Rear differential bolt replacements

I wanted to change the rear different fluid in my truck since I saw the previous owner never did. I noticed that the draining bolt was badly shaved and I could barely even grip it with my 24 mm socket. If I can get it off, is there any way to buy the same exact bolt to replace the shaved one ?

 

Yes, any toyota parts department.
DO NOT try to take off the bottom drain plug unless you can get the top fill plug first, or you'll not be able to drive it.

If you have an impact gun, use A 6 point impact socket on it. But be prepared to have someone weld another bolt head to head on top of that so you can get a real bite on it with a breaker bar.

 

the other common approaches are penetrating fluid or using a torch to heat it. But neither will help if you can't get a good bite on it.

 

Thank you, I really appreciate the help !

 

I mangled my rear diff bolt by dragging it over one too many rocks, I was able to remove it by using my Dremel to sort of reshape it back into the proper hex shape so I could fit my socket over it. I just ordered a new one online from some dealership, they aren't very expensive.

Also don't forget to pick up more crush washers too. Technically every time you remove the drain/fill plugs you should put a new crush washer on

 

That's what we do! And I miss my 1st gen.

 

Good stuff. Could also possibly use an angle grinder on it to just create some decent flats to get a pipe wrench on it.

And about the crush washer, OP, the come in steel or aluminum. Steel to steel (diffs) and aluminum to aluminum (transfer case plugs, I think tyranny, too) to avoid galvanic corrosion and future seized plugs.