So I've listened to everyone saying how I should make sure I can remove the plug before draining the rear diff. I cannot. What I think (?) is the plug has been dented (orange arrow) and I cant even get a purchase with the 3/8. Any Ideas on how to get this thing off? I've got a fluid leak and Im pretty much shipwrecked until I can get this sorted out.

You can thank all the salt on the roads up here in Eastern Canada for all of that beautiful rust.

Thanks

 

order a new diff cover with a drain and fill plug so you don't have to worry about it.

 

I think you accidentally posted a picture of the remains of the titanic.

 

Get a torch and begin the heating.

 

That's not a bad idea... fairly expensive option but it'd likely be the easiest way!

Soak it good with some sort of penetrating fluid and clean it up as best you can.

 

can try grinding it down and welding in a bolt. Another option is to fill ziplock bags with the gear oil and put those in before the cover goes on. The bags will break open and the plastic will just get ground up. The new cover is the best option tho

 

Hahaha. That's what I thought from the thumbnail.

 

heat that thing cherry red

 

That's really outside the box. I'd personally rather do it the right way, but most people don't have torches in their garage. I like it.

 

zip lock bags with oil in them inside the diff?

You cant be serious!

 

not saying I recomend it but I have seen it done. I actually opened that diff up several months after and the bags were just shredded.

 

So did you heat that plug up to get it out yet?

 

Given how that is, its the fill plug.

Order a cover with both, as you need to pull the cover to drain it.

 

If worst came to worst, couldnt you add your own fill plug in the cover? I dont see why not. Would have to make sure its at the correct level and then get a pipe tap. I think its 3/8" npt. Havent had my cover off in a few years, but I'm pretty sure the stocker is thick enough for it. Anyone know how thick it is?

 

No chance of getting the fill plug out. Cleaned/Heated/Pen. Oil. No luck. I'm pretty worried about the oil level, and we have nowhere nearby that could supply a cover with a plug, so I'm going to fill through the ABS sensor hole. Does anyone know how much oil i'm looking at, as i won't be able to see the hole? I have to figure this is better then filling my diff with ziploc bags.

 

I did do a little research on the ziploc bag trick, and what I found is that yeah it is a last resort, but in a pinch it can get you somewhere to have what you need done, like if you need to get it to a shop. But why not ORDER a rear diff cover with the plug? have it there in 2 days? or even take your old cover to a shop and have them tap a filler hole in the cover.

 

Anyone know if you can use "Hefty" brand ziplock bags or does it have to be genuine "Ziplock" brand. You guys crack me up.

LMFAO

 

As long as its not leaking you rally have no worries unless you went swimming in the truck.


I have heard some ford techs claim these things are sealed for life. So if it aint broke you dont need to fix it.

I would pull the abs sensor, stick in a clear tube and check the level and color. Before you get your panties in a bunch over this.

 

I'd definatly go with the new diff cover with both plugs, or a new axle - not sure if I'd trust the rest of it very long looking like that..

 

Then they don't know how to read. It's in every maintenance manual I've ever seen for Fords, including the Ranger manual.