30,000 miles and if you have an automatic, that should be about once every 60,000 miles but with at least a check of it at every 30. Being that Cindy and I spend a lot of our time out on the trail, we just make it a habit of changing the fluid at every 30 and regardless if the Jeep we’re working on has a manual or automatic. Fortunately, this super easy to do and doing it yourself will save your a LOT of money.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
(2) Quarts Mopar ATF+4 - amzn.to/3tdhTPF
10mm Allen Bit - amzn.to/3IqZGEl
13mm & 18mm Socket - amzn.to/35cyuLe
Ratchet - amzn.to/35cyuLe
Torque Wrench - amzn.to/3IrpCA3
Quart Fluid Pump - amzn.to/3hnQYLo
Oil Catch Pan - amzn.to/3M9YsQ8
High-Temperature Thread Sealant - amzn.to/3HrpCyr
Brake Clean - amzn.to/3so5klk
Come join our online community at WAYALIFE.com
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* Please note that the Amazon links posted are associate links and WAYALIFE does earn a small kickback for purchases made through them.

[@user-nk5pl4td6d]

Home run guys! Because of these high quality tutorials I was able to complete, with confidence mind you, fluid replacements on my transfer case and front/rear differentials. The dealer wanted $500 parts/labor. My total investment was $100 which included OEM fluids, Royal purple, hand pump, metric socket set and torque click wrench. Thanks again!

[@wayalife]

Really glad to know that our video was helpful to you 😎

[@seanharts74]

Yet another awesome video! Looks like I'm going to save a ton on my maintenance!! Thanks guys. These videos are the best, especially for newbie wrenchers!!!

[@StormbornJKU]

I absolutely love the quality of the videos. The edits. The cuts. Everything. That’s what makes me watch some of them. Like this one. I don’t have a JL, or JT. I have a JK. And I know how to change transfer case fluid. Have done it before. But it’s just satisfying to watch your videos. You do it all very professionally and the content is just enjoyable to watch. Keep it up man. Look forward to more as always.

[@wayalife]

Truly humbled that you would say as much. Thank you. 😊

[@MapleHillMunitions]

When it's raining outside and you want to know what tools you need organized before you start doing this. As always you sir are the man.

[@wayalife]

LOL - truly humbled that you would say as much 😊

[@UltimateWarrior84]

Great video. Its refreshing to watch someone who makes an informational dyi video that cuts straight to the point, and has no fillers. Also great explanation without going on and on. Plus the beginning that shows exactly the items needed to accomplish the task. Bravo!

[@wayalife]

Thank you. We're glad that you found our video helpful and done in a way that you approve of :)

[@chellisdodge]

You always make it look easy and inspire me to do the work my self. Thank you Eddie and Cindy.

[@wayalife]

Awesome! We're so happy to hear it 😎

[@Jmonty580]

The most detailed and informative videos around. Gives me the most confidence that with the right tools I can do these things myself! Thanks!

[@wayalife]

Awesome! We really do appreciate it and we're so glad that we can be of help to you 👍

[@CN-rz3ez]

These instructional videos are awesome! Thank you so much. I save them all.

[@wayalife]

Glad you like them! 😎

[@blackonefifty]

As always, excellent production on the video and making it look easy for those who may be timid in taking on this task. Thanks for the video 👍🏼

[@wayalife]

So happy to hear you enjoyed the video and found it to be helpful 😎

[@rickaccurso]

All I can say is thank you, thanks to you and your forum I can stay on top of the maintenance on my Jeep. Love the puppy.

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So glad to hear it 😎

[@Lsumike123]

You have taught me so much over the years, thank you!

[@wayalife]

So happy to hear it! 😎

[@WalkaboutWheeling]

Simple and Complete - Great Job as always.

[@wayalife]

Thank you :)

[@duoglide69]

Thanks for showing just how simple a lot of these services are. 🤙🏼

[@wayalife]

Happy that we can be of help 😎

[@wildbluewilly1949]

I certainly appreciate these JL Rubicon maintenance videos that you produce. You have helped me to have the confidence to take care of my own Jeep… in my own garage…. Thank You!!!

