Crux

So while trying to do the 120k mile maintenance on my truck the rear diff plug got rounded off. Guess I shouldn't have used a 12-point 24mm socket. After doing a little searching it looks like a 6-point would have been better, but the metal is so soft on those plugs =\


Anyways some people mentioned that I can use this as a replacement plug:
90341-18021 Plug w/magnet
90430-18008 Gasket, tranny/transfer

http://www.marlincrawler.com/images/plug&socket_500.jpg

Does anyone know for sure if that will fit the rear diff fill/drain plug on a '97 4Runner?

da_bigg_wigg

I can't help you with whether or not that will fit, but it definitely seems like a good idea. Mine is in rough shape from someone using either a 12 point or a crescent wrench, but I can still get it off with ease with my 6 point. I am a little worried that one day I might not be so lucky, so I'm interested to see if this will fit as well.

MTL_4runner

Can't you just get a new one at the dealer then use a 6-point on it?.....am I missing something?

garrett1478

AFAIK it will fit. i have some sitting around that i havent gotten around to swapping in yet, so i havent done it yet, but im almost postive they do...

if he lands the OEM plug on a rock, it can make it hard to remove. using an allen socket prevents that from happening...

BajaRunner

I was wondering if others were having that same problem. My diff plug got rounded off after one time of taking an impact wrench to it

MTL_4runner

I should have thought of that. :pat:

kcebes

Mine started to round off using a 24mm 12 point then i switched to a 6 point real quick and it came off perfectly.

My front diff plug is another story though. It's broken a 10mm apex bit socket, twisted another one...then I finally stripped the hole. I'm still not sure how i'm going to get that plug out.

GSGALLANT

Buy a bolt with a "large enough" head on it (say... to fit a 17mm wrench, for example). Cut the bolt so that you have just the head + approx 1/2 inch of shaft left. Weld the shaft part of the bolt onto the fill plug, then use a wrench on the bolt head to get the plug out. Install your new plug with a bit of never seize on the threads, and you're done. You can also do this by welding a nut onto the plug instead of the short bolt, but the bolt method gives you more room to weld.

Crux

Well I finally got that stupid plug out.

I had to buy this special bolt remover kit that went up to 24mm size (could only find it on the internet)

http://www.monstronix.com/kdt3630-p-63618.html

Pounded that bolt remover on the rounded and mashed diff plug, got a 1/2" drive + 2' long break bar and presto! Off it came.

What a hassle.

I replaced the plug with the 10mm hex bit mentioned above and it worked fine:

90341-18021 Plug w/magnet
90430-18008 Gasket, tranny/transfer

4x4Lamm

Vice Grips did the trick for me!

Lamm

Crux

Yeah, I tried vice grips, hammer and chisel, and cursing at it.

Nothing worked.

The dealer that did the diff change previously must have used air tools or something to (over)tighten it.

I also put some anti-seize on it so I don't have any problems next time.

RunnerUp

i know this thread is old, but its very relevant to my current problem. and i didnt want to start a new thread just for this. i have been using a 12pt. 24mm to undo the bolt to change my diff fluid, of course 110k later the plug is getting a little rounded, needless to say, i need a 24mm 6 pt socket, of which i have none... i went to sears and went on sears.com to search for a 24mm socket but neither location had it in a 6pt. anyone know if i just cant search properly or what. i gotta change this fluid and do the diff breather mod before friday (have to drive 150 miles to tallahassee this weeknd) so any help would be greatly appreciated.

i managed to get the fill plug out with a pair of pliers, but cant get the drain plug out the same way.

thanks in advance yotatech

wjwerdna

go to a NAPA store and try there

or any random auto store, but I feel that NAPA would be better, after all, when I bought my craftsmen mechanics tool set, it came with a couple napa wrenches... lol oops

RunnerUp

i tried my local lowes/advance auto parts/walmart/sears, to no avail. i mean i cant even find it on sears.com

tomorrow ill go to napa and try

gpcollen1

MAybe I am the only one but it is hard for me to imagine that some people cannot get the bolt off. I can see if you strip it without thinking to begin withbut some seem to not be that adept at auto work - and that is cool but others need to weld another bolt on? ANyone ever tried locking pliers and then pipe on top of that? You can get a ton of torque on a monster pair of channel locks with the good body position. Praying with PB and tapping for half an hour? Is it really that bad? Please, I have to know!

SoiledGreen98

I use an impact socket from Harbor Freight. $10 for the whole set. Cheap but effective. I would be leary(sp?) of using an Allen head as i have scraped it on rocks and had to file it down to get it off. i don't know how you would do that with an Allen.

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

You need to replace the OEM with some of these:


Magnetic Drain Plug
Magnetic Drain Plugs are a great way of keeping metal from building up in the oil. Low profile design uses recessed 10mm Allen socket. Your choice of Aluminum or steel washers. Aluminum washers are designed for transfer cases, and aluminum transmissions (G, W & R series). Steel washer is designed for axle housings and steel transmissions (L series).

http://www.wabfab.org/products/diffe...ferentials.htm