Does anyone know if there’s a better option for the differential drain and fill plugs on a Jeep JK? The stock ones are so awkward with the indent. Is there something like a male plug that’s easier to work with when changing fluid?
Are you asking for a male plug so you can use a socket? The problem with that is it might stick out and get caught on rocks or other stuff. The 3/8 drive works fine for the job.
Emerson said:
Are you asking for a male plug so you can use a socket? The problem with that is it might stick out and get caught on rocks or other stuff. The 3/8 drive works fine for the job.
Yeah, I get that now. I just got around to changing the fluid after having this Jeep for a year, and the plugs are totally stuck. I was thinking about making it easier for next time, but I plan to change it more often now. Do you think using a blowtorch to loosen them would work?
@Jessie
Are you talking about the fill plug on the cover or the drain plug on the housing?
Emerson said:
@Jessie
Are you talking about the fill plug on the cover or the drain plug on the housing?
Both the drain and fill plugs are completely stuck on both the front and rear.
@Jessie
The usual advice is to make sure you can loosen the fill plug before pulling the drain plug. But even if the drain plug is stuck, you can always drain by pulling off the cover.
Here’s what I’d do: Get a good 3/8" breaker bar and try to free the plugs. If the breaker bar head doesn’t fit, use a short extension for clearance. Make sure the 3/8" drive fits perfectly to avoid rounding off the plug. You can also try heating the diff housing around the plug to expand it a bit.
@Emerson
Thanks for the advice! I’ll try the plugs first, and if that fails, I’ll move to the covers. Thinking of grabbing new MOPAR plugs to replace these in case I mess them up.
Jessie said:
@Emerson
Thanks for the advice! I’ll try the plugs first, and if that fails, I’ll move to the covers. Thinking of grabbing new MOPAR plugs to replace these in case I mess them up.
If you spray them with a ton of PB Blaster and let it sit overnight, then use a 2-foot breaker bar with a 3/8" adapter, they’ll come out without much effort. How old is your Jeep? You might not even need to buy new plugs.
@Peyton
Thanks, I’ll try that. Hopefully, it works without needing replacements.
@Jessie
Using a blowtorch near anything with oil and air might not be the safest idea.
Westley said:
@Jessie
Using a blowtorch near anything with oil and air might not be the safest idea.
Yeah, that was my concern too, but I’ve seen mechanics recommend it.
Just use a 3/8. Maybe add some anti-seize on the threads next time. I’ve never had a plug so stuck that some muscle couldn’t fix it.
Wait until you deal with old transfer case plugs… you’ll appreciate the simplicity of the 3/8" diff plug!
Consider getting an aftermarket diff cover.
If your stock cover is too messed up to reuse, I’ve got at least one original I can send you if you cover shipping.
Clarke said:
If your stock cover is too messed up to reuse, I’ve got at least one original I can send you if you cover shipping.
Thanks! I’ll reach out if I need it.
Check out ARB diff covers. They’ve got drain and fill plugs, and they’re heavy-duty for off-road use. Pair it with a Lube Locker gasket, and you’re good to go.
Frost said:
Check out ARB diff covers. They’ve got drain and fill plugs, and they’re heavy-duty for off-road use. Pair it with a Lube Locker gasket, and you’re good to go.
Appreciate the suggestion!