transfer case, differential, and transmission oil/fluid

[nick_russo]

Hello Everyone,

Thanks for the great advice. Thanks to you guys I have replaced brakes, tie rod (inner and outer), catalytic converter and almost the spark plugs. This board has saved me hundreds of dollars in maintenance bills and to show my appreciation I have sent you all a small check (it's in the mail so don't ask for it).

The reason I never changed the plugs is because I read about all the oil sludge problems so I took the ML into Baker (local dealer) to have the harmonic balancer replaced and have an oil consumption test done. Well as it turned out; my engine was just about overhauled and they replaced the plugs at that time. I think I ended up spending about $1,500 for additional parts that weren’t covered but I think it was well worth it for the amount of work that was done.

Now it’s running fine and I couldn’t be happier but here comes my questions:

Transfer case:
Q Seams easy enough, just pull the plug, let it drain, and fill from the fill hole?
Q. What weight/brand fluid does everyone recommend use?


Differential
Q. Same questions as the transfer case

Transmission:
I’m about to change the fluid and purchased:
9qts MB fluid
Dipstick
New dipstick plug
Filter
Gasket
Q. Do I need anything else?
Q. While I thought it appeared to be strait forward, after reading Gilly's comments I am more than slightly frightened. I spoke to Ron in SC last year and said it was fairly simple but now I read I need to have the transmission probed at differenent temperatures to ensure the correct level. Is there any way I can do this CORRECTLY myself?

PS My ML currently has 129000 miles and we are in SC

Thanks for you help and remember the check it in the mail