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Stripped Front Diff Fill Plug

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by ogio5150, Dec 21, 2019.

  1. Dec 21, 2019 at 6:22 AM
    #1
    ogio5150

    #1
    ogio5150 [OP] New Member

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    I was changing my F&R Diff and Xfr Case fluid last night. Rear diff and xfr case went fine. I dropped the skid plate and located the hex screws on the front fill and drain plugs. Reading the recommendation to always start with the fill plug, I inserted the T55 and immediately noticed that it had already been a bit rounded out. I did my best to be gentle, but ended up completely rounding out the plug.

    I don't think I have the means to get it out myself. So, my question is:

    Is it worth taking it somewhere to have this plug removed just to have the front diff fluid replaced? The truck has 200k miles and I rarely use 4x4. Worth it or Let er eat?
     
    ogio5150, Dec 21, 2019
    #1
  2. Dec 21, 2019 at 6:28 AM
    #2
    Wsidr1

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    Wsidr1 Well-Known Member

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    Wsidr1, Dec 21, 2019
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    ogio5150[OP], Wyoming09 and Running Board Man like this.
  3. Dec 21, 2019 at 6:30 AM
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    Catcrazed

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    Catcrazed Love is Dogs and Toyotas

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    Catcrazed, Dec 21, 2019
    #3
    ogio5150[OP] likes this.
  4. Dec 21, 2019 at 6:32 AM
    #4
    DJB1

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    DJB1 Well-Known Member

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    Those drain plugs don't take a T55 torx, they take a 10MM hex socket. You might be able to salvage this situation on your own if you get the correct socket, dig the grease and dirt out of the drain plug with an o-ring pick or small screwdriver, and tap the socket all the way in with a hammer. Then with a small breaker bar, rap the end of it while loosening and you MIGHT get it out.
    IMG_1560.jpg
     
    DJB1, Dec 21, 2019
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    ogio5150[OP], TWJLee and cast718 like this.
  5. Dec 21, 2019 at 9:00 AM
    #5
    agalloch07

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    agalloch07 Well-Known Member

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    I did my diffs recently and i dont think the front diff had ever been changed. I could not find a metric 10mm socket so i ended up using a 3/8 and it wanted to strip so i stopped. I have the plug a few good whacks with a hammer and i tried again and it came out easy. Try smacking on it.
     
    agalloch07, Dec 21, 2019
    #5
    ogio5150[OP] likes this.
  6. Dec 21, 2019 at 10:29 AM
    #6
    Wyoming09

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    Wyoming09 Well-Known Member

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    Clean as best you can 10mm hex bit

    Good epoxy let cure .If you don`t weld!!

    10mm six point socket remove

    Install new plug I use the normal Hex plugs not the Allen type

    Far cheaper then paying a shop who knows how much $50.00 plus at least
     
    Wyoming09, Dec 21, 2019
    #6
    ogio5150[OP] likes this.
  7. Sep 5, 2023 at 11:55 AM
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    Mattwho777

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    Mattwho777 Member

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    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Sep 5, 2023
    Mattwho777, Sep 5, 2023
    #7
  8. Sep 5, 2023 at 1:03 PM
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    Bivouac

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    Bivouac Well-Known Member

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    Remains to be seen I bought the tires and wheels the rest came along
    Bivouac, Sep 5, 2023
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    ztwatson and turbodb like this.
  9. Sep 5, 2023 at 1:04 PM
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    eon_blue

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    eon_blue Okayest Member

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    I notched mine with a Dremel and used a chisel/hammer to knock it loose. If seized though, probably not going to work.
     
    eon_blue, Sep 5, 2023
    #9

Products Discussed in

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
$22.99
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