[@wayalife]

That is awesome! We're so happy to hear we've been able to help you out. 👍

[@michaelgallagher8341]

Thank you for putting such solid content out! Took me 30 minutes with hand tools and taking my time/cleanup. You saved me a ton of money and I appreciate your videos!

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So glad that we were able to help you out with this video 👍

[@pines-to-beaches]

What quality content - from the video to the information relayed. Thanks for making such good stuff. Super helpful!

[@wayalife]

We're really glad to hear you find our videos to be helpful :)

[@1a1u0g9t4s2u]

As always great video. Timing is almost perfect as I have 25000 miles on my JL. To keep the assortment of automotive fluids from staining the garage floor, I use large cardboard (in my case the Gobi roof rack box) as a spill guard. It also insulates me from the cold concrete. The jeep is due for an oil change so I might as well do the transfer case too before I hit some trails this week. Looking forward to more videos like this.

[@jesselaporte7184]

On my fourth jeep, JT this time. However, first time I’ve started to do the maintenance myself. Thanks to KZbin/ers such as yourself. I honestly really appreciate your approach. Step by step in all your videos is greatly appreciate for this newbie. Thank you.

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So glad to know that our video is helpful to you 😎

[@Dillithium]

I know how to change my transfer case fluid, but I simply enjoy your video quality and watch anyway. Keep it up!

[@wayalife]

Awesome, thank you!

[@OnMyMemoryCard]

Great video! Made it look so easy! Bonus Ripley photo bomb!!❤️❤️

[@wayalife]

LOL - glad you found our video to be helpful and the Ripley clip as well 😁

[@AhmadAli-du2fq]

doing this on my dads wrangler next week thank you so much for all the fluid change videos!😊

[@wayalife]

Awesome! Glad we could be of help with our video.

[@Colorado4x4]

Loved the outtake at the end!!!! I’m glad you put that in there. The look on Ripley’s face cracked me up!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@wayalife]

LOL - glad you enjoyed it 😁

[@edelms3255]

Another clear and informative maintenance video...as usual.

[@wayalife]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davidwolters2049]

Excellent video, the detail and experience that you share with project video's is outstanding. I look forward for new content and great productions when the reminder bell rings. Thanks again for sharing!!

[@wayalife]

Thank you very much! We really do appreciate it 😎

[@robertgarcia6385]

I really enjoy your videos and the excitement of when you pound the products on the table thanks for your logo stickers going on the Jeep soon

[@wayalife]

LOL - Glad you like them! 😁

[@stevefoster61]

Awesome vid... thanks!! Just getting into doing my own maintenance on my Jeep... this is a huge help! As was the oil change vid!

[@wayalife]

So happy to hear our videos are helpful to you 😎

[@mikepierson3097]

Nice! Thanks for the great how-to guys!

[@wayalife]

Glad you found it to be helpful 👍

[@stephenvargas6134]

These smaller fix it/diy videos are some of my favorites.

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So glad to hear it 😎

[@rbs427]

I just followed your video and did my daughter’s transfer case! I cleaned the skid plate and mounting area. Had to. :) I also followed your video on replacing the aux battery. Very helpful!! Thanks for all you do and you’re very clear and funny too!! Thanks.

[@wayalife]

Really happy to hear that our videos have been helpful to you 👍

[@desertfox3860]

Great how-to video and great Ripley shot at the end!

[@wayalife]

Thank you. Glad you found our video to be helpful.

[@travisolander4749]

Great editing / video / narration. Great way of showing amateurs they can (and should) do this. Baffles me how many people rely on a dealership that charges them $400 - $700 for something that requires a wrench, a bucket, and 20 minutes.

[@wayalife]

Happy to hear you enjoyed our video and we hope that it's helpful to others.

[@xtbro78]

Thank you for this video, I'll be confident in doing this job now on Rubi.

