Another Front Diff Drain Plug Stripped

Hit it with a hammer a few times before attempting to remove. Learned this working on bulldozer final drives. The shock helps break loose anything that is holding it. If it wont move after a few rounds of hits, then get out the torch or penetrating oil.

 

I always clean out the recess for the Allen wrench first. Haven't had an issue yet.

But, now that I have a cordless impact driver, I don't think it'll take so long next time. The bigger 20v DeWalt is a beast!

 

Clean out the bolt head first.

I bought a 10mm 1/2” drive Allen specifically for the front diff. Clean it out, tap it in, 1/2” drive breaker bar.

Easy peasy, and because you have so much direct leverage you can push in and turn much easier, leading to less slip.

 

Could not get the fill plug out. Bought this extractor tool off Amazon and then just welded a socket to the plug once removed.

$23 XEWEA 13Pcs Screw Extractor Set Multi-Spline Easy Out Bolt Extractor Kit, Chrome Molybdenum Alloy Steel Hex Head Bolt Remover Tool for Broken Stripped Rusted Bolts Screws Nuts

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09W5PW588?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

 

Within the first week of getting my 2015 tacoma I was under it loosening and re-torquing all the drain and fill plugs to get ahead of this problem.

 

The Lexus fill and drain plugs for the front diff are available, from the Toyota or Lexus dealer.

 

Can someone please post the part number for the Lexus drain and fill plug please?

 

$19 Dsnaduo 1 Pc M24x1.5 Stainless Steel Transmission/Front Differential Magnetic Oil Drain Plug Fit for 08-20 Lexus GX460 LX570; Toyota 4Runner FJ Cruiser Land Cruiser Tacoma Tundra Replace 90341-24014

https://www.amazon.com/Dsnaduo-Stai...VBBiWCmKemdwNefTT4pkhNXfBKxoCmmsQAvD_BwE&th=1

 

90341-24016

 

I believe these are it:

Fill Plug: 90341-18060
Drain Plug: 90341-24016

 

You can't/unlikely: Maybe a neurosurgeon on "House MD", but the average Joe with a Dremel is just going to end up with a mess.

Might as well just start with the 'ole "hammer-and-chisel" special tool: you'll end up there eventually anyway.

[PS: I love responding to 5 year old posts.] The older the better.

 

Thank you all so much for your help!

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Thank you sir!

 

^^^This works^^^
A couple of days before a fluid change attempt, spray all of the the fittings/plugs with PB Blaster or Breakaway and then give them a few taps with a light hammer. Do the same on game day and then fit up the socket to the plug and tap the socket itself with the hammer. For the front diff wire brush the hex plug and gently tap the socket in until there is no slop. Mine all came right out without the torch. If you know you're going to do it soon, start the ritual a week ahead of time.

 

Do these need a specific gasket or is the factory 2nd Gen the one to use?

 

Those plugs have gaskets that can be reused but really shouldn’t be. They’re designed to be replaced at each fluid change. You can find the part numbers in the stickied how to on changing the tranny fluid.

 

I used this set to do all the gasket and only $10 for them all

$7 Differential and Transmission Drain Plug Crush Washers Gaskets Compatible with 4Runner T acoma T undra FJ Cruiser Land Cruiser, Replacement for The Part# 12157-10010 90430-24003 90430-18008

https://www.amazon.com/Differential-Transmission-Replacement-12157-10010-90430-24003/dp/B07DFJ24WD?crid=2IHYNGJ9LPK1O&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EDfMtI6SyUx5dcrgqZLpXIDblIsIkhi_tlX9AMsz3mw40X0VHMDkHydwxXK2b596lG7qix08hRDofJ4gi0SrrqYw27vqL_9ZlDZV3nrD5ChWZC0g5Z18-p8JQHki_MFT9mGnVkNl2quQGXbvJ0XA_pYEbbzCyGfQYT8hWnD5DzHCeD_FkakNBxykLI1iAFz3iyzJbt5JBJ8WInRMGJdCvOiL5WdiBY76QRZvuP4yBGk.ZoAQFRxs9ftj9TdRS3nbjNE9REqoKEmmvva0VmfmG0U&dib_tag=se&keywords=differential+and+transmission+drain+plug+crush+washers&qid=1730205869&sprefix=Differential+and+Transmission%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-1

 

I have new in the bag 2nd gaskets but didn’t know if they can be used with the new Lexus plugs.

 

Ohhhh gotcha I misread that sorry. Good question, I couldn’t tell unless I compared the plugs side by side. You could check with a Lexus dealer and see what gasket is used with the plugs, maybe same part number.