Breather Mod & Stripped Breather

I was attempting to perform the rear diff. breather mod today and hit the breather with some PB blaster as well as Kroil to try to break it loose. Even after that, I was still unable to remove the breather with a deep socket (6 sided) end wrench, and even an extractor socket. The flat sides of the breather are now completely rounded out and unable to get a good purchase on.

should I just try a set of channel locks or grind in some new flat side with a Dremel? Any other suggestions? Anyone else have this problem?

 

Vice grips tight as you can get them.

It seems like a sign just to leave it.

 

Can't leave it alone. I'm a tinkerer.

 

Not trying to be a dick here but IMHO
it’s a useless mod. Tacomas don’t do
well in deep water crossings. I’ve had water up to my doors multiple times and no issues whatsoever with stock breather. I wouldn’t go deeper than that though.

 

Sounds like with all the wrenching on it the breather part is probably screwed now, that metal sleeve that sits on top. If that’s all dented and pinched then you’re going to want to pull it. Weird it’s so tight, tourque settings are low for the rear diff drain plug, fill

 

Yes you can. Screw it up bad enough and you will learn something.

 

Metal sleeve on top is still able to move freely. However, I am still going to pull at this point. I don't like the idea of it being in there while it's all chewed up.