Dodge & Ram Transfer Case Fluid Type
What Fluid Does My Dodge or Ram Transfer Case Take?
Choosing the correct Dodge & Ram Transfer Case Fluid type is critical for the service life and operation of your transfer case. Over the years, lubricant specifications and service requirements have changed which can make choosing the correct Dodge transfer case fluid or Ram transfer case fluid difficult. We have compiled the handy chart below to help you select the correct Transfer Case Fluid for your Dodge or Ram 4x4. For 2001 and later model years, the Dodge and Ram transfer case fluid options are VERY specific. Do NOT USE generic fluids in these transfer cases!!!! For older transfer cases, you can upgrade to newer synthetic base fluids, but you should rebuild or at least replace the old seals as additives in synthetic fluids may not be compatible with old seals.
The following Chart was compiled using OEM Factory Shop Manuals and MOTOR Specification Guides. While we have made every effort to present accurate information, the information in this chart in no way supersedes or replaces the recommendations in your Chrysler OEM Owners Manual, Shop Manual, or other official Chrysler publication or specification list.
| Year Range | Model | Transfer Case | Recommended Fluid | Capacity | Available Free, Interactive Exploded Views |
| 1946-1968 | Power Wagon | NP200 | 80w90 GL5* | 5 Pints | |
| 1957-1968 | W100, W200, W300 | NP201 | 80w90 GL5* | 4.5 Pints | |
| 1969-1974 | W100, W200, W300 | NP205 | 80w90 GL5* | 4.5 Pints | |
| 1974-1979 | Ramcharger | NP203 | SAE 10w30 Engine Oil | 9 Pints | |
| 1975-1979 | W100/150/200/250 | NP203 | SAE 10w30 Engine Oil | 9 Pints | |
| 1980-1987 | Ramcharger, W150,W250 | NP208 | Dexron III** or ATF+4 | 6 Pints | |
| 1980-1993 | W200,W250,W300,W350 | NP205 | 80w90 GL5* | 4.5 Pints | |
| 1987 | Dakota | NP207 | Dexron III** or ATF+4 | ||
| 1988-1993 | Ramcharger, W150,W250 | NP241 | Dexron III** or ATF+4 | 6 Pints | |
| 1988-2000 | Dakota, (Durango 98-00) | NP231 | Dexron III** or ATF+4 | 2.5 Pints | |
| 1994-2000 | Ram 1500 | NP231DHD | Dexron III** or ATF+4 | 2.5 Pints | |
| 1994-2000 | Ram 2500 | NP241DLD | Dexron III** or ATF+4 | 5.0 Pints | |
| 1994-2000 | Ram 2500, Ram 3500 | NP241DHD | Dexron III** or ATF+4 | 6.5 Pts.*** | 1994-1996.5 -- 1996.5-1997 -- 1998-2000 |
| 1998-2000 | Dakota, Durango | NP242 | Dexron III** or ATF+4 | 2.5 Pints | |
| 2001 | Dakota, Ram 1500 | NP231 | ATF+4 | 2.5 Pints | |
| 2001-2002 | Ram 2500 | NP241DLD | ATF+4 | 5.0 Pints | |
| 2001-2002 | Ram 2500, Ram 3500 | NP241DHD | ATF+4 | 6.5 Pts.*** | NP241DHD |
| 2001-2003 | Dakota, Durango | NP233 | ATF+4 | 2.5 Pints | |
| 2001-2009 | Dakota, Durango | NP244 | ATF+4 | 3.4 Pints | |
| 2001-2015 | Dakota (to 11), Durango | NP243 | ATF+4 | 3.4 Pints | |
| 2002-2008 | Ram 1500 | NP241D Gen 2 | ATF+4 | 3.4 Pints | |
| 2002-2012 | Ram 1500 | NP243 | ATF+4 | 3.4 Pints | |
| 2003-2012 | Ram 2500, Ram 3500 | NV271,NV273 | ATF+4 | 4.0 Pints | NV271D --- NV273D |
| 2004-2005 | Ram 1500 | NP244 | ATF+4 | 3.4 Pints | |
| 2006-2010 | Ram 1500 | NP246 | 5179014AA | 4.0 Pints | |
| 2008-2012 | Ram 4500, Ram 5500 | NV271,NV273 | ATF+4 | 4.0 Pints | NV271D --- NV273D |
| 2010-2011 | Durango | MP3010 | 2.5 Pints | ||
| 2011-2015 | Durango | MP3023 | 4.0 Pints | ||
| 2011-2015 | Ram 1500 | BW4444 | 68089195AA | 3.0 Pints | |
| 2012-2018 | Ram 1500 | BW4445 | 68089195AA | 3.0 Pints | |
| 2012-2018 | Ram 2500, Ram 3500 | BW4446, 4447 | 68089195AA | 3.8 Pints | |
| 2012-2018 | Ram 4500, Ram 5500 | BW4446, 4447 | 68089195AA | 3.8 Pints | |
| 2016-2018 | Ram 1500 | BW4444 | 68049954AA | 3.0 Pints | |
* For the NP200, NP201, and NP205 Gear Drive Transfer Cases, Dodge lists single viscosity multi-purpose gear lubricants as the first choice and single viscosity motor oils as an option. Oil specifications have changed considerably over the years, but here are the weight recommendations from vintage Dodge Shop Manuals:
Multi-Purpose Gear Lubricant:
Above 90°F (32°C) SAE 140
As low as -10°F (-23°C) SAE 90
Below -10°F (-23°C) SAE 80
Engine Oil:
Above 32°F (0°C): SAE 50
Below 32°F (0°C): SAE 30
The NP200 transfer case was not designed to operate under high speed, long-distance conditions. The transfer case can get so hot that conventional gear lubricants will literally be cooked. We recommend you use synthetic lubricants for the NP200 if operated at extended high road speeds typical of U.S. Interstate highways.
**Dexron III for 1980-2000 applications: Older factory Shop Manuals list Dexron, Dexron II, ATF+ or ATF Type 7176 for many chain drive transfer cases. These older fluids have all been replaced by Dexron III ATF. You can also use Mopar® ATF+4® Transmission Fluid in 1980-2000 Dodge 4x4 Transfer Cases originally calling for Dexron, Dexron II, ATF+ or ATF Type 7176. One caveat here, if you have an older vehicle with original components, the advanced detergents in ATF+4 do such a good job cleaning that old, worn-out seals may start to seep or leak. This is not a problem with new or rebuilt replacement parts, but by now most of the original seals in vehicles made prior to 2000 are on the verge of failure due to age and heat degradation.
***NV241DHD Transfer Case with Power Take Off (PTO) bolted to Case: 9.0 to 10.4 Pints
