OSU4Runner

Ok guys, I changed all the fluids today, and when I got to the front diff, I was faced with the infamous hex plug. The fill plug was already pretty tore up, but I cleaned it out good and gave it a shot with the 10mm hex. To make a long story short, its now completely stripped out .....so I just left the drain plug alone. So what are my options? Should I take it to the dealership to have it removed with a tap and dye? Don't have a set myself, and I don't wanna deal with the headache. I hate the front plugs!!!!! Will a 24mm 6 point plug fit on the front diff? I'd really like to get rid of them.

MTL_4runner

Just let a garage deal with that if it is that stripped.

toytech76

if its just the inside part thats stripped, go get a air chisel and make a notch in the side, then hit it counter clockwise to spin it out

YodaPala

Hells yeah, that always works for me!

OSU4Runner

Ya the only problem is I don't have an air chisel!!

Skrillah

x2 on let it be someone elses headache...

If you were using a 10mm hex, that may have been your problem, i thought they were 12mm?? I can't remember and I'd have to go look but I know I had to buy a special one from sears cause they didn't come in the sets...

OSU4Runner

I think the early 3rd gens were 12mm, thats what I've heard. 2000 and on the were 10mm.

Elton

yea i tried to change my front diff fuild got that 10mm hex in there good and tight and tried it with breaker bar well its pretty much trashed no way ur getting it off i really wish they would of use a bolt like the rear why they didint not sure

OSU4Runner

Anyone know if the 24mm plugs in the TC and rear diff will fit the front diff? I'd really like to get rid of these hex plugs!

Elton

yea that hex plug wrose idea ever my freinds chevy is pretty cool u just stick the 3/8'' ratchet in there

RunnerUp

i dont believe they will, i stripped mine out also so i took it to toyota and they said negative... not that that makes it true, but its what they said

bwhyit

You don't have to have an air chisel. Just use a chisel and a hammer. I had the same problem and it worded for me.

digitalracer

I welded a big fat nut to mine because the same thing happened to me . I just found one that was about the same size as the drain plug and welded it on. Works like a champ and for all intents and purposes it now has a 6 point socket head on it...just another option for you, hope it helps.

One_96TR4

Yes the rear plug WILL fit. I stripped my rear plug and had to order a new one. When I went to pick it up it was a front plug. I couldn't afford to have my truck down for another day so I put it on. Needless to say I'll be ordering a new one and swapping it out once it warms up. Good Luck.

dirtoyboy

I cant believe all these guys are saying to take it somewhere!



air chisel would be the best...

try some extraction sockets like these



welding to the plug would be next..

If you dont have an air chisel you can also use a chisel and BFH

bwhyit

Don't know about all the years but I've got a 98 and the fill plug is aluminum. Don't think trying to weld it is a good idea.

MTL_4runner

Someone must have replaced it then.
Most of them are cad plated steel.

GrillmasterP

Extraction kit like that won't work on the Toy Front diff fill or drain plug-
Its a flush head with a hex recess.



We welded a lug nut to my bro's front diff drain plug after I broke 2 3/8" drive craftsman 10 hex bit sockets - (I recommend 1/2" drive and impact)

Unfortunately, for the OP, the fill plug is harder to reach than the drain plug.

OSU4Runner

I'll probably just take it to a shop. There isn't much room in front of the fill plug to work with a chisel and BFH

MTL_4runner

Smart man........it's not worth the agravation.
They'll probably just hammer in a larger hex socket and zip it out with an impact gun anyway.