Transfer Case Fluid Type

There seemed to a bit of confusion at the part store tonight, I was getting some tranny fluid for my transfer case. The guy working there wanted to make sure I used the right oil. If I understood him correctly, some people mistakenly put gear oil in there transfer case with less than good results.

I told him my haynes manual says ATFII for transfer case and gear oil 80/90 for the diff. Is the my manual correct for the truck in my sig?

My other question is, can I use my truck with a empty (or near empty) transfer case as long as I don't engage 4 wheel drive? Just curious as it appears to have sprung a leak somewhere/everywhere (Truck has been parked for the last 5 months or so.) and don't want to do any damage if I put off a proper repair for a few months.

I have a 90 K1500 and the transfer case takes Dextron-III tranny fluid.

Not sure what would happen if the transfer case is low but I would put some Dextron-III in there.

//2000CAYukon

get 2L of dextron III for the t-case. don't drive it without fluid or you will cook the bearings. pretty much any transfer case that is chain driven takes ATF.

Thanks, I haven't move the truck an inch since first posting this. I'll make sure to keep it topped off till I get the leak fixed.

Anything 1981 and newer uses ATF. Dextron is the proper spelling, correct? That's how I've always spelled it, but my repair manual for my truck has it spelled "dexron" (no "T"). Just curious, I've never noticed on the bottles.

J-Ri,
You are right, the correct spelling is Dexron. See http://www.valvoline.com/pages/products/product_detail.asp?product=64

//2000CAYukon

I don't think I can say it without the "T"... just doesn't sound right.