Need Help with Front Diff Drain plug

I havent stripped one in over 5 years.

I take a ball peen against the drain, smash it with a mini sledge, then smash the 10mm socket into the diff drain.

I used to use the air chisel method and have the customer replace the plug, but I've gotten to the point where it never happens anymore. I work on a rust area with salt too.

 

Since you mentioned that, have you ever used a “Shake n’ Break”
It goes in an air hammer and you use a wrench with socket on the end.
I haven’t used you yet, but there have been a few times it would have come in handy.

 

I've heard of them, if its to that point its likely already rounding and I have the gas axe lit.

Those would be ideal for the bed bolts, I havent run into really bad bed bolts yet, but I've seen them with other techs.

 

Tried everything...ended up taking to my corner garage guy who welded a nut onto the crappy hex nut for $10. Problem solved.

 

The bit which fit mine is a T57. (2001 Toyota Tacoma TRD). I did use a 10mm hex to remove it. Hammered it in after cleaning out heads. Once out I could see it really is a T57. These things are tight. Needed to use a 3 ft breaker bar, so also need to get the truck jacked/braced as high up as possible. All I read on forums pointed toward 10mm hex, but the T57 would help avoid stripping out heads. I could not see an easy way to get my pneumatic driver into the area.

 

Those bolts have to be the stupidest thing Toyota ever did. Why not just use a regular drain plug bolt like the rear.

I just did my rear and transfer case, looking at the front. Yeah, those are fuct. Just gonna take it to a shop and have them get it out.

Is there a stainless steel upgrade for these?

 

This the only one I know of

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-diff-drain-plug-alternate-oem-part.604989/

 

Here's another option for the drain plug:
https://www.belmetric.com/m24-24mm-plugs-c-11_90_987/dp24x15hclz-metric-drain-plug-zinc-p-7343.html

I've used one of these with success some hard to remove hardware, a hand impact tool:

TEKTON 1/2" Drive Impact Screwdriver Set (7-Piece) | 2910

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-2910-...t=&hvlocphy=9019687&hvtargid=pla-384324752796

 

I’m down in Fredericksburg and might be able to help out. Sorry I missed this. I would have responded sooner. I’d keep blasting it with pc blaster or other stuff and let that soak in a few days. I’ve got hex bolts that help back out striped bolts.

 

When I reinstall my drain plugs, I always give them a liberal wrap with Teflon tape. This seems to help keep them from seizing.