[turtle1025]

I'm trying to remove the filler plug on the front differential, the plug looks square. I've tried removing it with a crescent wrench with no luck. I'm afraid in order to get it out, I'll strip it.

I've been looking all over, can't find the replacement part. ANYONE KNOW? Please help

 

[Gunfixr]

Usually, such plugs have a standard taper pipe thread, so, worst case scenario, you can get one similar at a hardware store. Might be zinc plated, but it'll work.

 

[packagerjr]

If it’s a square head you can buy an 8-point socket to give you more contact area. The right size 12 point may also fit. If it’s a recessed head I think I used a 3/8 or 1/2 extension.

 

[packagerjr]

To add to @Gunfixr , you may round the head but doubt you’ll strip the threads.

Impact wrench would really help too.

 

[Kingfish999]

think diff and t-case plugs are all just a 1/2" NPT thread.

remeber it doesnt need to be that tight so dont crank it on too tight

 

[turtle1025]

Would've been so much easier if it was recessed. Yea i tried fitting a 12 point socket in there. It fit, but was afraid i'd just round it. I'll try using my impact with the 12 point.
Mine looks like the one on the left:

So nobody makes a replacement plug? Just too generic?

 

[Kingfish999]

Would've been so much easier if it was recessed.

you say that until you strip one out. at least having an external head, theres alwatys something to grab even if tis rounded

 

[cdmck]

you say that until you strip one out. at least having an external head, theres alwatys something to grab even if tis rounded

Yep! At work I prefer to use the external head plugs on conduit. Worse comes to worse, you can always put a pipe wrench on it.

 

[Gunfixr]

This is one of the places where the correct open end wrench, or even a well tightened adjustable wrench works great. Not to mention, closed end wrenches are 12 point.

 

[fordbronco1995]

Use a big pipe wrench, should get it broke loose.

 

[turtle1025]

Finally got it loose with a big ass pipe wrench, square nub still intact . Looks like some parts of the threads on the bolt are chipped/ridged, not even sure how that'd happen. Also why would someone tighten it that much? When I re-bolted it back on I hand tightened and gave it a little extra for a snug fit.

Thanks everyone for the help!

 

[turtle1025]

Also how black is the differential oil suppose to be? It was super dark.

 

[dash_cam]

lol...gear oil is originally not black at all.

 

[94Wronco]

Your gear oil will discolored with use but it shouldn't look like oil. Either it is heating up or you have contamination. Is your breather still attached and up above the frame?

 

[turtle1025]

Your gear oil will discolored with use but it shouldn't look like oil. Either it is heating up or you have contamination. Is your breather still attached and up above the frame?

The hoses going into the axle? I should check. thanks!

 

[fordbronco1995]

If it is black thats ok but it needs changed, black is better than chocolate milk

 

[94Wronco]

Black is definitely better than brown to an extent... Brown usually indicates water with the oil. Depending on what brand you use you oil can start its life as light translucent gold or even blue. But normally black, that smells pretty strong, mostly in the front end, may indicate a broken axle seal which the oil is leaking. The grease may appear on the housing coming through the steering knuckles, which can also damage the knuckles.

 

[turtle1025]

Black is definitely better than brown to an extent... Brown usually indicates water with the oil. Depending on what brand you use you oil can start its life as light translucent gold or even blue. But normally black, that smells pretty strong, mostly in the front end, may indicate a broken axle seal which the oil is leaking. The grease may appear on the housing coming through the steering knuckles, which can also damage the knuckles.

The smell wasn't any worse than the new stuff I put in (i sniffed both cause gear oil smells weird to me). I didn't see any leaks or any grease around the housing, although I did notice dirt/grime in the bottom lip just underneath the pumpkin.

 

[turtle1025]

Last update:
Never found an actual aftermarket part. Cleaned up and re-used the old one, no leaks so I guess that's that.