Tips for Getting off Front Differential Drain Plug?

I got the 12mm Hex Key and that drain plug just won't budge. I have used a pipe as an extension and still can't get enough leverage. Any tips?

Also, what type of gear oil/fluid would your recommend for 1995 4WD Tacoma?

 

was gonna say use something for an extension to get more leverage

 

when i changed mine last year i remember it was a PITA to get off to and what i ended up doing was takin a hammer and smacking the drain plug a few times without the hexkey in it and then when i put the key back in i was able to turn it out lefty loosy with only a small extension. smacking it a few times must have freeed it up some how. also for the fluid i used 80w-90 royal purple.

 

I have the same problem and I gave up on gettin it off last time. But I usually get the box end of a long wrench and put the allen wrench through that. But you are basically doing the samething.

Hittin it with a hammer may help loosen it up some. If you can't get it off with your Allen wrench I would say get a bit that size and put it in a socket and try that.

 

Be sure to loosen or remove the filler plug first. You don't want to drain the oil only to find you can't get the filler plug out to replace the oil.

 

Hammer and gently but firmly give it some solid taps.

Remember, fill plug first.

 

Hello, anyone have a cheat sheet on the qty's for front diff, rear diff, xfer case and man. xmission? Also, is it all the same type gear oil? Thank you, DM

 

here is a old one that i use
http://www.amsoil.com/mygarage/vehiclelookup.aspx

 

Use a propain torch to heat it up. Helps alot. Also makes sure you can fill it first before you drain it.

 

Manual Trans 3RZ 2.6 QTS 75W90
5RZ 2.3 QTS 75W90

Xfer Case 1.1 QTS 75-W90

Front Diff 1.2 QTS 75W90

Rear Diff 2.8 QTS With Locker 90W, or 80W90
2.7 QTS Without Locker 90W, or 80W90

 

Ha beat you to it

 

i just ran into the same problem. it just wouldn't budge. i ended up welding a bolt to the old plug and using an impact gun to it. i installed a new drain plug afterward. the fill plug and rear diff. plugs gave me no hassle.

 

Alot of people dont say anything about on here.

 

Mine was a bitch to get loose with out a cheater bar.

 

hello. gonna replace all my gear oils within the next couple weeks. have not done them (never have did the front diff.) for nearly 100K. uh, so having 190K miles, i priced the synthetic and gulped...guess i'm gonna stick with the reg. oil a keep on truckin. i'm manual shift, 4wd without locking hubs.
other than making sure i can get the filler plug loose 1st on the front diff., if you all have any other suggestions, i'm just gonna replentish, with what the Haynes book calls out. Thx, DM

 

Just use lucas gear oil.

 

I see you're still online. While you're here, I read somewhere that I could use the same weight everywhere in my truck. Uh, true? Or do I gotta use the heavier in the rear as the book points out 80-90? I don't change this stuff very often. Plz advise

 

I also used Lucas synthetic 80-90, in everything, and she runs sooooo much better now, and the 4x4 shifts so much better.
i am sure its the right weight, but for me I looked at the BLACK mess that came out of all the holes, so it had to be a improvement.

 

no effect in the shifting? manual i take it. i may just do that