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So glad to hear we could be of help to you 😎

[@katbot2190]

Thank you. I didn't know about that. I LOVE your pup.

[@wayalife]

You bet and glad we could be of help to you 😎

[@SakimikeRenehan]

Thank you for the video. It does seem easy to do. I look forward to taking care of mine. I can use the money I save on other upgrades.

[@wayalife]

Awesome! Glad it was helpful!

[@MuddyRuttzz]

Awesome! I’m motivated now because you showed how easy it is. At 22,500 on our Wrangler. I’ll do the Transfer Case when I do the fuel filter at 30,00 on our Ecodiesel.

[@wayalife]

Glad we could be of help to you.

[@davidamarquez]

My man always coming through in the “clutch”. Thanks for this!

[@wayalife]

Happy to hear our video was helpful :)

[@Tesla99]

Very clean video. I like to work clean also but after my hands get a little greasy i always wash them before i touch my tools because i like to keep my tools clean also! Haha. I wash my hands pretty often while doing maintenance.

[@bullwinklejt7072]

Thanks for the video! Looks super simple. Its amazing how much they charge to do this.

[@wayalife]

And that's why we hope a video like this will help other people. To save them money if nothing else. 😎

[@scottheintz4054]

Great job! I feel as if I’m ready to tackle this job nw, thank you!

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So glad to hear it!

[@autohog]

Best videos every bro TY!! New sub, just picked up a Wrangler and following your vids.

[@wayalife]

Congratulations to you and happy to hear our videos are helpful to you 👍

[@kungfumaster8171]

Great video. Always learn something here.Thanks

[@wayalife]

Glad you enjoyed it and found it educational 😎

[@demisx]

Super helpful as always. Thank you!

[@wayalife]

Glad to hear our video was helpful to you 😎

[@maynorcorado5188]

Excelente demostración gracias 🙏👍

[@miken9484]

I like these how-to videos. More plz

[@wayalife]

We've got quite a few up already and will continue doing what we can 😎

[@maccam26]

Big thanks for the maintenance videos

[@wayalife]

Awesome! Glad to hear you find them to be useful 😎

[@calemasters01]

Excellent video. Well done.

[@wayalife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nopro5433]

I just traded my 2020 Tacoma for a gladiator like you’re easy to follow to the point video I subbed.🇺🇸🍻🤜🏻

[@wayalife]

Awesome! Thank you and congratulations on your new Gladiator

[@manuelbayon9181]

Great content!

[@wayalife]

Happy to hear you find our videos to be helpful 😎

[@mikekosar6135]

Great post..!! I really need to start Thinking about my intervals 😁

[@wayalife]

Glad we could be of help to you :)

[@sowhatsnext...2168]

Awesome video and very helpful

[@wayalife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@roamingwithrob7179]

I amazed that you always use your torque wrench. I’ve learned from you to always use mine. Most people will just tighten till it feels tight.

[@wayalife]

LOL - well, maybe I'm just crazy and or stupid but clearly, I'm not most people. 🤪

[@lolotus4borderless]

Super informative thank you 😊

[@wayalife]

Glad it was helpful! 😎

[@johnwakefield9443]

Awesome video! thank you

[@wayalife]

Glad you liked it!

[@santacruzoverlander]

Thanks for posting👍🏻

[@wayalife]

You bet 😎

[@Colorado4x4]

You should have slammed the catch pan down harder! It was a little on the light side. Always cracks me up when you’re slamming them down on the table. 😂 Great video. I remember following your T-case service on Wayalife for the JK and it gave me the confidence to start working on my Jeep

[@wayalife]

LOL - too funny and glad to hear it 😎

[@HuyFishin]

thanks! you helped me save some money!

[@wayalife]

Awesome! Glad I could help!

[@GhostStalkerX1]

Thanks for the how to video! This really means a lot to us do it yourselfers. With the cost of maintenance being sky high, this really helps the wallet. Do you by chance also have a how to video on Transmission and Differentials change? Huzzah!

