Rear diff breather valve removal....

I set out to do the rear diff breather mod but I was stopped in my tracks by the stock valve.

I used PB Blaster on it before even trying. Then a deep 14mm socket but the bolt edges rounded right away. Then I tried vice grips. That failed. I have bolt extractors but they don't fit over the valve part. I'm worried that if I cut off the valve part to get to the bolt, I may fail to remove the bolt and be left with an open hole to the rear diff.

How the hell did you guys remove this bolt? Was the truck warmed up? I swear the dang thing is welded in place.

 

I had no problem using a ratcheting wrench

 

12pt on a 6pt fastener

doesn't get any more noob move than that

 

Thanks for the enlightening post.

Worked for me. Wasn’t on too tight. And came off easily. I’d say rounding it immediately is a bit more newb but what do I know.

 

Maybe try heating it up? Torch it and slowly try and get some turns on it. Mine came off no problem and the entire ARB kit installed in 15 minutes. I installed the filter behind the left tail light. Ymmv

 

Same thing happend to me, rounded the corners off with an open ended wrench...but some really tightly clamped vice grips were able to turn it loose. To be honest I was just on the verge of saying screw it no diff breather then. All the videos i watched made it seem like it was ready to fall out.

 

I’d try wire brushing it all the way around the base where it screws in. Soak it down with WD40 each day for a few days and then try again with the ViseGrips.
If that doesn’t work, you’ll prob have to use a torch if you don’t want to snap it off....