Hey guys, I'm attempting to change the diff's and transfer to Mobile 1 syn, and last night I started with the rear diff. I first sprayed some deep creep (seafoam) onto both bolts and let sit for about half an hour. I was able to get the drain bolt off with some force, but the fill bolt was a b#%ch and didn't get it off for fear off stripping the bolt. I was using a 24mm 6pt. socket, I sprayed the fill bolt some more and let it sit overnight. When I get home today I am going to try again.

Does anyone have any suggestions for getting the bolt off without stripping it. My next step is going to be strapping a stick of dynamite to it!

Really appreciate all the help guys, thnks!

 

I just did my 04, and it wasn't to bad. I used a 1/2 Rachet and was able to bust them with A LOT of force. You are using the correct socket of course so I wouldn't fear stripping it. Put a impact on it if you have to.

I retorqued mine to 25 lbs for the fill plug and 35lbs for the drainplug. Thats what I read to do on other sites for Tacomas.

 

Yeah, i'm going to try again with the socket when I get home, hopefully the deep creep will have penetrated some. I was curious about trying vise grips also. I don't have any air tools here at the house.

 

Try the vice grips if you can get them on there, or try a chisel and bang at the bolt from an angle. If you have to get to that point you might want to replace it and not reuse one that's chewed up.

Just a hint for next time, and for anyone else reading this, always remove the fill bolt first. That way you don't get stuck with a truck that can't be driven because you can't refill the diff.

 

Clean off all the penetrant you can and heat (hot as you can, glowing red) it with a propane torch and give it a few good whacks with a flat hammer (flat noseed so you dont damage the plug) use a 6 point socket unless you have an alan key drain plug. and once you get it out be sure to put anti-sieze or heavy grease on the threads

 

Thanks for all the info, yall have given me some diff. avenues of approach to tackle this little problem. If I still can't get the bolt off with the socket or vise grips, I'm going to give it a few whacks with a hammer.

 

Well guys, I am glad to say the fill bolt finally came off, I took it to my brother who has access to a lift and we were able to get enough leverage to turn the bolt, also got the bolts for the front diff and transfer case turned as well. Just finsihed the rear diff draining and filling with mobil 1 syn 75-90 and will get to the front diff and transfer case tomorrow. Thanks everyone for the input.

 

I did mine last month. I actually had to take it to the stealer, I did EVERYTHING I could to get it off. Torch,pb blaster,vise grips,24mm,hammered it, it was such a bitch,tried it for 2 days no luck I used so much force that I farted(whoops) thats when I knew I couldn't to it no more. I bought 3 quarts of syn fluid for a $33.00 at NAPA. The dealer did it for me w/ a new bolt for $50.00

 

I know the feeling, I first tried getting it off just laying underneath the truck, but I was right up against both bolts and all I was doing was stripping the fill bolt trying to turn the socket. I soaked it with deep creep and still no luck. Standing up underneath the truck with some force, it turned and I figured I better make sure I can get the other bolts while we were under there as well.