[@wayalife]

Happy to hear our video was helpful to you. The automatic transmission on the JL and JT are designed to be serviceless. As in, you shouldn't need to service them for at least 100k miles. That said, I have not seen a need to service mine. As far as differentials go, I do have a video for older JL's that come with drain plugs and you can see it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6mrnXWPo7CFqbM. I will have a newer video coming out soon that covers the newer differentials without the drain plugs soon.

[@hooligantimes9132]

My JTR is the first vehicle I've had in years I want to keep long enough to actually need this someday.

[@wayalife]

Awesome! 👍

[@hadjsalemhazem4464]

Thank you for your video 🤗👍🏻

[@wayalife]

Happy to hear you found it to be helpful :)

[@kdard89]

I should have invested in that pump, but otherwise it went a-ok. Thanks for the videos on maintenance that definitely can be done by the owners.

[@wayalife]

Glad that we could be of help with our videos :)

[@rodrigorojas4212]

Saludos desde Chile amigo muy Buenos vídeos....

[@381Rizzle]

Great video

[@wayalife]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@clintosterholz1565]

Thanks!

[@wayalife]

THANK YOU and happy to know our video was helpful to you 😎

[@RoseFlare1]

Thank you!

[@wayalife]

Happy to hear you found our video to be useful :)

[@entombedentity7059]

The dealer tried to charge me 700 for this and a diff fluid change. Bless you good sir, god's work

[@wayalife]

Glad that we could help save you some money 👍

[@tobisreallifeskillswithtobi]

Thanks for this great video! Can You also make one for the transmission fluid change and/or flush?

[@wayalife]

Glad you found our video to be helpful. The all new 8-speed automatic transmission is considered to be "serviceless" as in, you really should need to change or flush the fluid for at least 100k miles or more. It is the reason why it doesn't come with a dip stick.

[@dennisr7452]

Thank you. 👍

[@wayalife]

You bet!

[@judlong2836]

Hello and thank you for all the useful how to videos, they have made my world much more efficient.... have you had to change the trans. Fluid yet on your Gladiator? I didn't see one scrolling your maintenance videos and was wondering how hard that is to do myself. Thank you so much again for all you do!

[@wayalife]

The automatic transmission that Jeep uses is made to be "serviceless" as in, no maintenance is needed for the life of it. It is why it doesn't even have a dip stick. For me, that means it can run for at least 100k miles before needing a service and I'm still far from that.

[@freedomrevival1375]

Thank you for the video, good as always! Question on the transmission oil of JL? What’s the recommended transmission oil change given the “lifetime transmission oil” claim from FCA?

[@wayalife]

At least 100k miles.

[@luky61]

best closing shot ever.

[@wayalife]

LOL - glad you enjoyed it.

[@kevinmcelheran4489]

Love your vids too! You ever do oil analysis of your gear boxes? I’ve done that for years, keeps me on top of the health of these components. In short, my 21 JTR engine consuming coolant @10 ounces/ oil change and found out @ 24k kms my auto transmission came with glycol contamination from the factory. Truck is now dead at 32k. It’s a sad fact and what’s worse is corporate is sticking it to me because I am following the book and they aren’t. Do a video of an oil analysis of your auto trans, you might just be surprised what you find. 😉

[@ipdjbt]

I change these fluids yearly, whether it needs it or not. Its super cheap and allows me to check the drain magnets for abnormal metal particles in case there's a problem.

[@sinepari9160]

I changed my fluids this way for years but in the end, it's the manufacture of the components that dictate how long they will last...

[@woodystubb686]

maintenance is key 👍

[@edzel14k]

This helps me save money, great video thanks for sharing, by any chance you have the power steering oil change video? TIA.

[@wayalife]

Glad to hear our video was able to help you out. As far as your power steering goes, there should be no reason to change the oil on it.

[@germangarciafernandez]

Love your dog.

