The rear axle has a recess at the bottom near the diff cover that would be the perfect place to put a drain plug except that it would point towards the ground and would likely be ripped out if it struck a rock. I'm wondering if the front diff has a similar recess where a mechanically inclined individual could install a drain plug. The front doesn't hang down as far as the rear and would be much less likely to hit a rock and since it's the axle that's most difficult to remove the diff cover, it would make sense to have a drain plug.

If anyone has had their front diff apart and knows the answer, please let me know.

 

hmm, youd probably have to pop the cover anyway to clean out any metal shavings from drilling the hole. if you drill and tap a hole to fit a pipe thread plug, like the fill plug, and it sits flush in the housing of the diff, it shouldnt interfere with anything on the inside anyway. same goes for the rear, if you get a threaded plug like the fill one, and thread it in flush, it wouldnt stick out from the diff and you wouldnt have to worry about knocking it off

 

Keep in mind that those plugs use an NPT thread and must be "tapered" to fit in the hole properly. You would need to ensure that the plug fits flush, or nearly so, when tight. The tapered threads have a "seating" action that makes a tight seal to prevent leaks. This allows the plug to become "tight" without bottoming out against anything.

If you use conventional tool and die stuff you will end up with a bolt and nut and you will have to "bottom out" the plug to tighten it, and it might still leak.

 

TRS sells some diff covers made (REALLY strong I hear) by a member of the site. Some have drain plugs. Here is a picture of one and you can see the plug at the bottom.

 

I've seen kits to install a drain plug in a transmission pan and was considering one of those. I'm planning on installing the plug if I open the diff to install a locker. I don't know if I'll get around to doing that, but if so, and if the recess is in the diff housing, then I'll look into it.

Thanks.

 

john youre right, i was thinking about that tapered thing when i was posting that, but didnt mention it.

tom, if youre going to use an ATF pan kit, *most* of those are designed for sheet metal pans, it would be better to put that on the diff cover if you can, which may be easier because if you didnt have clearance you could get a little torch and hammer friendly with the cover to make a nice place to put it

 

DAMN what a cover!!! how much is that thing?

 

From what I hear you could land on a nuke and it would still be standing. I think it was $130 with drain plug and $120 without. Currently Jim, owner of TRS, isn't taking orders due to an accident. He doesn't make them but he processes everything. Another board member makes them which is kool because he knows what people want. Check out therangerstation.com for more info. When they are available again I'll be getting one for mine in black....

 

I am a member over at TRS but the liks for products is down.....
That thing looks sweet, larger for more oil capacity and a bottom drain plug - PERFECT!!

 

Yeah it's down until Jim recovers. Once it's back in business I'll be getting one to install when I install a locker...looks very good.