Trans / Transfer Fluid Filling and Levels

1950 - 1952, M38, questions, discussions, regarding anything related to the M38.
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Buster1
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Trans / Transfer Fluid Filling and Levels

Post by Buster1 » Thu Jul 22, 2021 6:08 pm

Okay, new M38 here. Transfer case front yoke leaks pretty good, and I plan on tackling it soon.

I’m wondering how do you guys physically get GL4 into the tiny filler holes for the transmission and transfer case? Do you have some filler tool, or remove the housing around the shifters and come in from above?

And how do you know the levels are adequate and safe?

I’ve got my green book, and 3 different service and maintenance manuals for the M38 and CJ2, but just can’t find how to do it and how to check levels.

Thanks!
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Re: Trans / Transfer Fluid Filling and Levels

Post by mdainsd » Thu Jul 22, 2021 6:25 pm

Tiny? They are like 1/2" Pipe. A standard gear oil pump discharge pipe fits easily into them. Fill to overflow. Don't confuse the fill/check ports on the side with the vent lines on the top.
52 M38 2X, '52 M37, '44 WC51, '42 WC 56/57, '50 CJ-V35(U), '42 GPW, '44 M3A1 Scout Car, 2010 M-Gator

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Re: Trans / Transfer Fluid Filling and Levels

Post by dpcd67 » Thu Jul 22, 2021 7:12 pm

Pretty straightforward as MD said. Hard to do it wrong. Fill them until it runs out. Then put the plug back in. Use GL4 only, in the Transmission and transfer case; you can use GL5 in the diffs but I use GL4 in everything. . And fill them the same way. You should disassemble the front ends and grease the bearings too. In fact, do an entire A service on any vehicle unless you have the records.
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Re: Trans / Transfer Fluid Filling and Levels

Post by Buster1 » Thu Jul 22, 2021 7:20 pm

Gear oil pump! Of course! Makes sense. :roll:

I understand the trans is a little higher than the transfer, and fluid travels between the two. Does that tend to run the trans low and the transfer case over-filled a little? Does it matter which one you fill first?

Thanks for the advice!!
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Re: Trans / Transfer Fluid Filling and Levels

Post by dpcd67 » Thu Jul 22, 2021 7:21 pm

No. See the Lube order on page 52 of your TM9-8012; that tells you what to do and the frequency.
You realize that this is not a crew/operator task; your Organizational maintenance personnel will do this for you. Drivers help.
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Re: Trans / Transfer Fluid Filling and Levels

Post by Buster1 » Fri Jul 23, 2021 4:49 am

Okay, I’m missing that pub.

I’ve got the
1. Green Book
2. TM 9-804
3. TM 9-1804B Pwr train, Body, and frame (handbook size)
4. Service Manual for Universal Jeep Vehicles (CJ-2a, 3a, 3b, 5, 6, DJ-3a)

Appreciate the help. As soon as I can hire a maintenance team, I’ll stick solely to driving the Jeep. :mrgreen:
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Re: Trans / Transfer Fluid Filling and Levels

Post by g.keating » Fri Jul 23, 2021 7:39 am

you can find the manual for download on the willys m jeep site

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dpcd67
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Re: Trans / Transfer Fluid Filling and Levels

Post by dpcd67 » Fri Jul 23, 2021 1:52 pm

Sure, I turn over all maintenance actions to my Battalion Maintenance guys (meaning me).
That TM is the Operator's Manual and Org Maintenance; you need that one first.
For some; Organizational Maintenance is Company and Battalion. They are authorized to mostly perform PMCS; they repair very little. They can replace some minor parts. NO they can't change an engine or any other major component, contrary to popular belief. They are not trained nor equipped for that, and are not authorized to get the parts even if they were. The books say that they can do it IF permission is given from higher level of maintenance (Third Echelon, or DS Maint). Which they will never give.
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Re: Trans / Transfer Fluid Filling and Levels

Post by Ron D » Fri Jul 23, 2021 5:09 pm

Yes, that's all very nice (and important) exposure to past and current Army maintenance practices --- found in many Army TM's and Orders past and present........but.

Today --- it's your jeep --- and you're in charge of whatever it needs, not the Army.

Personally, I don't pick up a wrench before reading several tech manuals beforehand. None of them are hard to have on hand free download (or pay for print copy). In these forums, it's very easy to see who uses tech manuals and who doesn't, or can't be bothered to read and study them (before asking questions). Yes, sometimes the manuals are hard to decipher (even wrong), so there's nothing wrong with asking about that. And with more than 20 years of interweb posts to search (here and elsewhere)---- usually the truth (based on learned experience) will become clear.

I've also learned that vintage jeeps have no exemption either, like everything else with the interweb --- there's a lot of b.s. out there too.......stuff like the debate over whether (or not) the M151 is a "MUTT". :roll:

My 2 cents: I have to do my homework to maintain my 70 year old jeep. The Army is busy doing other things these days.... :shock: :lol:

I remain thankful for this forum !

Good luck!
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Re: Trans / Transfer Fluid Filling and Levels

Post by mdainsd » Fri Jul 23, 2021 6:24 pm

Ouch. Thats going to leave a mark...
52 M38 2X, '52 M37, '44 WC51, '42 WC 56/57, '50 CJ-V35(U), '42 GPW, '44 M3A1 Scout Car, 2010 M-Gator

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Re: Trans / Transfer Fluid Filling and Levels

Post by Ron D » Fri Jul 23, 2021 6:49 pm

Yes, somewhat over the top.......sorry about that. My apology....too late to delete now.

If we could swap stories over me buying a cold beverage I hope it would buff out and all could be forgiven.
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Re: Trans / Transfer Fluid Filling and Levels

Post by dpcd67 » Fri Jul 23, 2021 7:01 pm

Just outlining some maintenance doctrine for those who don't know.
As for a mutt???
People get real emotional over it.
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Re: Trans / Transfer Fluid Filling and Levels

Post by Sred » Thu Sep 09, 2021 11:03 am

Any particular GL4 weight or brand you have found is better? Also had someone tell me I should make sure it is Mineral gear oil :?:

Getting ready to tackle changing the transmission and transfer case oil. First time I have attempted this as I just got my M38 last fall

Saw some videos where they used a hand held pump to add the oil to make it easier to reach
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Re: Trans / Transfer Fluid Filling and Levels

Post by JMZ421 » Fri Sep 10, 2021 2:58 am

For Trans/Transfer I go to Tractor Supply and buy one of those big gallon Travelers Ford Tractor Transmission bottle SAE90 Mineral Oil. I believe it's
GL-1 You can buy a very cheap hand pump. Stick the suction hose right in bottle and pump away until the fluid flows out of the filler holes. Need to fill the transfer also the same way. From my research you need to be careful what type oil you put in as certain grades can damage the brass inside.
I have no issues with what I use. John

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Re: Trans / Transfer Fluid Filling and Levels

Post by Buster1 » Fri Sep 10, 2021 4:36 am

I ended up going with Sta-Lube gear oil, 85W90, GL-4. Amazon carries it at a good price and can get it to me in one day!

I then took the advice for someone above and used this pump, also on Amazon and was like $15. It screws right to the top of the oil bottle and works great! Zero mess!
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