3.6L 4WD transmission and transfer case

Here’s a refined breakdown of the transfer cases and transmissions commonly found on Dodge vehicles with the 3.6L 4WD transmission and transfer case setup: 

3.6L 4WD transmission and transfer case (T‑case)

NV246 / BW44‑45 (Electric‑shift, Single‑Speed)

• Used on Ram 1500 (2012+), Dodge Journey, Durango, Challenger GT/AWD, etc.

• Electronically shifted with a 2WD/4WD-Auto/4WD gear range. No low-range gear.

• Common part numbers include BW44‑45, BW44‑44, NV246.

• Rebuilt or used units range from ~$200–500 USD online

Maintenance Tip: Fill with ATF+4 fluid — e.g. ~2.5 pt for NP231, similar capacity .

 Automatic Transmissions

ZF 8HP Families (8HP45, 845RE/850RE/8HP70 etc.)

• 8‑speed automatics used in 2013–23 Ram 1500 (3.6L 4WD transmission and transfer case), Dodge Challenger, Charger, Durango AWD, Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6 L

• Modern wide-ratio transmissions with electronic control modules.

 Manual Transmission (Less Common)

TREMEC TR‑4050 (5‑speed manual)

• A heavy-duty manual used in Ram 3500/4000, some Dodge trucks, paired to 4WD.

• Capable: 600 lb-ft torque rating, Chrysler transfer case bolt pattern

 Troubles & Common Issues

• Leakage/failing seals between transmission and transfer case (e.g. 2004 Dakota V8)

• T‑case engagement issues: not shifting modes until backing up.

• Rebuilt transmissions sometimes shift erratically (e.g. 2017 3.6 L Ram)

 Compatibility Notes

• Transmissions swapped from 2WD to 4WD require matching transfer-case-ready bellhousing and output shaft — cannot mix without modifications

• When doing swaps, ensure the transmission tailhousing can accept your T‑case and that drive shafts match length.

 Example Specs

 Recommendations

1. Check part numbers stamped on your T‑case/transmission and look them up (e.g., NV246, BW44‑45, ZF‑8HP45).

2. Fluid maintenance: Use ATF+4, and top up to spec.

3. Symptom diagnosis: If the transfer case isn’t engaging, could be software, faulty actuator, or seals.

4. Swapping/transplanting units: Match bolt pattern + ensure electronics/TCM compatibility.

Would you like to dive deeper into specs for a particular model (e.g. 2015 Ram 1500), see part numbers, fluid capacities, or get troubleshooting steps for a specific symptom?

Here’s a more detailed look at the 3.6L 4WD transmission and transfer case and the ZF‑8-speed automatic transmission:

3.6L 4WD transmission and transfer cases (T‑cases)

NV246 (aka BW44‑45 series)

• Common in 2013+ Ram 1500 V6 AWD/4WD, Durango 3.6L AWD, Challenger/Charger GT AWD.

• Uses Mopar Transfer Case Lubricant, part number 05179014AA, approximately 4 pints (1.9 L) Service: Drain & refill to fill plug, torque plugs to ~20–34 N·m; top off until it trickles

BW44/BW48 (BorgWarner)

• Found on 2011–2024 Ram 1500 (especially fleet/heavy duty variants).

• Use ATF+4 (Mopar MS‑9602); capacity ~1.4 L (1.47 qt) for BW44 ≤2018, ~1.3 L (1.8 qt) for newer BW48, ~1.9 qt for TRX NVG246

NVG246

• Less common (2006–2012); requires unique NVG246 transfer case fluid part 5179014AA. Capacity ~1.9 qt

• Drain/refill every 80,000–90,000 mi, or earlier (30–40k mi) for heavy use/off‑roading .

 ZF 3.6L 4WD transmission and transfer case (TorqueFlite/TorqueFlite8 – 845RE/850RE/8HP45/50)

Specs

• Manufactured by ZF, branded as Chrysler TorqueFlite 8

• For 3.6L 4WD transmission and transfer case V6 Ram (2013–2024), it’s the 8HP45 (Chrysler code 845RE later 850RE) rated to ~450 Nm torque

Fluid

• Uses ZF Lifeguard 8 or equivalent ATF certified for 8‑speed (Mopar PN 68218925AB/AA, etc.)

Capacity & Service

• Total fluid capacity ~8.8 L, filter change and fluid replacement recommended every 60,000 km (≈37k mi) per ZF; Ram sometimes labels it “lifetime” but service is advised DIY tips: Fill with rear leveled ~9–10″ lifted, to ~5.5 L; run to warm, then top off .

Reliability & Community Feedback On 3.6L 4WD transmission and transfer case

• Highly regarded:

  “They’re used in Hellcats to BMW… super solid trans.” Fluid change costs can be high (~$800–$1,100 at the dealer)

 Summary Table

 Recommendations

1. Identify your transfer case – Check the ID tag stamped on rear housing (look for NV246, BW44, NVG246)

2. Use the correct fluid – NV246 needs Mopar TC fluid; BW44/BW48 use ATF+4; ZF trans needs ZF-approved ATF.

3. Follow correct procedure – Drain/refill to bottom of fill plug, torque to spec; transmission needs level fill and proper warm-up.

4. Schedule preventative service – T‑case every ~80k mi; transmission every ~37k mi despite “lifetime” labeling.

Would you like step‑by‑step instructions for fluid change, torque specs, or trouble‑shooting common issues? Let me know your vehicle year/model and any symptoms you’re experiencing!