rookie torque mistake... advice?

Jeeeezus Christo, are we overthinking this or what?

These guys right here have the correct answers:

I've probably changed my rear diff fluid 5 times or so by now. No way I'm going to the trouble of setting a torque wrench for that. Just give it a solid umph and call it good.

The only items where torque spec is hugely important is engine/transmission internals, suspension, and driveline/differentials. Otherwise, just use the german torque wrench: Gudnteight.

 

X2

Had you paid someone to do this for you, they would have done the same thing you did, but with a breaker bar instead of a torque wrench. Only difference is you know about it. The crush washer is probably a little flattened out, but no problems there, happens all the time.

I would leave it alone.

 

or two farts and a grunt, whatever came first, option # two is tighten it as much as ya can then a half a turn

 

Holy necro-post! So I also over torqued the rear diff drain plug. My torque wrench was broken and I didn't realize it until the bolt began to spin easier while tightening. That was about a month ago and today I noticed three dime size oil spots by my diff where I park. I haven't tried to back it out as I am terrified of what I might find. With this little bit of information...who thinks I just need a new plug vs a new rear housing? Also, any ideas for stop gaps before I get it into the dealership?

 

Ok, first off (i'm going to use you as an example...sorry dude)

Guys see that big ass bolt head/nut & automatically think huge socket with lots of torque, set the socket on & pull like motherfuckers, until it strips out... its just a fill plug (or drain on bottom) its just big because its easier to drain/fill than a small hole, its even tapered a bit because it seals as it makes contact, give it a good tug after it seats & your good, if the drain/fill hole is stripped, it can be chased with a tap to clean up the threads usually, drag a magnet thru it if you dont want to pull the 3rd out

Actually pulling the 3rd is a good idea to absolutely know theres nothing too big metal wise inside to do damage but its more work & a little more $$$ for a pinion seal