- Jun 25, 2014
- 84
Good evening everyone,
So I've been doing maintenance on the truck and had planned on changing differential fluids along with replacing trannie filter. First was the front differential, but couldn't budge the bolt even with 18" breaker bar. I moved to the rear differential and noticed the fill plug was stripped already, but I still tried to get it out with 1/2" breaker and 3/8 adapter. No luck. I finished up the trannie filter no problems. I did the transfer case no problem because Grease Monkey, who stripped the rear diff plug, also left the TC plug so loose it was leaking. Will never go to another oil change place like Grease monkey again, I had a darn coupon and thought I was saving 10 bucks.
Here's my questions:
I've read on here and other forums that I can try to use an air chisel to hit rear plug in a counter clockwise direction to break it loose. I understand the concept but I'm curious as to the proper technique. What chisel bit would work best? A narrower flat head or the fattest flathead that will fit in the plug? Any certain air pressure setting to start at, ie. full pressure or turn the pressure down? Should I gently tap the plug's sides or really go at it? I figure I should slowly tap while trying to work it left, as not to damage differential housing. Where to find a new replacement plug, and which metal to get brass, steel or aluminum?
Are harbor freight air hammers and chisels capable to do this job? What are the dangers of trying this method?
I don't have access to any welding equipment nor do I possess any welding skills, so I would have to pay a shop to weld an extension on or do anything like that. Honestly, I'd rather buy a new cover for $159 before paying $ 60-80 to have bolt removed.
Also, would a impact wrench work to get the front differential plug out if my next attempt with breaker bar and longer extension fails? I'm going to try to get better leverage outside the wheel well area with a couple of borrowed longer extensions and my breaker bar, but curious if a pneumatic torque wrench would work or just strip it out. I'll be using a six sided 18mm socket.
Edit:
I've also heard of heating up a bolt and then applying wax to get out a stuck bolt. Could a propane torch heat up rear plug enough to use the wax trick? I really do not want to try getting under truck on ramps and using a torch at all, but if it comes to that I might.
So I've been doing maintenance on the truck and had planned on changing differential fluids along with replacing trannie filter. First was the front differential, but couldn't budge the bolt even with 18" breaker bar. I moved to the rear differential and noticed the fill plug was stripped already, but I still tried to get it out with 1/2" breaker and 3/8 adapter. No luck. I finished up the trannie filter no problems. I did the transfer case no problem because Grease Monkey, who stripped the rear diff plug, also left the TC plug so loose it was leaking. Will never go to another oil change place like Grease monkey again, I had a darn coupon and thought I was saving 10 bucks.
Here's my questions:
I've read on here and other forums that I can try to use an air chisel to hit rear plug in a counter clockwise direction to break it loose. I understand the concept but I'm curious as to the proper technique. What chisel bit would work best? A narrower flat head or the fattest flathead that will fit in the plug? Any certain air pressure setting to start at, ie. full pressure or turn the pressure down? Should I gently tap the plug's sides or really go at it? I figure I should slowly tap while trying to work it left, as not to damage differential housing. Where to find a new replacement plug, and which metal to get brass, steel or aluminum?
Are harbor freight air hammers and chisels capable to do this job? What are the dangers of trying this method?
I don't have access to any welding equipment nor do I possess any welding skills, so I would have to pay a shop to weld an extension on or do anything like that. Honestly, I'd rather buy a new cover for $159 before paying $ 60-80 to have bolt removed.
Also, would a impact wrench work to get the front differential plug out if my next attempt with breaker bar and longer extension fails? I'm going to try to get better leverage outside the wheel well area with a couple of borrowed longer extensions and my breaker bar, but curious if a pneumatic torque wrench would work or just strip it out. I'll be using a six sided 18mm socket.
Edit:
I've also heard of heating up a bolt and then applying wax to get out a stuck bolt. Could a propane torch heat up rear plug enough to use the wax trick? I really do not want to try getting under truck on ramps and using a torch at all, but if it comes to that I might.