[@wayalife]

Thank you :)

[@troybilt6752]

Your videos are alway very detailed. Where do you get all your torque specks from? Thank you for your time.

[@wayalife]

Factory Service Manual

[@jk_wrangler13]

Good info asvalways

[@wayalife]

Thank you :)

[@CS-tj1rc]

Are you able to do a walk around of your Jeep Gladiator telling us all of the modifications you have done? I would like to know how you set up the back half, or more specifically the truck bed/cargo area. What do you keep in the back, what kind of lights did you use for cargo, side, and rear, etc.

[@wayalife]

Um, sure, I suppose we can try to do that sometime.

[@TheHuntertyson]

Great Video, I have two questions, do you give the 592 any cure time before adding fluid, fluid change intervals for the transmission and transfer case if you running skidplates not moving much air with everything bottled up (heat) doing mostly slow rock crawling like some of your videos

[@lotsofthisandthat9791]

You rock!

[@wayalife]

Glad to hear you found our video to be helpful :)

[@jamespeden8034]

Ripley photo bomb was cool

[@wayalife]

LOL - glad you could appreciate it 😎

[@CLTRDMLK]

What torque wrenches are you using? /Recommend? Would love it if you made a video for us novice folk for a basic tool kit we should have. I realize everyone has different needs, but having a solid place to start would be a great first step. Thanks for all of the amazing informative videos.

[@wayalife]

Definitely have a video on tools coming soon. But, for now and for a torque wrench, I would recommend this amzn.to/3To95mA

[@kellismith4329]

I just use the same synchromesh fluid in the transfer case that I use in the trasmission as I change them at the same time

[@shaisinai5982]

Love your videos! Any idea if changing fluids (myself) in transfer case and axles will void the warranty? Thanks

[@wayalife]

Your dealership cannot void a warranty just because you service your own Jeep.

[@jamesbond4882]

Love your videos. What kind of tephlon sealant are you using? Name brand? Can you show a Pic of it?

[@wayalife]

This is what I use amzn.to/3HrpCyr

[@DUNEATV]

The “pumping” combined with the music! LOLOLOL!

[@wayalife]

LOL - happy to hear you enjoyed it.

[@DUNEATV]

@@wayalife LOL…sorry man. I’m very immature!

[@JustaDudenaJeep]

Excellent video! You make things looks super easy. We really appreciate your guys videos! Have you thought about doing any maintenance work to the transmission?

[@wayalife]

Glad to hear our videos are helpful to you. The all new 8-speed automatic transmission is designed to be "serviceless". As in, you really shouldn't need to do anything with it for at least 100k miles. This is why it doesn't even have a dip stick.

[@JustaDudenaJeep]

@@wayalife Thank you for the response! Have a fun, safe and adventurous 2023!

[@SunriseTheEwe]

@@wayalife Great video. Looks like you may have a manual Jeep so if so maybe consider a manual transmission fluid video for those of us still rocking stick shift Jeeps :)

[@wayalife]

@@SunriseTheEwe Yup, as soon as I get to the point where a fluid change is needed, I will make a video on that :)

[@richardgatling4663]

Once it gets passed 100,000 miles, do you recommend taking it to the dealer to get serviced? Or is this something that can be done with the proper tools?

[@nevilleguard3558]

Great video can you give me a link for the first smaller torque wrench that you used? It’s much smaller than the Tekton one which would be great to have for my onboard tool kit. Thanks

[@wayalife]

To be clear, it's an inch lb. torque wrench and really only good for use on bolts and nuts that require very little torque. That said, here is the link amzn.to/3xNTJBe

[@trail_tracker]

Great video as always. Dumb question: Does the transfer case fluid cover both the levers used to change 4L and the lever to change to D?

[@wayalife]

The 4L is part of the transfer case and the D is part of your transmission. They are 2 different things and have separate fluid. The transmission is sold as being "serviceless" and should not need any changing or at least, for 100k miles or so.

