Is this front diff bolt stripped or is it a special bolt?

There are some bolts where torque is critical - cylinder heads, rod bearings, etc.... Drain & fill plugs? Not so much.

FLUID FILM IS A GREAT PRODUCT AND SHOULD BE APPLIED ANNUALLY IF YOU DRIVE ON SALTED ROADS IN THE WINTER.

 

What's your definition of "important". To me, it's very important. My forearm torque meter is shit, and a torque wrench is cheaper than broken bolts and stripped holes.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/updated-3rd-gen-torque-list-to-end-all-torque-lists.828060/

 

Not that important. There's a single-use metal crush washer underneath. Tighten the plug until the washer is crushed (you'll feel a distinct increase in resistance), and it won't leak. In any case, worry about loosening the plug first.

1. Have a replacement fill plug and crush washer on hand.
2. Heat the perimeter of the plug with a propane torch until red.
3. Try to knock it loose with hammer and sickle chisel.
4. If 3. doesn't work, take it to a shop for them to weld a nut to it.

 

Louder!!! For the kids in the back!

 

I tried to hammer a hex socket in and I couldn't get it to turn. I had a shop try and they couldn't get the plug out. A third shop wanted $250 as a starting price to weld a nut on there. Who knows what they would have charged me in the end. The dealership wanted $250 to drill the plug out. I have called multiple shops and they can't weld a nut on there.

I'm not sure what to do. Should I suck it up and pay the dealership? Is there an extractor tool that might work? I'm located in San Diego. Does anybody know a shop I could talk to? I don't have a torch. I think if I try and chisel it, I will make it worse.