Confused re Mercon, Mercon LV, XL12

[Machete]

Front transfer case oil. Ford!WTF!!! Which is it?!

https://torqueking.com/ford-full-size-4x4-transfer-case-fluids/

 

[ExplorerTom]

Either one. But you’ll probably not find XL-12. LV is the replacement.

 

[Machete]

Either one. But you’ll probably not find XL-12. LV is the replacement.

The LV bottle says “not for transfer case use”

 

[ExplorerTom]

The LV bottle says “not for transfer case use”

https://wwwqa.motorcraft.com/us/en_.../mercon-lv-automatic-transmission-fluids.html
3rd bullet down.

 

[Scott Carden]

Yes ford changed it to lv in all transfer cases. I’ve been running it in mine for three years now. It’s especially good for the electronic controlled cases with the AWD clutch packs.

 

[JExpedition07]

Just don’t touch LV if you have a 2007 or 2008. You can only use Mercon SP in the transmission and Mercon in tcase. SP is a special fluid you can only get from Ford too.

 

[Shantheman73]

Just don’t touch LV if you have a 2007 or 2008. You can only use Mercon SP in the transmission and then Mercon V for transfer case. SP is a special fluid you can only get from Ford too.

Ok…so I’m also confused. I did my rear diff today. I was going to do the transfer case. The manual calls for ‘Motorcraft Mercon ATF’. I went to auto parts store…and they claimed Mercon LV was what I needed. I’m not going to use it unless I know 100% it’s correct.
(2007 Limited 4x4).

So…is LV acceptable to use, or do I need to go to Ford and get Mercon ATF?

 

[JExpedition07]

Just get the general Mercon transmission fluid from another brand like valvoline. The T-case isn’t too picky and the manual calls for old fashioned Mercon. LV has been problematic where other fluids were called for.

 

[Shantheman73]

So I stopped by Ford yesterday to see if I could get a straight answer. Apparently the auto parts stores telling me LV is the replacement is wrong for my 2007. They said Mercon V (as JExpedition said) was correct fluid.
It was relatively easy to change the fluid. The hardest part was using a funnel to get the new fluid in.

 

[WEDGE]

XL-12 has been discontinued anyways

 

[JExpedition07]

Ford found LV’s additive pack is not good for the 6R75 and the 5R140 I think it is. So much so they literally brought SP back from the grave. Our torque converters were made for SP “shudder proof” fluid with more friction modifier. I’m not sure on the T-case being as picky but wouldn’t want to try it lol.

 

[jk247]

Just don’t touch LV if you have a 2007 or 2008. You can only use Mercon SP in the transmission and Mercon in tcase. SP is a special fluid you can only get from Ford too.

So for 2008 Expedition, don't use Mercon LV? What's the reason? Which do you recommend?