Anyone use aftermarket Gold Plugs?

Are these magnetic plugs worth it? Are there lower cost alternative magnetic plugs?

I smooshed my rear diff plug while wheeling and won't be able to use a wrench/socket to remove it. Probably will have to weld something onto the plug head and remove it that way.

So it's time for a new plug.

Anyone know the thread sizes for the front/rear diffs and the auto transmission drain?

 

Gold plug sizes are Front 24mm, Rear 18mm, Transfer Case 18mm, Oil Pan 12mm. You can use there drop down menu when ordering. I purchased these a few weeks ago have some vacation time next week plan changing them.

 

If the OE plug got smooshed, so can the Gold Plug. Suggest you replace it with a low-profile magnetic drain plug with 10mm Allen drive. I'm using a Trail Gear branded one from 4WheelParts.com.

 

Its possible to shear off the plug while wheeling, many people change out the OEM front diff plug because it tends to strip out if neglected.

 

Years ago I installed a magnetic drain plug from an online place called Hypergarage that replaced the OEM oil drain plug, on the oil pan, but it's not a "Gold Plug" brand.
(originally purchased magnetic drain plug through Hypergarage.com appears as though they no longer exist?)

The last magnetic drain plug that I purchased to replace on my wifes 2016 4Runner was from this place. http://www.drainplugmagnets.com/toyotalexandnissaninf.php

 

Oooh. I like the idea of an allen plug. I'll look into it.

The diff plug got smooshed before I installed my LCI rear diff skid, so that area is now well protected.

 

^In that case just get the Gold Plug because it's stainless. The Allen drive plugs require more care because they can rust (like OE) and the Allen socket can strip.

Mine after five winters. I've decided to replace it with a new one:

 

This looked promising until I saw the prices were 40% more than the stainless steel Gold Plugs.

 

Thanks for confirming the sizes for me. Your stated sizes matched the Gold Plug Drop Down menu. I did order the 10mm auto trans drain plug as well.

 

Yea I know, after looking at the Gold Plugs link and saw those price's.

So far it looks like the Gold Plugs are a much better deal but the real issue I have with them though is that square plug.
At least for the one they offer for my year Tacoma.

 

Square plug?

 

Well not exactly the entire plug being square but the part where one screws and unscrews (attaches the tool) the plug itself into and from the oil pan.

This is what the website shows for my year Tacoma (2008)




So if you go to the website ( http://goldplug.com/#plugfinder ) and start off by selecting the 2008 year, Pre-Runner, V6, then follow through, you'll then see what I mean about square.

EDIT: Well that is "if" the square plug has a "hex" insertion for using a hex tool for removal and installation. But the picture doesn't show that?
The more I look at it though, it could be that just the angle of the position that the picture was taken of it could just give the appearance that it looks square but probably is just a normal nut.

 

You can get 10mm Allen key drain plugs with or without magnets from Toyota to replace the 24mm hex head ones.

Drain (magnetic) plug: 90341‑18021 (short) or 90341-18035 (tall magnet)
Fill (non-magnetic) plug: 90341-18016

O-ring for aluminum (typically the transmission and transfer case): 90430-18008 (O-ring is a Toyotaism, it's the flat metal washer)
Crush gasket for steel (typically axles):

$21 12157-10010 Toyota Oil Drain Plug Crushable Steel Gaskets Set of 10 OEM 12157-10010

12157-10010

I think the plugs are usually about $3. If you want to use just one plug the 90341-18021 will work in every drain or fill except the front diff fill. I'm not sure what the automatic tranny plug is but if it's a 24mm hex head then it's probably the same 18mm x 1.5 pitch.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I swear all plugs for transmission and diffs are magnetic.

 

I just found out from Camelback Toyota that rear diff has one P/N 90341-18057,
T-case and tranny, do not have them.

 

https://m.summitracing.com/parts/TGI-140032-1-KIT this is what I'm running.

 

That Trail Gear kit is what the OEM replacements I list look like. They may even be OEM parts. Just in case someone wants just a gasket or plug and not the kit.

 

There's nothing preventing you from running magnetic plugs in some or all positions even though Toyota didn't install them originally. I run magnetic drain plugs in all 4 locations but plain fill plugs.