Hi all,

I just picked up a 96 Montero SR last Monday and I've been baselining the maintenance since then but I've got a couple of questions.

I have the FSM and it specifies 75w-85w oil for the transfer case. I've never seen that viscosity before and the Napa I went to didn't have it. What do you guys use there?

When I first leave the driveway and the truck is cold, the transmission holds onto 1st for way too long and then it shifts pretty hard. This only happens when its cold. The fluid is dark brown so I'm planning on changing the fluid and filter. Do I need to use the Mitsubishi fluid or is the trans just as happy with Dextron II?

Final question: When I first pull out of the driveway, there is a deep whirring noise that comes from the passenger side of the firewall. It sounds very close to a Ford's power steering pump. I also noticed it makes that same noise while braking offroad and then the brake pedal gets very soft. My best guess is something to do with the ABS. My rotors feel warped so I think that may have something to do with it. I'll be getting them turned soon. Should I be looking at anything else?

Thanks in advance.

75-85 weight is available. Keep looking. There is a strong concensus on here that Mitsu atf is highly preferred. Many stories of problems with dexronIII (I would never use dexron II in that tranny).

I'd suspect a hanging TV cable from throttle to tranny on the funky shift.

I think you are right on the abs. Pull the abs fuse and see what happens.

That fluid does exist for the Xcase. If none of your local parts stores have it in stock, they can probably order it.

As for your transmission problem, there's lots of experience on the forums on using various fluids in Mitsu tranny's. My theory is that there are probably non-mitsu ATF fluids that will work fine in the transmission, however I'm not willing to risk having to rebuild my tranny by not using the correct fluid so if you want to be safe, use Mitsu ATF.

Also the filter is a screen filter and can sometimes be cleaned versus replaced but if you're gonna be removing it to clean anyway, I'd rather just put in a new one unless I really couldn't afford one.

Sorry, not sure what might be wrong with your brakes but I'm sure someone here will be able to help.

Last but not least, be sure to read up the FAQ thread. Lots of good info there including where to download a pdf copy of your factory service manual (FSM).

HTH. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />