98+ Ranger 4x4's have a D35 front differential that is positioned with its cover plate right up next to a crossmember. That makes it impossible to pull the cover to change the diff fluid in the usual way. The procedure in the factory manual is to use a pump to remove the fluid through the fill hole.

I drilled and tapped the diff case for this low profile motorcycle drain plug to make it easier to do fluid changes. It is tucked up next to and behind two heavy stiffening ribs in the diff case which should make it safe enough for the offroading I usually do. I might someday make set of diff skid plates and include an access hole to the plug.

This type of drain plug is not for every truck. The aluminum case is thin (~3/16") and it would be easy enough to strip the threads if you treated it like the fill plug. I know its limitations and nobody works on my truck but me so I think it will live.

 

u wernt worried about metal shavings in the diff case?

good idea tho, seems simple enough

 

Good job, Bob! I don't have a D35 front diff (or any front diff yet for that matter) but I like it.

I have the Explorer finned aluminum rear cover and I really appreciate the drain plug in it.

 

looks good bob that will definatly make the job easier, i actually dont think it is too bad just to drop the whole diff and drain it. but it will require some help from a friend.

was the oil even dirty? I had mine changed at 40k miles and it wasnt bad at all. and i changed it again when i did the gears and it still wasnt dirty.

 

I did it off the truck so no shavings to worry about. A brave person might drill it in place and flush the shaving out through the drain hole. I guess I'm not that brave.

 

i c, thats good u did it off the truck.

 

Props Bob. You been hitting the mods hard lately. Nice to see. Plus it gives everyone else some ideas.

 

how do u drop the diff?
1)so i can drain and fill the fluid possibly make a drain hole
and also
2) so if/when i get a front locker i know how to drop it..

 

This covers it:
https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ad.php?t=29506

 

thanks

 

Nicely done, that is a great idea

 

Cool I dont have a front diff but cool idea!