[@fixurup5206]

Love the videos --- how often are you suppose to change the transmission fluid on a JL? I'm reading where some say never & others say that's ridiculous -- change it. Wondering what your take is & whether this is a video you've already done?

[@wayalife]

I would never pretend to know as much or more than what "others say" but the new 8-speed automatic transmission is considered to be "serviceless". You really shouldn't need to change the fluid in it for at least 100k miles. This is the reason it has no dip stick.

[@dominicportillo1]

Can you use that Loctite sealing paste for your rear differential drain bolt as well ? and if so do you prefer the paste or yellow Teflon tape ?

[@wayalife]

Yup, you can use it for the drain bolt and it works great. Both work but I do prefer the paste.

[@dayoungbro]

smart move using the inch pounds torque wrench

[@Daniel123Sicat]

can you do a tutorial on how to change the ATF on the JK 5 speed auto

[@wayalife]

Don't think I can help you out with a video being that I no longer own a JK with a 5 speed auto but I did a write-up on how to do it years ago and you can see it here project-jk.com/jeep-jk-write-ups/jeep-jk-wrangler-42rle-automatic-transmission-service

[@fr.rochmarycfrgreiner6419]

Have you ever tried to use Royal Purple max atf instead of ATF+4? I did this for my AW4 in my XJ and saw significant improvements. It is rated to replace ATF+4.

[@wayalife]

I have not. I tend to use whatever is recommended by Jeep for my newer Jeeps and none of my older ones have an AW4. But, I bet it would work well.

[@mattbrew11]

I know the 8HP75 auto (or whatever its sibling behind the V6 is called) is considered a “lifetime fluid” id love to see a video on how to service is. I have a diesel gladiator if youd like to do a video on how to do oil & filter & fuel filter I could bring it to you and you could show the world how to do the trans at the same time? Thanks for all the great content & LGB

[@wayalife]

Well, when the time comes, I will do a video but really, there should be no need for it for at least 100k miles and I do intend to wait that long to do it. I appreciate the offer to use your Jeep for diesel videos. 😁

[@mattbrew11]

@@wayalife sure man. Its the least I can do ive learned so much from ur channel. Can u remind me again how to find out when trail rides happen?

[@patrolman13]

Hey @Wayalife instead of using pumps. clean out an old squeezable ketchup bottle will make it MUCH easier

[@wayalife]

LOL - umm, didn't realize the pump was so difficult to use. 🤪

[@asdfjkl426]

Very helpful video. I'm going to take this on for both my wife's JKU and my JLU. One question, my wife's 2012 JKU Sahara doesn't get a lot of miles. We bought it new and it only has 23K miles on it. In that kind of use, would you recommend I change the transfer case fluid on a time interval instead of miles?

[@wayalife]

Nope, you should be just fine. The ATF doesn't go bad or anything. Just change it when you get enough miles on it.

[@asdfjkl426]

@@wayalife Thanks!

[@hankmini4525]

Hi. Have you changed the fluid in your auto trans yet? That wd be a great vid for us out here,,,,,

[@wayalife]

The all new ZF automatic transmission is designed to be 'serviceless' as in, you shouldn't need to service it for the life of the vehicle. This is why it doesn't even come with a dip stick. That said, 'serviceless' to me means at least 100k miles and I have not gotten to that point yet.

[@jeffforbes70]

if your ever do a 8 speed oil change it would be very helpful.

[@wayalife]

The all new 8-speed is supposed to be "serviceless" and they don't even have a dip stick. You shouldn't need to service them for at least 100k miles.

[@shellback8945]

Do you have any vids on draining and filling the transmission fluid?

[@wayalife]

The JL automatic transmission is designed to be 'serviceless' as in, it shouldn't require a fluid change for at least 100k miles. In other words, I haven't gotten there yet.

[@sinepari9160]

Swapped mine twice in 35k miles.. prob overdoing it for a transfer case lol. The amsoil squeeze bottles make it MUCH easier.

[@wayalife]

I really do like the new squeeze pouches.